The strong Minelli family ties held them together understanding that honesty, precision and reliability would be their key to the future. This adage of integrity has proven true, which shows today in the respect and high opinion for the Minelli brand throughout the brush industry.

Josie Wadd of Brush Expert Ltd was indeed flattered to be invited to a special celebratory dinner in the renowned Colombi Hotel in Freiburg, Germany, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Minelli S.p.A.

Marco Minelli was given the honour of speaking on behalf of the company and thanked everyone in attendance for sharing their very special moment but most sincerely he addressed each person commenting on their support and appreciation over many years which represented the most important success for the Minelli group.
Suppliers, customers and even the humble press felt the importance of the occasion through the emotion and passion that Marco imparted.

Marco honoured his work force with this comment “As it happens with every important milestone in life, at such moments we naturally have to remember the past – all those extraordinary people who contributed to the success of our company with their passion, skills and hard work. Today we sincerely thank them all.”

Much has changed in Minelli since that day in 1937 when Francesco Minelli had the breakthrough idea to start the Minelli company with the help of his three sons. The changes that took place in the company happened in regard to product design, development, manufacturing technology and market approach. Unchanged, however, remains the company mission; that is, to achieve the excellence in serving and supporting its customers and to make their story of success the Minelli story of success. Marco added “As you all know, in Minelli we were never satisfied with being just a detached supplier but aimed to add value through advice and hard work together with you on the product. I can promise that we will stay true to this in the future!”

Marco continued, “Turning to the future of our company, in Minelli we believe that environmental sustainability, innovative ideas and superior quality of product and processes are the key factors that will be shaping the future of the business and define the winners of tomorrow. This is exactly what we are investing in today to make sure the story that started 75 years ago will continue and flourish for many years ahead. Despite the worsening general economic situation and against some trends, at Minelli we keep on hiring new bright people, developing and investing in new technologies, opening up new markets and acquiring new companies. We do it because we strongly believe in the future and we feel the responsibility of our social and economical role today more than ever.

He went on to say, “In doing so, we are supported by the new generation who have already joined the company who fully believe in it and will certainly take over in the future. All this makes me feel confident that the story of passion and dedication that started 75 years ago will continue for many years ahead. I would like to thank once again each one of your for being such a big part of it.”

Quite a few of the guests took turns to give their responses, many with great passion and fond memories stressing the honesty, precision and reliability which is important for the future. There were some with very funny asides, such as the comment by 89 year old Gino Frascari of Pennellificio Omega S.p.A, a long term customer and very old friend since the beginning, who stated that between the three grandchildren of Francesco they produced 30 children who eventually became employees, keeping the family together. However when they were small every time he arrived in his vehicle to the small factory they pelted him with stones. Their friendship survives to this day with fond emotion due possibly to that contrary way of making first contact!

The sequence of their 75 years was shown on the wall of their very stylish stand at Interbrush. Though the brush industry favours them as their own as excellent quality handle makers of all types they in fact serve a wide range of industries. Minelli started their business in 1937 when the company’s main activities were the cutting of woodland and trading firewood. Through the years Minelli’s path has travelled through the manufacture of gun stocks, paint brush handles, artist brush handles, beauty care products accessories for home furnishings and most recently the manufacture of accessories for luxury packaging products.

As you can see the Minelli group has continued to grow and improve carefully and decisively. With the extensions and improvements to factory sites, automation, technology, research and development and acquisitions of key companies they are in an ideal position to be your principle partner for many years to come.