THE INNOVATIVE APPROACH THAT
GUIDES THE HISTORY OF MAGNETTI BUILDING
The history of Magnetti Building began in the province of Bergamo at the end of the 18th century. From artisan production to the establishment of its first factory, from the introduction of new materials to today’s prefabrication solutions. Over two centuries later, Magnetti Building is now part of the Grigolin Group, a network of skilled partners and collaborators that has been shaping a sustainable future for the past 50 years.
This is a story built on hard work and values, driven by passion and centred around prefabrication, materials, innovation, partnerships, people, places, sustainability and design.
Prefabrication
The modern history of Magnetti Building began in 1874 in Pontida. It marked the transition from a small workshop to an industrial model, with the introduction of steam engines and the founding of “Magnetti & Compagni. Società in Accomandita Semplice,” setting the stage for a new era. This new approach to construction has solidified, stratified and expanded the history of Magnetti Building ever since. A pioneering vision inspired by continuous technical and technological development, expertise, professionalism and exceptional quality.
a new concept
of building
People and places
Magnetti Building’s history is one of family, where people and places are deeply intertwined with the company’s history. From the modern turning point that began in the 1920s to the present-day corporate structure. It is a story made up of families who have been loyal to the company for generations and people who have driven innovation at its historical sites – Pontida, Cisano Bergamasco, Osio Sotto and Carvico – and in the factories scattered throughout the country. From the Magnetti family to more than 280 employees in 1959, up to the dedicated workforce of today: a meeting of experience, skills and vision that has been key to shaping the company into what it is now.
Materials
In 1934, Magnetti Building began producing bricks and was one of the first companies in Italy to introduce the use of reinforced concrete—just a few decades after Joseph Monnier invented it. Recognising the revolutionary potential of this material, Magnetti Building quickly leveraged its construction possibilities, establishing itself as one of the leading factories in Lombardy at the time. Since then, the company has continually focused on developing innovative, high-performance and sustainable mixes and materials. This commitment has driven its technical advancements while ensuring alignment with the ecological transition process.
Innovation
Magnetti Building has always embraced a forward-thinking mindset driven by a commitment to continuous improvement. This pioneering spirit led to the patenting of the Fert electro-welded reinforcement in 1967 and the transition from single prefabricated products to complete building systems with the introduction of the Larco System in 1972. This distinctive approach is reflected in the company’s processes, products, materials and organisational structure, culminating in the creation of the revolutionary Planar pre-finished roofing systems in 1988, followed by the Newplan and Tecnoplan systems. Today, Magnetti Building continues to invest in the development of high-performance materials and more sustainable solutions.
Being a positive
player
in the territory and
the supply chain
Partnership
In 2001, Magnetti Building partnered with Giugiaro Architettura to develop products with enhanced design quality. The company also collaborated with the University of Genoa, leading to the creation of the Acqua-stop waterproofing system in 2006. In addition, Magnetti Building worked with Italcementi’s research laboratory to develop the smog-eating TX Millenium cement, and initiated several other partnerships and collaborations that continue today. Through its collaboration with local authorities, architecture firms, universities and research centres, Magnetti Building remains at the forefront of innovation, continuing to make a positive impact on the territory and supply chain.
Design
In the early 2000s, Magnetti Building expanded its role to that of a general contractor, and in 2004, it completed its first turnkey project, showcasing its technical, logistical and production efficiency. Today, the company uses prefabrication to create buildings that are not only functional but also iconic and future-proof. It collaborates with architects and designers to enhance the aesthetic impact and the spatial expression of volumes.
Sustainability
Magnetti Building has always been committed to the search for more sustainable materials, the construction of energy-efficient buildings, and the responsible management of its supply chain. This unwavering commitment to sustainability led to the creation of the Closed Loop Factory in 2011 and the first redevelopment and maintenance projects in 2012. Adopting a new production and management model, the company achieved EPD certification for its entire range of structural elements in 2023 and published its first Sustainability Report in 2024. A responsible approach to the supply chain, with a series of initiatives aligned with the company’s sustainability pillars.
Grigolin Group
In 2022, Magnetti Building joined the Grigolin Group, which has been integrating expertise and vision for over 50 years to make a lasting impact on the territory and build a future-proof world. This opens a new chapter in the history of Magnetti Building and brings with it a strong drive for innovation. A shared path that enhances Magnetti Building’s two-century legacy and propels it into the future.