Cartiera Fornaci, founded in 1960 in Fagnano Olona (Italy) by Pieraldo Cattaneo, is an example of innovation and dedication in the field of recycled cardboard production. With his unwavering commitment, the founder was able to guarantee a high-quality product that would meet the market demands of the time.
In the 1980s, his sons took over the reins of the company, consolidating it and paving the way for subsequent growth. In fact, Cartiera Fornaci was able to expand beyond national borders, creating a network of representatives to serve foreign customers and ensure a direct relationship with them.
Pieraldo’s grandchildren, embracing an even more future-oriented vision, understood the need to expand further to remain competitive in the Italian and foreign markets. This led them to opt for an acquisition operation with the aim of both diversifying production and producing more refined articles than in the past, thus enabling to reach the current export quota of 30% of the total output of both mills.
Today Cartiera Fornaci, under the leadership of Benedetta Cattaneo, third generation together with her brothers and cousins, boasts excellent figures, with over 50 employees and an annual production of 55,000 tonnes of cardboard. Despite the critical issues faced during the 2008 crisis and the 2019 pandemic, the company retains a solid financial stability that allows it to face the future with confidence and security.
But let’s find out more about the future that is shaping up for Cartiera Fornaci by talking directly to Benedetta.
WHERE DOES THE IDEA OF AN ACQUISITION COME FROM?
It comes from the desire to diversify production by focusing on food packaging in response to the growing post-pandemic demand and the decline in the use of plastic. Although the situation within the Momo paper mill was difficult, the acquisition was motivated by the desire to relaunch the brand on the market and expand the business opportunities of both companies.
COULD YOU GIVE US SOME INFORMATION ON THE ACQUISITION PROCESS?
FM Cartiere S.p.A. has been leasing the Momo paper mill since 2020 under the control and financing of Cartiera Fornaci. With the change of management and the court-approved arrangement agreement, the aim is to revive the fortunes of the acquired company and ensure its long-term preservation.
ON AN OPERATIONAL LEVEL, WHAT WERE THE DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED?
Cartiera Fornaci faced considerable difficulties in reviving the Momo company. After a prolonged period of inactivity, the plants required a long and costly start-up period.
Restoring the company’s credibility on the market was particularly difficult, as customers, suppliers and banks had lost confidence in the company.
The integration between the two corporate realities was equally challenging, especially considering the historical and family management of Fornaci, which had to adapt to a new organisational structure and integrate the Momo staff.
However, the company is committed to creating a cohesive and efficient group, with a unified management and a shared commercial apparatus, in order to face the challenges of the market more effectively and ensure greater financial solidity.
HOW WOULD YOU SUMMARIZE THE MOMO COMPANY?
The Momo company, founded in 1963, specialises in the production of coated cardboard with an annual production of about 70,000 tonnes per year.
It stands out for the quality of its products and for its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Its strengths are undoubtedly the solid customer portfolio and an effective internal organisation.
There have been difficulties in the past, but the company has a secure future thanks to the efforts of the Cattaneo Family and their focus on production and product innovation.