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BELFORTE DEL CHIENTI, Italy – It was a day of celebration, remembrance, and vision in Belforte del Chienti, on the occasion of the inauguration of Simonelli Group’s historic facility on Via Madonna d’Antegiano, fully rebuilt after the earthquake that struck the area in 2016. A renewed building that preserves the spirit of the past while looking to the future: it will house new production lines dedicated to filter and super-automatic coffee machines, confirming the company’s commitment to innovation and the enhancement of the territory.
To mark this important milestone, Simonelli Group organized a major event open to the entire community, attended by institutional figures, distinguished guests, and leading representatives of the Marche business world.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in the presence of the President of the Marche Region, Francesco Acquaroli, and the Mayor of Belforte del Chienti, Alessio Vita, in a moment full of emotion and significance for the entire territory.
Following this, a roundtable moderated by journalist Safiria Leccese brought together some of the most prominent names in Marche entrepreneurship: Nando Ottavi – President of Simonelli Group; Angelo Davide Galeati – CEO of Sabelli; Francesco Casoli – President of Elica; Roberta Fileni – CEO of Fileni; and Senator Guido Castelli – Extraordinary Commissioner for Post-Earthquake Reconstruction.
An intense dialogue explored the challenges and opportunities of doing business in a complex yet talent- and resource-rich local context. A clear shared vision emerged from the discussion: remaining in the local territory is not only an act of courage but a strategic value that enriches industrial projects and strengthens bonds with local communities.
“Ex malum, bonum,” recalled Senator Castelli, quoting Saint Augustine. “From a difficult territory, severely tested—as ours was after the earthquake—ideas, companies, and professional skills can and must continue to emerge.”
With this inauguration, Simonelli Group renews its commitment to the Marche region and its community, once again choosing to invest locally in order to compete globally, and celebrating the value of its history which— as highlighted by CEO Marco Feliziani in his speech— “is made of the courage and vision of its founders, who believed in this place when it still seemed peripheral compared to the major industrial centers, and the dedication of present and past collaborators, many of whom are still here. This is an honor for me, for the company, and for the entire territory.”
At the conclusion of the roundtable, a presentation by Stéphane Garelli, world-renowned economist, former Director of the World Economic Forum for 13 years, and Emeritus Professor at IMD (International Institute for Management Development), offered the audience a clear and thorough analysis of the main macroeconomic themes characterizing the global landscape.
From the trends of international economies to geopolitical prospects marked by profound changes in key regions—from the United States to China, via Europe and emerging markets—Garelli painted a complex but necessary picture to understand the challenges of today and tomorrow.
With his direct and uncompromising style, Garelli chose to present the audience with an objective vision, composed of “sometimes uncomfortable truths rather than reassuring lies.” He emphasized how global competition today demands new awareness: it is no longer enough to be efficient; companies must be resilient, adaptable, and constantly innovative.
“We cannot afford to face the future with tools of the past,” he declared. “The companies that will correctly interpret the signals of change—technological, environmental, social—will be those leading the next phase of growth.”
Garelli’s intervention was a moment of great inspiration for entrepreneurs, administrators, and citizens, inviting reflection on the active role that regions like Marche can play in a global scenario, thanks to solid skills, entrepreneurial spirit, and cultural rootedness.
With this event, Simonelli Group aimed not only to celebrate a physical and symbolic rebirth but also to offer a space for dialogue and vision on how to build a sustainable, competitive future deeply connected to one’s roots. As President Nando Ottavi stated: “We wanted this day to be not just a celebration but a message: from here we can restart, with courage, innovation, and a sense of responsibility. The future is not built by forgetting the past but by carrying it with us as a guide and inspiration.”
