Remembering Franco Ferrari, a Visionary Entrepreneur at Parmafluid

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Remembering Franco Ferrari, a Visionary Entrepreneur at Parmafluid

Parmafluid remember Franco Ferrari and his legacy of passion and generosity: a gentleman in the hydraulic industry.

As the one-year anniversary of his passing is marked, Parmafluid want to remember and thank Franco Ferrari immensely. A person of integrity, kindness, and generosity: a true gentleman, “un Signore” as they like to say in Italy.

“He has bequeathed to us the values in which he strongly believed: passion for our job, generosity, attentiveness towards others, professional competence, personal humility, and infinite love for his family. Qualities he always conveyed to everyone with a natural kindness.” Says Federico Ferrari of Parmafluid.

Franco Ferrari embarked on his ‘oleodynamic journey’ in 1969 at Casappa S.p.A. where he dedicated 18 years of his career with passion and loyalty. He embraced values and knowledge that would accompany him in the subsequent years as an entrepreneur, and he always expressed gratitude towards the owners of this company.

In 1987, fuelled by enthusiasm and humility, he embarked on a new venture by founding Parmafluid S.r.l., a Parmabased company specialising in hydraulic systems, alongside Roberto Filippini, Giuseppe Lanfranchi, and Giovanni Quattrini. For more than 36 years they were not just business partners, but true friends.

Parmafluid 30th anniversary celebration

In the early years of Parmafluid, the company strategically positioned itself in the market committing to highlight its core strengths: quality, affordability, and expertise. This strategic approach led to Parmafluid becoming the official distributor of Bosch Rexroth, Casappa, Walvoil, Emmegi, Hydr-app and Oleostar, leading brands in the sector. The company’s consistent growth paved the way for the establishment of a new production site dedicated to the manufacturing of cylinders, hydraulic systems, and test benches.

Franco had always driven the company towards an international vision with long-lasting collaborations in Europe and beyond, still crucial to the Parmafluid group today. The most significant of these began in 2002 when Franco played a key role in initiating the partnership with VHS Hydraulic Components LTD in the UK, alongside Rob Turner and Daniel Whitehead. VHS remains one of the flagship aspects of the company’s business, further developed in recent years with the acquisition of Neilson Hydraulics.

A serious and competent entrepreneur, remembered by all for his gentility and generosity. Franco always had the families and children of his collaborators in mind: ‘How are the boys?’ he would ask before discussing work. A capable entrepreneur, but above all, a mentor, a listening ear, and at times a second father to his team, endeavouring to transform his company, Parmafluid, into a second family for many of them.

He has left a significant void in the company and in the hydraulics sector, but his pure and honest example of skill and fairness will guide his partners, his son Federico, and the entire Parmafluid team through both the professional and social challenges of tomorrow.

We join Parmafluid in bidding him farewell as they did a year ago when announcing his passing.

Federico continued, “For us he was a capable and visionary entrepreneur for whom people and families were always a top priority, someone you could always rely on as a loyal partner and friend, a master of hydraulics and life.

“And as a father, the best one you could ever have.”

Franco Ferrari at work

Contact here:
+39 0521 480711
info@parmafluid.it
www.parmafluid.com