The announcement of the acquisition of Riello by the Ariston Group (2.63 billion turnover in 2024, 1.9 in the first 9 months of 2025)which occurred just before Christmas, generated a climate of trust mixed with uncertainty. If on the one hand the operation between the two heating giants is considered positive news, on the other hand questions relating to the future of employment remain open, especially for the technological hub of Lecco.
Resurance of the Mimit and the Ariston verticals
The passage of the historic Riello boiler brand under the wing of Ariston (colossus in the household appliances sector) was welcomed by the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy (Mimit). The first reassurances point to the financial solidity of the operation and the complementarity of the two brands in the boiler and burner sectors.
However, the climate among workers is one of watchful anticipation. The trade union representatives of 600 employees of the group ask for concrete guarantees, with a particular focus on 160 specialized technicians from the Lecco research center.
The unions’ demands: continuity and industrial structures
In a joint note, Denise Milan and Lorenzo Ballerini (Cisl End), Dario Crippa (Fiom Cgil), Gabriella Trogu and Igor Gianoncelli (Uilm Uil) expressed satisfaction with the solidity of the buyer, while reiterating some essential points:
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Full employment continuity: no cut at current levels.
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Clear industrial strategy: avoid production overlaps that could penalize some sites.
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Development and Energy Transition: Leverage the acquisition as a growth opportunity in a rapidly evolving technological market.
“The complementarity between Riello and Ariston must translate into facts not only for the production sites of Volpago and Legnago, but also for the design, development and research in Lecco,” the trade unionists underline.
The future of Riello: towards the 2026 industrial plan
The definitive transfer of ownership is expected within i early months of 2026. Until then, attention will remain high on the industrial plan that will define the fate of the Lecco hub.
The unions ask that the discussion continue under the coordination of the Ministry, so that the energy transition becomes a driving force for development and not a risk for the technical skills of the territory.
