An operation that redefines the Italian industrial landscape: the historic acquisition of Riello by the Ariston Groupannounced just before the Christmas holidays, shook the heating sector. With a turnover that for Ariston has already reached 2.63 billion in 2024, the change of ownership of one of the Italian symbols of boilers and burners has been welcomed with a mixture of hope and concern. If on the one hand the operation is seen as an injection of financial solidity and strategic complementarity, on the other hand the question arises about the future of employment, in particular for the 600 employees of the Riello group and for the technological center of Lecco.
The Ministry of Business and Made in Italy (Mimit) expressed initial reassurancesunderlining the robustness of the agreement and the potential synergy between the two brands. This merger could in fact create an even more competitive giant on a global level. However, the euphoria is tempered by a climate of watchful anticipation among the workers, who, through their union representatives, are asking for concrete guarantees for their future.
Workers’ voices and union demands
Workers’ voices and union demands in the foreground.
The greatest concern focuses on 600 employees of Riello, with particular attention to the 160 specialized technicians who work in the research and development center in Lecco. It is precisely here that the greatest uncertainties lie, given the specificity of the skills and the strategic role of the site. Union representatives, including Denise Milan and Lorenzo Ballerini of Fim Cisl, Dario Crippa of Fiom Cgil, and Gabriella Trogu and Igor Gianoncelli of Uilm Uil, promptly reacted to the announcement.
While recognizing the financial solidity and reputation of the Ariston Group, the trade unions have made some things clear essential points for the maintenance of social and industrial harmony. The main requests, formalized in a joint note, concern:
- Full employment continuity: the primary objective is to avoid any cuts to current employment levels, safeguarding all jobs.
- Clear industrial strategy: it is essential to outline a plan that avoids production overlaps between the various sites, to avoid penalties and optimize resources.
- Development and energy transition: the acquisition must act as a catalyst for growth, especially in the energy transition, a sector in constant and rapid technological evolution.
The unions emphasized the need for the complementarity between Riello and Ariston to translate into concrete actions not only for the historic production centers such as Volpago and Legnago, but above all for the design, development and research center in Lecco, considered a strategic hub for innovation.
The future of Riello and the 2026 industrial plan
Riello: the 2026 industrial plan outlines the path for the company’s future.
With the definitive change of ownership expected within the first months of 2026, the attention of the world of work and institutions remains high, focusing on the next industrial plan. This document will be crucial to define the guidelines and, in particular, the fate of the Lecco hub. The Ministry of Business and Made in Italy is called to play an active coordination role in the discussion between the parties, ensuring that workers’ concerns are listened to and integrated into strategic decisions.
The energy transition, often cited as a challenge and opportunity, represents in this context a double track: on the one hand the need to update technologies and processes, on the other the risk that this could lead to a reorganization with negative impacts on employment. For the unions, however, this must be a push for development, not a pretext to downsize the precious technical and engineering skills present in the area.
The hope is that Ariston’s solid financial base, combined with Riello’s expertise and heritage, can generate a virtuous model of growth and innovation, safeguarding employment and enhancing Italian excellence. The period ahead will be decisive in understanding whether the acquisition will result in an overall strengthening or whether, as feared, it will entail sacrifices in terms of jobs and production specificities. The community of Lecco, in particular, observes with great attention every development, ready to make its voice heard for the protection of its economic and social future.
Related News :