It was 1974, when 29 single-vehicle companies founded Cop.av with the aim of carving out a significant space for themselves in container transport, realizing that it would be the future for the national and international circulation of goods. The choice to establish itself as a cooperative was guided by the founders’ desire to join forces to obtain competitive advantages, such as greater bargaining power, economies of scale, development of new markets and better representation.
On Saturday 29 June, Scipione Castle in Salsomaggiore Terme was the setting for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Consortium which has grown steadily over time.
In 1989, it moved its headquarters to Via Abruzzo in Fiorenzuola, on a 27,500 square meter equipped area of its own property. In 2005, the company expanded its territorial presence by opening a secondary office in Rogoredo, Milan. In 2013, the office was moved to Segrate, inside the interporto, taking advantage of spaces for the container depot, a strategic hub. Recently, a plot of land was purchased in Fontana Fredda, near Cadeo, where the construction of another equipped yard of about 30 thousand square meters is planned.
The number of vehicles owned by members has increased steadily, going from the initial 29 vehicles to over 250 road tractors. The number of members has also grown, now numbering 38.
As per the latest financial statements approved at the meeting, the turnover stands at 37.4 million euros, progressively growing, in a highly competitive market with reduced margins. Approximately 30% of the clients are in Italy, 5% outside the EU (United Kingdom) and the remainder in Europe.
«Copav is not simply a company – declares president Loris Caragnano – but it is a community made up of members and employees. We like to consider ourselves a big family and so tonight there are also our loved ones with whom we share the hardships of our work.”
Cop.av is a reality closely linked to the territory of its birth which it supports with various activities and donations. It also invests in technological development for the benefit of members’ work and competitiveness, and in environmental sustainability while maintaining its cooperative nature.
Many members, representatives of the institutions and the Legacoop association were present at the party.
