Stabilimento Colbachini

STABILIMENTO COLBACHINI
Fonderia Campane Daciano Colbachini e Figli Stabilimento Pontificio S.p.A 

Via Fossona 132 
35030 Cervarese Santa Croce (Padoue) - Italy

Tél : +(39) 049 9997384 

Fax : +(39) 049 991 5611 

Internet : www.muvec.it

E-mail: info@muvec.it 

Internet : www.ivgspa.it

E-mail : ivg.colbachini@ivgspa.it 

Stabilimento Colbachini today :

Industrial Diversification for our Times

The IVG group has rapidly diversified into:

  • rubber hoses for industrial applications and oil & gas
  • cord fabrics uses as reinforcing ply in rubber technical products
  • plastic parts and components by thermoforming
  • technical articles in silicone rubber and plastic
  • marking strips and labels for every material
  • onshore and offshore connectors and emergency release systems

The Group's products are distributed by means of a network of sales companies located in Paris, Frankfurt, London, Houston, Krnov and Singapore, and 50 sole agents spread over the five continents. The Group exports over 70% of its total output, has a workforce of about 1000 people and a turnover of almost 115 million € in 2013.

The Colbachini family is now able to pursue, develop and diversify its industrial activities, earning respect and consolidating its reputation in every new venture it has undertaken.

Its brand image has not only been preserved, but, better yet, has been strengthened and developed worldwide.

In March 2002, a major step forward was made on the occasion of the inauguration of the Bell Museum, the "Museo Veneto delle Campane Daciano Colbachini" housed in the Villa Fogazzaro-Colbachini, headquarters of the IVG Group.

The museum brings together antique items whose origin goes back to beyond the year 1000, both previously unseen items, as well as craft methods and processes. The purpose of the museum is to preserve the memory of a traditional art now on the verge of dying out, by demonstrating the importance of a musical instrument with a particular tone, which has, over the centuries, played a major role in summoning and protecting the inhabitants of communities throughout the world.

 

1745

A Profession Dedicated to the Purity of Sound

The art of the bell-founder is a mythical art intimately linked to the purity of the sound produced by the metal bronze and to the spiritual environment which is present all over the world.
This art was discovered by Giuseppe Colbachini at the beginning of the 18th century thanks to a travelling bell-founder passing through his village of Bassano del Grappa in the Vicenza region of northern Italy, where his family had woven canvas for many generations. Fascinated by this strange art, Giuseppe began his apprenticeship. Later, with his brother Antonio, he set up their first, small workshop to cast bells;
Joined by their two bothers, Daciano and Gaspare, the Colbachini family soon became well known as bell-founders.

The growth of their business was rapid. As both mathematician and music-lover, Giuseppe successfully brought technical precision and the love of beautiful sound to the making of his bells.

1800

Padua, First Steps towards Expansion

The beginning of the 19th century was favourable for commercial expansion. However, it was necessary to be strategically located. For this reason, the Colbachini brothers moved their foundry to Padua, a historical but forward looking city. They established themselves in the heart of the city, near the cathedral, the Palazzo della Ragione and the celebrated town squares in an old building that they later restored. Thanks to the new jobs and wealth they created, they soon became fully integrated into Padua life. The Colbachini works soon became the emblem of the neighbourhood which became known simply as "the bell foundry".

Bells are made by hand, using traditional techniques and processes that foundrymen know well. At the Colbachini foundry, skilled workmen handled every phase of bell production, from start to finish. Initially, the business was concentrated locally but it progressively expanded all over Italy and later beyond national borders and to other continents.

 

 

1898

January 17th, 1898 is a historical date for the Colbachini family. Pope Leo XIII granted the company the prestigious title of "Pontifical Foundry". Even today, the establishment "Stabilimento Colbachini SpA-1745" is still the only maker of bells in the world with the privilege of stamping its products with the papal coat of arms.
 
Over the years, the factory has expanded and has been updated but has always remained true to the age old, original processes treasured by a few workers, the guardians of this tradition. Today, the foundry is installed in a new plant in Saccolongo, near Padua