40 years of VEGA Italia: innovating with sustainability

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Forty years of innovation in Italy in the field of level and pressure measurement for the process industry—this is the milestone that VEGA celebrated at its new headquarters in Assago (Milan). It was a significant occasion to reaffirm the company’s commitment to sustainability and the well-being of its people

Celebrating four decades in business is more than just a chronological milestone; it is a testament to a journey that has successfully combined technological excellence with a profound work ethic. This is the case for VEGA Italia—a subsidiary of the German giant VEGA Grieshaber—which, in October, marked the fortieth anniversary of its founding in Italy by inaugurating a new, state-of-the-art facility in Assago (Milan).

The expansion of the premises is not merely a structural enlargement, but the best physical manifestation of a corporate philosophy that places sustainability and people’s well-being at its core.

A journey of challenges and successes, with constant growth

The story of VEGA Italia began in 1986 in an apartment in Milan, with a group of people who—as Luciano Tonelli, CEO of VEGA Italia, jokingly recalled—”looked like a group ready for a Sunday outing!”

Since then, the company has followed a path defined by insight, challenges, success, and a constant pursuit of innovation. The move to Assago (near Milan) in 2016 marked the first major step toward a headquarters that truly reflected the company’s growth in Italy, in terms of both its workforce and its revenue.

Ten years later, with the inauguration of a new adjacent building that doubles its operational space, VEGA Italia completes a journey that began in 2020—right in the midst of the pandemic—following a construction project that involved over 70 companies and 11 different designers.

“With this building—a concept conceived back in 2020—we are definitively entering a new era,” commented Luciano Tonelli. “This new headquarters is a symbol of continuity: we remain rooted in the past while keeping our gaze fixed on the future. It is a milestone that confirms our vision: to look far ahead. VEGA is a company that has always thought about the future—the future of technology and of the generations to come—rather than focusing solely on the targets of a single fiscal quarter.”

The four pillars of VEGA: Humanity, Curiosity, Connectivity, and Simplicity

Since the 1980s, VEGA’s growth has been driven by a combination of factors, starting with the availability of cutting-edge measurement technologies and high-quality instruments, all supported by an extensive, nationwide sales network. VEGA’s overall corporate philosophy and its technological offering in the field of sensors and instrumentation for level and pressure measurement reflect four core values ​​that guide every strategic decision: Humanity, Simplicity, Connectivity, and Curiosity.

Humanity: 40 years of VEGA with people at the center

The new building in Assago is tangible proof of this first value: “Humanity.” The investment was not aimed solely at production efficiency, but also at the well-being of employees. A focus on people was a key factor in the design of the spaces and amenities at the new headquarters, which include ergonomic furnishings, spacious meeting areas, relaxation zones, and even a fully equipped on-site gym.

“We directed our investment with a clear focus—prioritizing our employees to promote a healthy professional lifestyle,” noted Tonelli. In an era dominated by artificial intelligence, VEGA has chosen to invest in the centrality of the human being, operating on the conviction that technology should serve to improve the quality of life, not replace it. “Our values ​​are rooted locally and lived out globally. We create intuitive, reliable measuring instruments driven by curiosity—aiming for progress and innovation—while never losing sight of the human dimension. VEGA is more than just a specialist in measurement technology; it is a home for values—both in terms of measurement and in human relationships,” says Isabel Grieshaber, CEO of VEGA Grieshaber.

Curiosity as a driver of innovation: an open outlook toward new sectors

Curiosity is the engine of innovation. Without a constant willingness to take on new challenges, VEGA would not have been able to collaborate on cutting-edge projects—such as the validation of radar systems for measuring liquid hydrogen at cryogenic temperatures (-253 °C)—in partnership with companies like Gas and Heat, which took part in the celebrations for VEGA’s 40th anniversary and the inauguration of its new headquarters. “The drive for innovation—that constant search for a technical solution that addresses both the current and future needs of a client or company—is an essential criterion for us when seeking out technology partners,” explained Sara Evangelisti of Gas and Heat during the inauguration of the new building.

VEGA’s curiosity extends well beyond its product catalog; the company is constantly exploring new application horizons, bringing its expertise in level and pressure measurement to complex sectors such as aerospace and the energy transition.

The importance of “connecting”: networking with partners and providing ongoing support to the client

Networking (connectivity) is fundamental to VEGA Italia. The company’s active participation in associations like GISI (Gruppo Imprese Strumentazione Italia) demonstrates that collaboration is the key to navigating complex regulatory and technical landscapes.

During the inauguration, Micaela Caserza Magro, President of GISI, highlighted that “connecting companies like VEGA Italia—which provide support and collaborate within an association—is vital. It is only by working together that we can generate the strength needed to face external challenges and find our way through a ‘jungle’ of regulations, , particularly in the most complex industrial sectors.”

For VEGA Italia, “connectivity” means creating an ecosystem of partners where best practices are shared rather than jealously guarded. It also means building solid, long-lasting relationships, positioning the company as a reliable partner for its clients. Free technical support, 24/7 availability, and active, ongoing dialogue with customers are essential components of this approach.

Making the complex simple

Simplifying complexity is one of the most significant challenges, especially in the field of process measurement. Today, more than ever, it is crucial to make the experience of measuring level or pressure as smooth and straightforward as possible, allowing users to focus entirely on their specific application goals.

VEGA has always applied this principle to its instrumentation. Although its radar sensors and measurement systems are based on sophisticated technology, they are designed from the outset to be intuitive, easy to install, and simple to manage—thereby reducing the cognitive load on the operator.

VEGA’s commitment to sustainability

Sustainability was the central theme of the VEGA Italia event and a key pillar that guided the design of the new headquarters in Assago. The building itself serves as an open-air laboratory for energy efficiency, featuring air-to-water heat pumps, the use of groundwater for cooling, solar panels, and an agreement to source 100% green energy. During the inauguration, Diana D’Isanto (The European House-Ambrosetti) offered a clear-eyed perspective on the issue of sustainability.

“Sustainability is, first and foremost, a market issue. In 2025, nearly 60% of Italian small and medium-sized enterprises received requests from their major clients or banks to meet sustainability targets. It is no longer an option; it has become a prerequisite for competitiveness.” D’Isanto issued a powerful challenge: “Stop asking how much it costs to pursue sustainability. Ask yourself instead what it costs not to pursue it. Measure the risk of inaction—which is precisely what banks and insurance companies do.”

While the risk of “greenwashing” is real, VEGA counters it with the objectivity of data. The company’s core offering—its measurement instrumentation—serves as a vital tool for ESG reporting; after all, you cannot improve what you do not measure. VEGA provides the technology necessary to transform statements of intent into verifiable, certifiable data.

Sustainability: Beyond Greenwashing, Toward Net-Zero 2033

“At VEGA, we firmly believe that long-term growth and economic success only hold true value when they are in harmony with the environment, society, and the needs of future generations. That is why we are actively working to make a measurable contribution to sustainable development,” says Daniele Romano, Sales Director of VEGA Italia.

“VEGA’s sensors and systems help our clients manage their facilities more efficiently, safely, and responsibly regarding resources. They enable precise processes, reduce the consumption of energy and raw materials, and thereby help minimize the industrial sector’s environmental impact.”

At the same time, VEGA embraces its own responsibilities as a corporate entity. “We want to become more sustainable, and we take our ecological and social responsibility seriously. Our business operations aim to foster a balanced development across environmental, economic, and social aspects.”

VEGA has set an ambitious goal: to achieve climate neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2033. “Our path toward climate neutrality—taken step by step—consists of four phases: improving energy efficiency, generating our own electricity, using green energy, and introducing electric mobility by electrifying our corporate fleet,” explained Daniele Romano.

The future: human capital as the most valuable asset

“Our journey toward innovation and sustainability is an ongoing process, defined by consistency, resilience, and the ability to adapt,” said Daniele Romano as he concluded the day. His forward-looking perspective perfectly encapsulates the essence of VEGA Italia’s 40-year history.

For VEGA, the future is not just about more precise sensors or faster algorithms; it is about people. The decision to invest in a workspace that promotes collaboration, well-being, and professional growth is proof that, for VEGA, human capital is the most valuable asset.

In a fast-paced market, where technology risks becoming a mere commodity, VEGA Italia chooses to stand out through its ability to remain “human.” Celebrating 40 years is not a final destination, but a launchpad for the decades to come—a future where measurement technology is not just a technical specification, but a shared, sustainable value that is, above all, “tailored” to the individual.

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