XVIIth

A Centuries-old Tradition in Lombardy:

The northern Italian region of Lombardy was renowned in the 16th century, for the manufacture of steel used for arms and armour.

The areas lying at the foot of the surrounding mountains were particularly suited for the purpose owing to their vicinity to water courses that provided the needed power for the forges dotting the landscape.

Furthermore, in addition to its iron mines, the region's large forests contributed to the production of charcoal essential for the steel industry.

This tradition, kept alive for centuries, underwent a radical acceleration towards the end of the 18th century with the European Industrial Revolution which, from its very beginnings, witnessed the widespread use of steel in many fields.

1792

A Steel Industry Dynasty:

In 1792, the Rubini family from Como with a long and consolidated tradition as silk producers, opted to diversify their core activities and bought the Dongo steel workshops along the shores of Lake Como as well as the iron mines located just beyond.

With these two acquisitions, the Rubinis thus inaugurated a memorable era in the steel industry.

1833

In 1833, the Rubini family invited an Alsatian engineer, Georges Henri Falck, an iron-steel specialist thanks to his job experience in the French region of Alsace, over to Dongo. He later bought a stake in the business alongside the Rubinis.

1863

Several years later, in 1863, Georges Henri’s son Enrico married Irene Rubini, a heiress to the large Dongo firm.

After numerous experiments with other iron-steel companies in Lombardy and upon his premature demise, Enrico Falck left the management of all business operations to his wife and son Giorgio Enrico.

1906

In 1906, the latter merged the Dongo factory belonging to his mother’s family with other production facilities located in Lombardy.
"Società Falck" was thus established in 1906 and the firm expanded in the mechanical industries as well as iron and steel.

Giorgio Enrico Falck was succeeded at the helm by his three sons, in line of seniority, Enrico, Giovanni and Bruno; then by his grand-sons, Alberto and Federico, the latter today holding the position of Chairman.

1916

The Switch to Electric Energy:

It was in 1916 that the Falck Group, in complement to its activity in the steel industry, entered into hydroelectric power generation by harnessing the river waters that for over one hundred years had been the source of mechanical energy for the Dongo forges.