Itema announced organizational changes in the management of ItemaLab with the retirement of the incumbent Research & Innovation (R&I) Director, Giuseppe Casarotto, and the appointment of Lorenzo Minelli as the new Director.
Giuseppe Casarotto started working in Itema in 1983 and has been leading advanced research and development projects for the weaving machinery manufacturer ever since. Although officially retired, Mr. Casarotto has accepted to continue his close collaboration with Itema and advise the company during a transition period.
The incoming R&I Director, Lorenzo Minelli, joins Itema after an already established and successful career in a number of other innovation-minded multinational companies, including Ferrari, Fiat, Pininfarina and Finmeccanica Group.
Itema’s CEO, Carlo Rogora extended a heartfelt thanks to Giuseppe Casarotto for his long dedication to Itema and invaluable contributions throughout the years. Mr. Rogora also enthusiastically welcomed on board Lorenzo Minelli and wished him every success in his new role.
Itema is gearing up towards ITMA 2015, the biggest textile machinery exhibition which will be held in Milan next year. ItemaLab is one of the two R&D departments of the global weaving machine producer; ItemaLab is tasked with developing the revolutionary breakthroughs that could lead to the “loom of the future.”
Itema also has another advanced research arm at the corporate Headquarters working on continuously improving the existing weaving machines. The Italian privately held multinational invests every year 5-6% of its profits in R&D projects, more than any company in the industry. The Company has just launched a brand new portfolio of airjet weaving machines at ITMA ASIA 2014 in Shanghai.
