When his father gave him a choice between the acquisition of a well-established company in the region of Lombardy or of a paper production plant in difficulty in Arsiero, Francesco Rossi did not hesitate. An industry in Arsiero would have offered the opportunity to employ many local people who would have otherwise been obliged to start a new life elsewhere. Once the abandoned plant and the deteriorated machinery had been acquired, the entrepreneur rolled up his sleeves and got down to work.

Francesco Rossi succeeded in instilling his enthusiasm and his unwavering trust in his employees and interesting them in the company as if it belonged to them, establishing bonds not only through material benefits, but with a solid work ethic and love for their own territory.

In a relatively short time, the Cartiera di Arsiero became incredibly important. Production continued to be recognised for its variety and quality, not only in Italy but also abroad, where exports reached truly notable levels.

During the early twentieth century, paper manufacturing reached 85,000 quintals per year, while cardboard reached 15,000 quintals. Following extended internships in the various offices and departments, the sons of Francesco, Alessandro, and Girolamo also joined the company.

In 1905 the Cartiera di Arsiero was transformed into the Società Anonima Cartiera Rossi, with Francesco Rossi as President, Alessandro Rossi as Technical Manager, and Girolamo Rossi as Administrative Manager.

Following World War I and until 1949, the Cartiera was run by Girolamo. An excellent knowledge of languages, an astute business sense, a technical internship before heading abroad and then in his father’s company enabled him to successfully continue in the family industry, succeeding in dealing with and even overcoming World War II.

Around 1950 the Cartiera decided to embark on a plan to become highly specialised. To this view, cutting edge continuous machinery was modified and upgraded together with the entire paper processing and finishing departments.

The Cartiera was truly heading toward a bright future, until on 4 November 1966 a landslide caused the waterway south of the plant to overflow its banks. This violent flood almost destroyed the plant entirely, burying it under stones and debris. After about 100 days, under the direction of Eng. Franco Rossi, the son of Girolamo, the siren of the Cartiera Rossi began sounding again to summon the workers to their jobs. It was hard work and not entirely safe, but self-sacrifice and the collaboration of everyone made it possible to restart production quickly.

During the times that followed, new market conditions called for multiple reorganisations in the business. Indeed, in 2005 Cartotecnica Rossi began presenting itself on the market as a dynamic company, focused on continuity and renewal, fully aware of the inherent value of the extensive experience and professionalism gained over so many years of business. Today it remains a point of reference for professionals and enthusiasts, thanks to the production of high-quality crepe paper and tissue paper in a wide range of colours.

(Source: I cento anni della Cartiera Rossi, a cura di Prof. R. Schiavo, Vicenza, Stampa G. Rumor, 1978.)