In the heart of Milan, amidst the hum of the burgeoning industry, a young woman named Luigia Assi Just, barely in her twenties, set out to challenge the norms of her time. It was the year 1955 when the core engineering sector was an uncharted territory for women. With a vision beyond her years and a spirit undeterred by societal expectations, Luigia founded MILLUTENSIL, a name that would soon become synonymous with innovation in engineering.
Young Luigia Assi found herself at a pivotal crossroads during her initial foray into the professional world, which began within the confines of a family-owned company specialising in trading woodworking machines. Yet, in this setting, the first sparks of her entrepreneurial spirit were ignited. Luigia, with a mind brimming with ideas and a heart full of ambition, soon realised that her vision for the future diverged significantly from that of her current company’s owners. The constraints of the existing business model stifled her innovative spirit, compelling her to contemplate a path less travelled – starting her venture in the core engineering sector.
However, this bold dream was met with an immediate obstacle: Luigia was too young to form a company in Italy then. Undeterred, she turned to her father, who became an unwitting catalyst in the birth of a future industrial powerhouse. With a supportive nod from her father, who signed the necessary agreements on her behalf, the legend of Luigia and her brainchild, MILLUTENSIL, began to unfold. Her marriage to German engineer Mr. Just opened new horizons, fostering a partnership with the German manufacturer FIBRO and expanding her business’s reach.
From these humble yet challenging beginnings, Luigia embarked on a journey that would redefine her life and leave an indelible mark on the engineering industry. Her tenacity in the face of age and gender biases laid the foundation for what would become a globally renowned manufacturing empire. MILLUTENSIL, under Luigia’s unwavering leadership, first disrupted the industry with its innovative spotting press and, over the years, expanded its reach across the globe.
Today, as Luigia turns 88, her legacy is carried forward by her daughters, Beatrice and Veronica Just. The legacy she built is now nurtured and expanded by her daughters, Beatrice and Veronica Just, who continue to drive the company forward with the same relentless dedication and vision of their mother.
A Legacy of Resilience: Veronica Just on Her Mother, Luigia Assi Just
“When reflecting on the remarkable journey of my mother, Luigia Assi Just, words often fall short to encapsulate her immense contribution, not just to our family, but to the entire engineering world,” Veronica Just begins, her voice imbued with admiration and respect. “She was, and continues to be, an exemplary figure for us all. Her relentless dedication, her indefatigable work ethic, it’s something that has not just shaped MILLUTENSIL, but has also been a guiding light for many.”
Veronica pauses, her eyes reflecting the magnitude of their humble beginnings. “We truly started from scratch, a point where nothing was given and everything was earned. My mother’s hands built this company from the ground up, with effort that’s hard to articulate. She worked tirelessly, with a vision that was far beyond the norm, especially in an era where women in engineering were a rarity.”
The legacy of Luigia Assi Just is not just about the global recognition that MILLUTENSIL enjoys today. It’s more profound, more personal. “What my mother has always strived for, and what we continue to strive for, is to offer opportunities to other families, to provide a means for a better life,” Veronica shares with a sense of pride. “Our journey has been intertwined with the evolution of technology, growing and adapting, always staying ahead of the curve.”
Veronica’s tone turns reflective as she concludes, “The admiration and affection for our company, our family, and our history that we’ve witnessed from people worldwide is overwhelming. Our growth reflects my mother’s vision, her unwavering spirit, and the values she instilled in both our family and MILLUTENSIL. She didn’t just build a company; she built a legacy of resilience, innovation, and compassion.”
