HISTORY
On the Right Track for 140 Years
Founded in 1885, Rolfo S.p.A. is now one of the leading international names in the vehicle transport equipment sector. Spanning more than 140 years, its journey has been driven by passion, technical expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit—always under the guidance of the Rolfo family, who continue to oversee the Group’s operations today.
GIORGIO ROLFO
Towards the end of the 19th century, Giorgio Rolfo founded a wheelwright’s workshop in Bra (Cuneo), specializing in the construction of carts and carriages. The enterprise was launched at a time of economic recovery in Italy, as the country was gradually emerging from the major crisis of the 1880s. Protectionist customs policies encouraged the development of steel, chemical, and mechanical industries, making the transport of goods and people increasingly central to economic progress.
1885
ANTONIO ROLFO
Following Giorgio Rolfo’s death, his son Antonio assumed control of the family business. He immediately faced an extremely challenging period. The advent of motorization was transforming the carriage-making sector, and the wider historical context offered little ease: Europe was being drawn into the turmoil leading to the Second World War. Adapting to these new times became a daily struggle.
Amid the conflict, Italy nonetheless began to develop its motorway infrastructure, signalling—even if faintly—the coming of peace and a new era in mobility.
Amid the conflict, Italy nonetheless began to develop its motorway infrastructure, signalling—even if faintly—the coming of peace and a new era in mobility.
The 1930s
GIORGIO and BERNARDO ROLFO
Following the untimely death of their father Antonio, brothers Giorgio and Bernardo assumed leadership of the family business, transforming it from a small workshop into an expanding industrial enterprise. As the end of World War II approached, they worked tirelessly to repair trucks for cooperatives and local customers. During this period of reconstruction, the first Rolfo vehicles were created—designed for the road transport of various goods, built with artisanal care but already reflecting an industrial vision. The company soon specialized in the production of strictly customized box trucks, tailored to meet the specific needs of each customer. Success grew, bolstered by significant orders from companies such as Ferrero and Cinzano, prompting Rolfo to expand its factory: from an initial 5,000 square meters covered to a total area of 15,000 square meters. The workforce now numbered around one hundred, and the mechanical department became the beating heart of a rapidly expanding business.
The 1940s
Start of Car Transporter Production
1961 marked a significant turning point for Rolfo: the company participated in the Turin Motor Show for the first time, gaining international visibility. This was the first step on a journey that would see the company establish itself beyond Italy's borders. During this period, Rolfo began producing car transporters—trailers and semi-trailers designed specifically for transporting cars. Over time, this segment would become the core of Rolfo's production activity.
The 1960s
The Path of Innovation
The following decade opens with the conquest of European markets: Germany, Austria, and France become new territories to explore. Here Rolfo faces giants of the industry, capable of operating with economies of scale that are difficult to replicate. However, the Piedmontese company chooses a different path: it focuses on quality, innovation, and the ability to create setups that combine functionality and versatility, precisely meeting the needs of each customer.
The 1970s
International Markets
During the 1980s, the Rolfo brand entered the African and Middle Eastern markets, further expanding its international presence. However, the situation at home became more difficult: the crisis affecting the mechanical sector also impacted the Bra district. For the first time in its history, the company was forced to resort to layoffs. It was a delicate moment, but one that did not dampen the entrepreneurial spirit of the Rolfo family.
The 1980s
THE SECOND FACTORY
Despite the difficulties, the 1990s marked a new phase of expansion: Rolfo entered the Spanish and English markets and opened new plants in France and Argentina.
This confirmed a path increasingly focused on the future while maintaining a strong connection to the company’s core values: quality, innovation, and attention to customer needs. The second plant was inaugurated in Bra.
This confirmed a path increasingly focused on the future while maintaining a strong connection to the company’s core values: quality, innovation, and attention to customer needs. The second plant was inaugurated in Bra.
The 1990s
LEAN MANUFACTURING
In the new millennium, the company opened a third production site in Bra and entered a now-globalized context, where competitiveness demanded entirely new production rhythms and models. While evolving, Rolfo remained faithful to its identity.
In 2007, a new record was set: over 1,500 units delivered. In the same year, the company adopted the philosophy of ‘Lean Manufacturing,’ moving away from the traditional island organization in favor of a lean, efficient, and flexible production system: less waste, more value.
The 2000s
Looking to the Future
The global crisis and recession that struck Europe at the end of the first decade of the 21st century prompted Rolfo to seek new opportunities. This led to its first collaborations in India and other emerging markets, while the company undertook a major industrial restructuring process. Internationalization and diversification became the cornerstones of a forward-looking strategy—focused on the future but without ever forgetting its roots.
The 2010s
Fifth Generation
Rolfo changes its image but not its spirit. The fifth generation carries on the legacy of a great family, guided by the wise leadership of Dr. Franco Fenoglio. After difficult years marked by crises, pandemics, and wars, their contribution strengthens what previous generations have built over time, with a vision firmly focused on the future.
2024
Today, Just Like Back Then
We are here today thanks to Giorgio Rolfo and his vision. Today, just like back then, we stand ready to write our future. The road ahead is still long, but the journey is our passion.
2025
