Forever young: Bastai's commitment to the future
Pictured: Sandvik Coromant and Bastai standing side-by-side at the entrance of Bastai's workshop
Nestled near the picturesque Lago di Pusiano, just a short distance from the iconic Lake Como in Italy, lie the Bastai headquarters. Once a humble machine shop, the company has flourished into a great metal engineering company, carving its legacy from the bones of tradition. Born in 1971 from the capable hands of Enzo Bastai and now led by his heirs, Attilio and Daniele Bastai, this company always looks to the future with optimism. Here, we explore how Bastai intertwines quality, advanced technology, and progressive thinking to build a future that honours its storied past.
Pictured: Bastai headquarters near Penzano, Italy, with a view of Lago di Pusiano
What is Bastai?
Bastai is a versatile and forward-thinking company that has grown to push the boundaries of traditional manufacturing. “We combine advanced technology, flexibility, and innovation to serve a wide range of customer needs,” says Attilio. From the procurement of raw materials to mechanical machining, surface finishing, thermal treatments, and final certifications, Bastai offers a full turnkey service that places the customer at the center of its operations.
Since its founding in 1971, Bastai’s commitment to precision and quality has been its backbone. “Our foundation is built on precision and quality, which are essential to everything we do,” Attilio emphasizes. The company takes pride in tackling complex projects, from making custom metal parts to managing large-scale industrial undertakings. This dedication is mirrored in its skilled workforce, who ensure every product meets the highest quality standards, setting Bastai apart in the competitive landscape of metal engineering.
Pictured: Simone Vergani, Sandvik Coromant Account Manager and Attilio Bastai, CEO of Bastai
Pushing boundaries through technology and tradition
When Attilio Bastai stepped into leadership, he recognized the need to embrace change. “I introduced a strong focus on technology and competition,” he explains, highlighting a shift from his father’s traditional approach. Determined to show that their small machine shop could compete with larger players, Attilio pushed for innovation and advanced technology. His vision was clear: a blend of technological passion and foresight would fuel Bastai’s growth and success.
Bastai’s ability to adapt to the changing technological landscape is a testament to this vision. While the company remains deeply rooted in traditional metalworking, continuous investment in modern machinery and advanced technologies has enabled Bastai to tackle increasingly complex projects with efficiency. “Innovation is crucial in staying competitive, but it’s the craftsmanship that defines us.” This balance between cutting-edge technology and timeless craftsmanship keeps Bastai not only relevant but prepared for any challenge the future may hold.
The future needs teamwork, training, and talent
“Daily collaboration is essential,” Attilio says, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in driving the company forward. With a diverse team of skilled individuals, aligning everyone on common goals can be challenging, but it’s also what fuels progress. Open communication and a strong sense of teamwork form the foundation of Bastai’s ongoing growth.
Attracting the right talent is a deliberate process at Bastai, beginning with recognizing enthusiasm and potential during interviews. “We focus on continuous development and training, fostering a supportive environment where employees feel valued.” By consistently investing in in-house and external training programs, Bastai's team has developed expert knowledge in their industrial sector.
Pictured: Mauro Dell'Oro, Sandvik Coromant Application Specialist, Attilio Bastai and Simone Vergani
Open, honest, and collaborative partnerships
Strong partnerships are a cornerstone of Bastai’s success. “The most important thing I value is collaboration with an open mentality,” Attilio shares. “Having the right people who are not just ‘yes men’ is essential.” In an industry where challenges are complex and solutions are not always clear-cut, having partners who are willing to share ideas—even opposing ones—makes all the difference.
As Bastai grows and decisions become tougher, these partnerships become invaluable, guiding the company toward the best solutions. It’s this collaborative spirit that strengthens Bastai’s position and drives its continuous evolution.
Sustainability is not a trend—it's a duty
Attilio Bastai is particularly excited about Industry 5.0, a technological shift that promises to enhance both efficiency and sustainability in manufacturing. “We’ve invested heavily in modernizing our facilities to prepare for this shift,” he notes, "though implementation has faced delays due to government regulations.” Despite these hurdles, Bastai is poised to embrace the opportunities Industry 5.0 offers, setting the stage for a more sustainable and efficient future.
For Bastai, sustainability is a core responsibility. “It’s not just a trend for us; it’s a duty,” Attilio emphasizes. The company has integrated sustainable practices and materials into its production processes, aiming to reduce its environmental impact without compromising on quality. Sustainability means protecting the environment for future generations while upholding the high standards that define Bastai’s legacy.
What is the sound of the future?
Having studied music and as an avid fan of Chopin, Attilio Bastai brings a unique perspective to his leadership. When we took the opportunity to ask him what the future sound of Bastai would be like, Attilio immediately envisioned it as a symphony. “The company is like an orchestra, with each department as an instrument,” he explains. “The director must know all the instruments, just as a general manager must know every aspect of the company. For the future, we need to ensure that everyone plays their part well, like a perfectly performed symphony where everything comes together harmoniously.”
Pictured: Attilio Bastai and Simone Vergani on Bastai's shop floor
After speaking with Attilio Bastai, one truth stands out: Bastai is laser-focused on the future. The company recognizes that the next generation, equipped with today’s cutting-edge technologies, will ignite innovation in metal engineering. With Matteo Bastai and Isabel Bastai now actively involved, this generational transition breathes fresh life into the family legacy, merging the wisdom of experience with a bold drive to shape what’s next. Bastai’s commitment to the future reflects a mindset of dedication and faith—a mindset that aligns closely with the values of Sandvik Coromant. This is the legacy of Enzo Bastai—not a relic, but a blueprint that continues to unfold with purpose and clarity, guiding the company toward a bright future.
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