2025 marks an extraordinary milestone for CFT: 80 years of history, innovation, and shared growth. An anniversary we deeply cherish, not only as a celebration of our past, but as a promise for the future.

From Rossi & Catelli to CFT: A Story 80 Years 

It all began in 1945, when entrepreneur Camillo Catelli founded Rossi & Catelli and started manufacturing tomato processing machines in a small workshop in the heart of Parma, on Vicolo Santa Maria. Shortly after, the business expanded and moved to a larger facility on Via Budellungo.

In the following decades, Rossi & Catelli established itself as capable of developing cutting-edge technologies that helped shape the food processing industry, especially in tomato processing. From evaporators to sterilizers, extractors to aseptic fillers, Rossi & Catelli supplied its machines to the leading food companies in the region, helping them produce with greater efficiency and quality.

In 2004, founder Camillo Catelli received an honorary degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Parma, a recognition of his significant contribution to the canning industry and mechanical engineering.

Over the past 25 years, we have evolved and transformed, without ever losing our roots. In 2006, Rossi & Catelli became CFT (Catelli Food Technology), consolidating our position in the market with a series of acquisitions aimed at becoming a key partner for Food & Beverage companies.
Alessandro Merusi played a key role in this phase of change. When he joined CFT, he brought with him a clear strategic vision that marked a true turning point for the company. After serving as CFO, General Manager, and eventually CEO in 2014, he led the group’s journey toward growth and international expansion.

Since 2021, we have been part of ATS Corporation, a Canadian group and global leader in industrial automation. Today, CFT is the world’s leading supplier of tomato processing machinery and a recognized player in other sectors, including fruit processing, sauce preparation, and the filling of creams and beverages into various types of containers.

80 years of transformation, people and future

But CFT is not just about technology. It’s above all about people.
Among the many moments that define our history, one in particular shows how our focus on people has always been at the heart of the way we work.
In 1995, during the inauguration of a plant in Turkey for the TAT Group, the event was attended by Turkish President Süleyman Demirel, a memorable occasion. Yet what stood out most was a small but meaningful gesture: the wife of one of our technicians, invited by the Turkish company to join him, brought neckties for the whole team, adding a personal touch to the formality of the event.
A simple act that perfectly reflects the value of human connection that has always accompanied our journey.

We wanted to share this and other stories through an exhibition held at our headquarters in Via Paradigna, an exhibition made of faces, memories, ideas, and history.
We also celebrated together on Friday, June 13th, with an evening of joy, pride, and community.
In his speech, President Roberto Catelli, son of the founder, emphasized the relationships we’ve built over the decades:

“It’s been, and continues to be, an intense journey, emotional when looking back at the memories, the people, the ideas. And you know what strikes me most as I revisit this path? The crucial role of the relationships we’ve built with our customers and employees, relationships that have made us who we are today.”

And it is from our colleagues, partners, and friends that the truest meaning of this anniversary emerges.

Stories within our story

Some have spent nearly their entire career with us, like Costantino Malpeli, who proudly recalls:

“Working at Rossi & Catelli was an experience. There was always something new to learn every year, you couldn’t rest on your laurels.”

Or Alessandro Ravanetti, who joined the workshop in 1989 and is now an automation expert:

“Everything I’ve learned, I owe to the positive, stimulating environment. Collaboration, mutual support, and trust are what I still experience with my team today.”

Then some built lasting relationships, like Adriana Tonelli, who reflects:

“This wasn’t just a job, it was a fundamental part of my life. A second home.”

And those who joined more recently, like Susanna Pastorino, bringing energy and initiative:

“I founded the CFT Ski Club and the CFT GROUP Employees’ Club. Dedicating time to these groups is deeply fulfilling. Happy birthday, CFT!”

Experiences shared by Stefano Tonti, Marco Bandini, Aldo Zanetti, Federico Giordani, Daniela Bertoli, and many others reveal a common thread: passion, dedication, and teamwork.

As Marco Bandini wrote:

“If I had to choose one word to describe my experience at CFT, it would be ‘team’. Because we know each other, we support one another, and we genuinely enjoy working together.”

Looking ahead

Over 80 years, we’ve embraced major transformations, always staying rooted in our identity. We’ve evolved, innovated, and invested, without ever losing the spirit of those who, every day, walk into CFT ready to give their best.

Today, we’re stronger, more global, and more technologically advanced. But most of all, we’re still a team, looking to the future with confidence, doing what we do best: turning ideas into solutions, people into community, and passion into results.

Thank you to those who’ve been part of the journey.
To those who are with us today. And to those yet to come.

Happy Birthday, CFT.