2024-06-14
Marco Silanos – a man with a mission
In many ways, Milan resident Marco Silanos embodies the quintessential Italian lifestyle. Life revolves around family, food, and wine, and he enjoys losing himself in a good book. But that's not all. Marco is a man with a mission. He is currently transforming the dishwasher manufacturer Silanos into a hybrid company with the mission of combining the best of Italy and Sweden.
The family company Silanos was founded in 1964 by Marco Silanos' father and is now a leader in water-based compact dishwashers in Europe. With just over 100 employees, all manufacturing takes place in Milan, where production is largely automated.
"My father is now 92 years old and a great inspiration to me. Even though I grew up in the company, taking over hasn't been easy. The world was so different before, and the recent years with COVID and other challenges have been tough for us. But we are still 'alive and kicking'," says Marco.
Marco began his career on the Silanos production floor. After earning a degree in economics, studying languages in London and Paris, and completing mandatory military training, it was still clear to him that he would continue in the family business. Marco Silanos is particularly passionate about the creative phase, especially the craft of turning ideas into prototypes and new products.
"About 90 percent of our products are exported, and we have an incredibly loyal customer base, many of whom have become our friends over the years. The partnership with Sandberg Development is built on successful collaboration and personal relationships," says Marco.
In 2019, Silanos and Nordisk Clean Solutions initiated an innovative technology and development collaboration, which was solidified into a strategic alliance with Nordisk Clean Solutions owner Sandberg Development in 2023.
"Deepening our collaboration feels completely natural while giving us entirely new opportunities. I fully trust our Swedish colleagues, and together we are on our way to creating a fantastic hybrid company," says Marco.
In the ongoing transformation, Silanos’ high-tech robot production and manufacturing skills, along with customer knowledge, will be combined with Swedish technological and design expertise in a modern organization focused on growth and digitalization.
"Of course, it is challenging to be in a phase of change and to learn to work in new ways, but it is absolutely the right direction for the company. Despite speaking different languages, we understand each other and share the same vision. With great hopes for the future, we are now creating a whole new family," says Marco.