Our History

Our Journey, from the origins to new challenges

1879

The Origins

On May 3, 1879 Raffaele Maccaferri established “Ditta Maccaferri Raffaele, Officina da Fabbro” in Lavino (Bologna) for the production of wrought iron items.

1894

THE GABION INVENTION

‘‘Ditta Maccaferri” invented  the famous gabion. The old craft trade grows into an industrial enterprise.

1900-1945

BEGINNING OF EXPANSION

Start of the diversification process: 18 new companies set up, through mergers and new acquisitions. The original “sack” gabions were followed by the new box-shaped design, which was used in many large public work projects.

1946-1966

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES AND REORGANIZATION

Reorganization and re-launch of production. Creation of new products: Maccaferri was the first company in Europe to introduce "heavy“ Galvanizing.

1967-1995

FIVE CONTINENTS

Operations expanded over 5 continents. Sharp acceleration in geographical and product diversification. New market approach in compliance with international standards and specifications. 

1996-2005

EVOLUTION

Start of systematic partnerships to offer to customers a full range of durable and cost-effective environmental solutions. 

Maccaferri enters the Geosynthetic market with its own portfolio.

2006-2020

EXPANSION

Geographical expansion through localization and further widening of the portfolio of environmental engineering solutions.

2024

A NEW CHAPTER WITH AMBIENTA

Maccaferri joins Ambienta, Europe’s leading sustainability-focused investment manager, marking a new phase of growth, innovation, and global development — strengthening our commitment to engineering excellence, climate adaptation, and sustainable solutions.

Today

NEW CHALLENGES
Present in over 130 countries, we deliver solutions that help infrastructure adapt to climate change and extreme events. Driven by innovation in geotechnical, hydraulic, and environmental engineering, we lead the way in resilient, sustainable infrastructure. As an Industry Global Platform, we integrate technologies, companies, and expertise to scale impact and shape future-ready solutions. This strategic positioning reinforces our undisputed leadership and strengthens our role in the global transition toward climate resilience.