In the modern world, cables form the backbone of energy infrastructure, telecommunications and transport networks. Among the companies notable for their quality, innovation and sustainability focus, Tratos Cavi stands out not only in Italy but also in Europe. Founded in 1966, Tratos is synonymous with excellence in the production of state-of-the-art electrical and optical cables.
A dream that begins in Tuscany
The history of Tratos Cavi began in the Tuscan hills of Pieve Santo Stefano, in the province of Arezzo.
After gaining work experience in Argentina, engineer Egidio Capaccini, born in 1918, decided to return to Italy with an ambitious plan: to set up a small copper wire-drawing mill. This led to the founding of Trafilerie Toscane, from which the name Tratos derives, emphasising the company’s Made in Italy roots.
Initially, the company focused on copper wire drawing, but Capaccini soon realised the potential of a broader market: that of electrical and telecommunications cables.
Generational transition and growth
In 1974, a new generation took the helm: Albano Bragagni, married to Capaccini’s daughter Marta, joined the company. It was the start of a period of significant technological investment and diversification.
Thanks to this drive, Tratos expanded its production in the following years.
In 1978, it began manufacturing copper cables for telecommunications and instrumentation, and the first major innovations arrived in the 1980s. In 1983, the company started producing cables made from thermoplastic and elastomeric compounds, as well as materials with low toxic fume emissions.
A few years later, Trados became a leading manufacturer of cables for the telecommunications sector and, in 1987, began producing fibre optic cables for the Italian and foreign markets.
The years of growth
To meet growing demand, in 1988, Tratos acquired FCC Fabbrica Cavi Catania, strengthening its presence in the Italian cable manufacturing sector and expanding its product range to include medium-voltage cables. Furthermore, Tratos began to look beyond national borders: in 1981, Tratos Ltd was established in the United Kingdom, and in the following years, this presence was strengthened.
The expansion continued into the 2000s, with the third generation of the family joining the company and Ennio Bragagni being appointed vice-president. In collaboration with MFX Do Brazil, the company begins manufacturing umbilical cables for applications in the oil and gas sector. In 2008, two critical acquisitions were made: North West Cables Ltd and Modular Wiring Systems Ltd in the United Kingdom, and offices were opened in Spain, Germany and China. In the following year, Tratos began manufacturing high-voltage cables and opened a new factory in Pieve Santo Stefano.
Technological innovation and modern challenges
One of Tratos’ strengths is its continuous investment in research and development.
The company collaborates with universities and research centres to study new materials, production technologies and eco-friendly solutions.
The company’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the certifications it has obtained, such as ISO 14001 for environmental management, and in its adoption of low-impact production practices.
Over the years, Tratos has not only developed increasingly sophisticated and miniaturised cables, but has also produced halogen-free and recyclable cables, promoting a corporate culture that looks to the future without forgetting its responsibility towards the planet.
The company is set to face the challenges that the future holds: ongoing research into superconductors, development of cables for smart grids, infrastructure for clean energy and next-generation connectivity.
International recognition
Tratos is not just a Made in Italy company: it has become a multinational corporation with a global presence. Today, the company exports to many countries and serves a variety of markets, from rail transport to energy, telecommunications to the oil and gas sector.
Among the most important awards is the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation (2019), awarded in the United Kingdom, for a high-performance cable designed for oil and gas applications.
The new era: acquisitions and consolidation
In recent years, Tratos has further strengthened its strategic position through new acquisitions. In 2024, the acquisition of AFL Telecommunications Europe Ltd (UK) brought the entire fibre optics offer for utilities, railways and the petrochemical sector into its production galaxy. Also in 2024, it acquired the Spanish company Telnet, which has extensive experience in fibre optics. It has also expanded its presence in Germany by integrating its subsidiary, AFL Telecommunications GmbH. These steps demonstrate how much Tratos is focusing not only on technological innovation, but also on structured international growth.
A Made in Italy company with a strong family and global spirit
The story of Tratos Cavi is that of an entrepreneurial adventure born from the passion of a Tuscan engineer and, generation after generation, transformed into a global technology hub. However, despite its global reach, the company maintains strong ties to family and local roots. It is an example of how a small regional business can grow thanks to innovation, long-term vision and strategic investments, becoming a key player in the global cable market, from fibre optics to superconductors.
Today, Tratos S.p.A. is a world-leading Made in Italy group; it exports to over 50 countries, has 400 employees, production facilities in Italy and Great Britain, and hundreds of millions in turnover.
It is also a partner in strategic projects, including railway networks, industrial plants, and energy infrastructure.
Congratulations to those who produce cables that connect and bring Italy to the world!
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