A recent interview with Nelso Antolotti, founder and president of Lincotek Group, and his daughter Linda Antolotti, group vice president, provides insight into the remarkable journey of Lincotek’s evolution.
Nelso points to three key influences that launched the adventure: “First, my father, the person who set me on this path. Second, Emilia, the Italian region that was the incubator for the business, and last, luck!”
Inspired by his father’s entrepreneurial drive and driven by a desire for autonomy, Nelso embarked on his own venture, Flametal, with his brother, starting in a garage and venturing into the world of heat treatments.
Service and Technology
One of the defining factors that set Lincotek apart from its competitors, according to Nelso, was “service and technology, or rather, technology that helps improve the service.” Drawing on his background in tractor design and cementing a “service culture,” Nelso identified the needs of various industries and used technology to provide innovative solutions. “Gradually, we expanded our field of action to other sectors and entered the medical field in the 1980s.”The company’s entry into the medical field proved pivotal, as it recognized the need for cost-effective coating solutions. By acquiring a company specializing in industrial coating machines and redirecting research toward orthopedic solutions, Lincotek gained a competitive edge and emerged as market leaders in Italy and beyond.
Linda Antolotti, who joined the company during a period of geographical expansion, highlights the crucial role of people and cultural understanding in Lincotek’s internationalization process. “We transitioned from a small team to relying on nearly 2,000 employees,” she says. “Given this scale, if we cannot find individuals who embrace our company’s philosophy and understand the importance of nurturing our service culture as my father mentioned, growth becomes impossible.”
Growth and Family Culture
As the company expanded its operations to the United States and China, the cohesion and competence of the team played a significant role in overcoming cultural barriers and fostering synergy between different working mindsets. Maintaining a family culture is a core value for the Antolotti family, evident in their strategic acquisitions of other family businesses. Linda explains how that works: “It’s a way of tackling challenges and managing human resources with a family approach, like in the old days. I am proud that wherever we go, from the United States to China and Europe, this sense of familiarity continues to be felt.”Regarding resources, Nelso emphasizes the importance of a solid financial foundation for the company’s growth. Initial investments were facilitated by banks, but Lincotek later opted to collaborate with equity funds, particularly those that acted as “true investors” and placed trust in the existing management and family “Thanks to this influx of resources, we were able to carry out acquisitions to provide all processes of the orthopedic manufacturing process from concept to packaging.” These partnerships have enabled Lincotek to implement an acquisition strategy that solidified their position as a global leader.
The Future
Looking ahead, Linda Antolotti envisions Lincotek’s future as a comprehensive solution provider across all sectors of operation. Evolving from contract manufacturers to solution providers, Lincotek now offers end-to-end solutions to customers. In the medical field, it has already achieved this by covering every step from concept to packaging, and the company plans to expand this approach to the aerospace and energy sectors. By assuming the role of the “legal manufacturer” and managing regulatory and clinical aspects, Lincotek aims to provide turnkey solutions that help their customers achieve economies of scale and maintain a competitive edge. “In short,” Linda says, “we are always focused on the future!”Nelso Antolotti’s passion for the company’s future is evident: “We must plan today what we will do in 10 years. For example, we are currently working on an aerospace project for the design of special engines that will go into production in 2035. I hope to be able to see those engines running from a boat while fishing in the sea because, at 74 years old, my goal is to dedicate myself to my hobbies. However, the company must have that perspective.”
The story of Lincotek is an example of the power of entrepreneurial vision, technological innovation, and firm commitment to customer service. From its modest beginnings, the company has grown into a global player, providing comprehensive solutions to customers in multiple sectors. As Lincotek continues to evolve, it remains deeply rooted in its core values, using technology and service in tandem to solve customer problems and foster mutual success.