Webuild and Salini: collaboration needed for a competitive Ticino

Context

TL;DR

• Webuild CEO Pietro Salini emphasizes collaboration between institutions, industry, and academia for global infrastructure competitiveness.
• Webuild leads a supply chain of 17,500 companies, exporting Italian expertise to global projects.
• Cross-border projects like railway expansions and border renovations could benefit Ticino and Lombardy.
• Webuild prioritizes training and safety, delivering 3 million hours of training between 2022-2025.

Key facts

• Global market: Infrastructure market expected to reach $5.18 trillion by 2030.
• Supply chain: Webuild aggregates 17,500 companies in its supply chain.
• Training hours: Over 3 million hours of safety training delivered between 2022-2025.
• Cross-border workers: Over 70,000 workers commute daily from Ticino to Lombardy.
• Key projects: Includes Naples art stations, Rome archaeological stations, and Milan M4 line.
• Border crossing: Chiasso border crossing renovation aims to reduce waiting times and enhance security.
• Employment: Webuild employs 95,000 people globally, with 22,000 in Italy.

MILAN. 'To continue competing at the highest levels in a global infrastructure market expected to reach $5.18 trillion by 2030, it is essential to increasingly strengthen systematic collaboration between institutions, industry, and academia,' said Pietro Salini, CEO of Webuild, during an event in Milan today. His remarks, delivered at Building with Beauty: Where Infrastructure Meets Design, leave no room for doubt.

The discussion took place as part of the EVOLUTIO exhibition, promoted by the Group and running until May 3 at the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci in Milan. Also present at the meeting were Maria Porro (President of the Milan Furniture Fair), Mario Cucinella (founder of MCA - Mario Cucinella Architects), Francesco Zurlo (Dean of the School of Design at the Politecnico di Milano), Antonio Calabrò (President of Museimpresa), and Guido Guerzoni (Professor of Museum Management at Bocconi University).

Webuild’s model: A traveling district for exports

Salini emphasized how Webuild acts as the leader of a structured supply chain that aggregates 17,500 companies, forming a true itinerant district capable of exporting Italy’s know-how into major global infrastructure projects. This strategy becomes crucial during periods of geopolitical instability, where large-scale infrastructure represents a fundamental countercyclical investment.

This production ecosystem goes beyond mere cost considerations, instead focusing on quality, aesthetics, reliability, and the ability to manage highly complex orders. According to Salini, this model is proving successful: 'Our works are not just functional; they are contemporary monuments designed to stand the test of time,' he added.

📊 Infrastructure as a catalyst for Ticino and Lombardy

Webuild’s focus on cross-border projects is particularly strong. Among the examples cited are the art stations of Naples, the archaeological stations of Porta Metronia and Colosseo/Fori Imperiali on Rome’s Linea C Metro, and the archaeological finds for Milan’s M4 line. These projects demonstrate how infrastructure can regenerate urban fabric and enhance history.

For Ticino, this vision translates into concrete opportunities. Projects such as the expansion of the railway network between Como and Varese, the renovation of the Chiasso border crossing, or the construction of new road connections between Lugano and Lombardy could benefit from this systemic collaboration. It’s not just about building; it’s about creating shared value on both sides of the border.

💡 Training and safety: Two pillars of competitiveness

Another key aspect of Webuild’s model is training. The Group ensures the intergenerational transfer of unique technical skills: 'Through a model that includes training across multiple schools, we address the mismatch between supply and demand for skilled labor,' Salini explained. Currently, Webuild employs 95,000 people globally, with 22,000 based in Italy alone.

Workplace safety is equally prioritized. Between 2022 and 2025, Webuild delivered over 3 million hours of training, becoming the global sector leader in safety standards. This achievement raises operational benchmarks across the entire supply chain, including Ticino’s construction sites.

⚠️ > 'The alliance between institutions, industry, and academia is more than any technology: it is what turns a project into a legacy for future generations.'

— Pietro Salini, CEO of Webuild

Operational details

Having the best technology alone is not enough if there is no shared vision. This statement captures the essence of Salini’s proposal, with direct implications for cross-border workers from Ticino who commute to Lombardy or Italian professionals operating in the Canton.

What changes for workers at the border

Enhanced collaboration between institutions and businesses could lead to greater integration between the labour markets of Ticino and Lombardy. Projects such as the construction of new railway stations or the renovation of historic border crossings require cross-disciplinary expertise: engineers, architects, safety technicians, as well as logistics and human resources specialists.

Currently, cross-border workers from Ticino are a fundamental component of the Canton’s economy. Recent data shows that over 70,000 workers cross the border daily, primarily heading to Varese, Como, and Milan. This workforce could benefit from new training opportunities and closer collaboration between local authorities.

Before vs after: concrete scenarios

Before the initiative: Cross-border infrastructure projects often faced delays due to a lack of coordination between authorities, differing regulations, or overly complex bureaucratic procedures. Companies had to operate in a fragmented context, risking overlaps or gaps in project management.

After the initiative: Closer collaboration between institutions and businesses could streamline procedures, reducing approval times and improving project quality. For cross-border workers, this would translate into:

• Greater job stability: Faster and more complete construction sites mean fewer risks of suspensions or layoffs.
• New skills in demand: Targeted training on safety, digitalisation, and sustainability, with certifications recognised on both sides of the border.
• Access to higher-responsibility roles: Complex projects like those mentioned by Salini (archaeological stations, art stations) require highly specialised professionals.

The role of Ticino’s institutions

The Canton of Ticino, through the Department of Finance and Economics (DFE) and the Department of Territory, could play a key role. For example:

• Promoting agreements with the Lombardy Region to share best practices in construction site management.
• Simplifying the recognition of qualifications for cross-border workers operating in strategic sectors (construction, transport, energy).
• Investing in dual education (school-work) programmes in collaboration with Webuild and other major companies in the sector.

A concrete example: the Chiasso border crossing

The Chiasso border crossing is one of the main access points for cross-border workers. Its renovation, if carried out with a collaborative approach, could:

• Reduce waiting times for workers, currently estimated at an average of 30-45 minutes during peak hours.
• Enhance security with advanced control systems and dedicated emergency areas.
• Create new jobs in both Ticino and Lombardy, with positive economic spillovers for the local area.

📊 Box: According to recent data, over 70,000 cross-border workers from Ticino commute daily to Lombardy, making up a significant share of the Canton’s labour force.

Challenges and obstacles

Challenges remain, including:

• Regulatory differences: Public procurement procedures in Switzerland and Italy often diverge, particularly regarding workplace safety and environmental standards.
• Costs and funding: Large-scale projects require substantial investments, which must be shared among multiple stakeholders.
• Resistance to change: Some local administrations may be reluctant to modify long-standing procedures.

⚠️ Box: The lack of harmonised regulations can lead to delays, higher costs, and inefficiencies in cross-border projects.

However, the model proposed by Salini offers a way out: systemic collaboration can overcome these barriers, turning constraints into opportunities.

The future of infrastructure between Ticino and Lombardy

If the Webuild model succeeds, Ticino could position itself as a logistics and infrastructure hub between Switzerland and Italy. This would imply:

• An increased demand for skilled workers in the construction, technical, and safety sectors.
• Greater integration between Ticino’s and Lombardy’s education systems.
• New partnerships between local companies and multinational firms in the sector.

For cross-border workers, this would mean more career opportunities, continuous training, and job stability. Moreover, large-scale projects of this kind could also attract investments in related sectors, such as hospitality and services.

What cross-border workers need to do

To seize these opportunities, cross-border workers should: 1. Monitor job postings from Webuild and other major infrastructure companies, both in Ticino and Lombardy. 2. Update their skills in safety, digitalization, and sustainability through recognized courses. 3. Take part in networking initiatives between institutions and businesses, such as those promoted by the Italian-Swiss Chamber of Commerce or the Ticino Department of Education (DFE).

📊 Key data:

• Ticino cross-border workers: 70,000+ daily commuters
• Global infrastructure market: $5.18 trillion by 2030
• Companies in the Webuild supply chain: 17,500
• Safety training hours: 3 million in the 2022-2025 three-year period

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

If collaboration between institutions and companies is to become a reality, Ticino border workers and Italian professionals working in the Canton must be ready to seize new opportunities. Here's what to do step by step so you don't get caught unprepared.

Step 1: Check ongoing infrastructure projects

The first construction sites that could benefit from Webuild's collaborative approach are those already in the planning or start-up phase. For frontier workers, it is essential to:

• Consult the website of the Ticino DFE (nav:jobs) to monitor calls for tenders and job opportunities in strategic sectors (construction, transport, energy).
• Check the ads of Webuild and the other 17,500 companies in the supply chain, available on their institutional sites or on specialized platforms such as nav:companies.
• Subscribe to the newsletters of the Italian-Swiss Chamber of Commerce or the Order of Engineers of the Canton of Ticino to receive real-time updates.

Step 2: Update required skills

Workplace safety and digitalization are two pillars of the Webuild model. For cross-border commuters, this means:

• Participate in safety training courses on construction sites, such as those organized by SUPSI or EOC. Some courses are already recognized in Lombardy and Ticino. - Learn the digital tools used in large infrastructure projects, such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) or construction site management platforms. - Obtain specific certifications, for example to operate in hazardous environments or with special machinery. Webuild organizes internal courses which, in some cases, can also be extended to external professionals.

⚠️ > Attention: Some skills, such as those in the field of occupational safety according to Swiss legislation (SUVA), are mandatory to work on construction sites in Ticino. Always check the requirements before applying.

Step 3: Participate in networking initiatives

Institution-business collaboration is also based on the sharing of know-how. Cross-border commuters can actively contribute by participating in:

• Technical tables organized by the DFE or the Lombardy Region, where cross-border infrastructure projects are discussed. - Industry events, such as those promoted by Museimpresa or the Politecnico di Milano SUPSI, which bring together companies, institutions and professionals. - Working groups on dual training issues, where shared training courses are designed between Ticino and Lombardy.

Step 4: Monitor tax incentives and benefits

To attract investment and skills, the Canton of Ticino and the Lombardy Region could introduce new tax breaks or contributions for training. Keep an eye on:

• The website of the Ticino DFE for any regional or cantonal tenders. - The communications of SUPSI and the Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), which often promote training projects with public funding. - Bilateral agreements between Switzerland and Italy, which could provide tax relief for those who work in strategic sectors.

Step 5: Prepare for regulatory changes

Collaboration between institutions and companies could lead to new regulations on: - Cross-border public procurement: Simplified procedures for shared projects. - Recognition of skills: Greater flexibility in validating professional qualifications between Ticino and Lombardy. - Occupational safety: Alignment of standards between the two countries.

In order not to be caught unprepared, it is useful to: - Periodically consult the website of the SECO (State Secretariat for Economic Affairs) for updates on Swiss laws. - Participate in webinars organized by bodies such as the Revenue Agency or the Chamber of Commerce, which explain the news in the field of cross-border work. - Seek advice from law firms specializing in Italian-Swiss labor law.

Deadlines and timelines

At the moment, no specific deadlines have been indicated for the adoption of the collaborative model. However, the event in Milan on April 15, 2026 marks a first concrete step. The next few months will be crucial for:

• The signing of agreements between Webuild and the Ticino and Lombard institutions. - The launch of technical tables for the planning of the first pilot projects. - The definition of funding procedures and calls for tenders.

Useful tools for cross-border commuters

To better cope with this change, cross-border commuters can use:

• nav:calculator: Calculator of net salaries for cross-border workers, with updates on tax and contribution rates. - nav:tax-return: Practical guide for tax returns in Ticino and Lombardy, with a focus on benefits for those who work at the border. - nav:salary-compare: Comparison of average salaries in strategic sectors (construction, transport, energy) between Ticino and Lombardy. - nav:jobs: Updated database of job vacancies in the infrastructure sectors, both in Ticino and Lombardy. - nav:living-ch: Guide to moving to Ticino, with information on costs, accommodation and services for cross-border commuters.

What happens if you don't act?

Standing still in this phase of change could involve: - Loss of job opportunities in strategic sectors. - Lack of access to quality training, which could limit professional growth. - Risk of skills obsolescence, especially in a market that requires more and more specialization.

Conclusion: The time to act is now

The initiative by Webuild and Pietro Salini represents a unique opportunity for Ticino cross-border commuters and Italian professionals working in the Canton. It is not just a matter of building infrastructure, but of building a future: more jobs, more training, more collaboration between the two countries.

The Canton of Ticino, with its strategic positioning, can become a laboratory of innovation in this sense. It is up to each cross-border commuter to take up this challenge, keeping up-to-date, actively participating and preparing for the changes to come.

💡 Final tip: Enroll now in one of the training courses offered by SUPSI or EOC, and start monitoring the calls for tenders on nav:jobs. The future of cross-border infrastructure is already here: don't miss your chance to be part of it.

Source: varesenoi.it