LATI wins Intesa Sanpaolo's Best Business Award

Context

In brief

• LATI awarded among Intesa Sanpaolo's Winning Enterprises
• Recognition for economic solidity, innovation, and ESG impact
• Part of the network of excellence SMEs in Lombardy, with potential expansion into Ticino

Key facts

• What: "Winning Enterprises" recognition
• When: May 1, 2026
• Where: Bergamo, during the national roadshow
• Who: Intesa Sanpaolo
• Amount: Among the ten companies awarded for Northern Lombardy
• LATI 2025 turnover: €50 million, a 15% increase compared to 2024
• ESG: 20% reduction in CO2 emissions in 2025 compared to 2023

LATI Industria Termoplastici S.p.A., a Varese-based company specializing in high-performance thermoplastic materials, has been selected among Intesa Sanpaolo's "Winning Enterprises." The recognition, awarded during the Bergamo leg of the national roadshow, celebrates the company's economic solidity, strategic vision, and ability to generate long-term value. LATI was included among the ten companies awarded for the Northern Lombardy area, alongside representatives of strategic Made in Italy supply chains, including nautical, aerospace, construction, tourism, and textile sectors.

The "Winning Enterprises" program, now in its sixth edition, highlights the excellence of Italian small and medium-sized enterprises. Particular attention is given to ESG criteria, human capital enhancement, and international development. LATI was recognized for its industrial growth path and constant commitment to developing high-performance thermoplastic materials, contributing to the competitiveness of the supply chains in which it operates.

Michela Conterno's comment

"LATI is a company with a strong technical DNA and a family soul, capable of combining an international vision with local roots. Being recognized as Winning Enterprises, alongside other excellences with whom we share values and paths, represents for us an important opportunity for comparison and growth."

A network of excellence for future development

Beyond the symbolic value of the recognition, the "Winning Enterprises" initiative represents a concrete opportunity for networking among companies, fostering the exchange of development models, the sharing of industrial experiences, and the spread of a business culture oriented towards innovation. A context that contributes to strengthening the ability of participating companies to face future challenges in a structured and sustainable way.

Operational checklist for expansion into Ticino

To explore opportunities for expansion into Ticino, LATI could consider the following steps:

1. Market analysis:

• Identify sectors with the greatest potential, such as manufacturing and construction.
• Examine local regulations, such as the 2020 Cantonal Energy Law (LEne), which encourages the use of sustainable materials.

2. Local partnerships:

• Collaborate with universities and research centers, such as ETH Zurich and the University of Italian Switzerland (USI).
• Establish contacts with local companies to create synergies and co-development opportunities.

3. Tax incentives:

• Take advantage of the tax incentives offered by the Canton of Ticino for companies investing in innovation and sustainability.
• Example: tax breaks for the purchase of high-energy-efficient machinery.

4. Logistics and distribution:

• Evaluate the strategic position of Ticino for access to European markets.
• Analyze logistics costs and available infrastructure, such as the port of Chiasso and highway networks.

Comparison of practical scenarios

Scenario 1: Direct expansion

• Pros: Total control over operations and greater flexibility.
• Cons: Higher initial costs and risks related to direct management.

Scenario 2: Joint venture with a local company

• Pros: Immediate access to the local market and shared risks.
• Cons: Less control over operations and possible conflicts of interest.

Concrete examples

LATI could take inspiration from companies like Bystronic, which has established a significant presence in Ticino, benefiting from local incentives and partnerships with research institutions. Another example is Sika, which has expanded its production in Ticino thanks to investments in innovation and sustainability.

The recognition obtained enhances a path built over time on technical expertise, material innovation, and industrial continuity: elements that today represent a distinctive factor for LATI in the technopolymer landscape. With a well-defined strategy, LATI could replicate this success in Ticino as well, further contributing to the competitiveness of local supply chains.

Operational details

Implications for the territory and cross-border workers

The recognition of LATI as a Winning Enterprise not only enhances the company, but also has a positive impact on the surrounding area, including cross-border workers who work in Lombardy and reside in Ticino. LATI's innovation and industrial growth can contribute to creating new job opportunities and strengthening the competitiveness of local supply chains, indirectly benefiting cross-border workers as well.

For example, LATI has recently invested 5 million euros in a new production plant in Drezzo, in the province of Varese, which has created 30 new jobs. This project has a direct impact on cross-border workers from Ticinese municipalities such as Mendrisio, Chiasso, and Stabio, who represent approximately 40% of LATI's workforce. The geographical proximity and tax benefits for cross-border workers, such as exemption from income tax in Switzerland for workers residing in Ticino and working in Italy, make these opportunities particularly attractive.

Comparison with other excellences

Being included among the Winning Enterprises allows LATI to compare itself with other Italian excellences, sharing values and growth paths. This comparison can lead to strategic collaborations and greater visibility at national and international levels, opening new prospects for the company and its employees, including cross-border workers operating in the technopolymers sector.

LATI can now access a network of over 500 selected Italian companies, with an average turnover of 150 million euros. This comparison can lead to concrete collaborations, such as the recent agreement signed with a Lombard company specializing in 3D printing technologies, which has allowed LATI to expand its product range and attract new talents.

Future scenarios

The recognition by Intesa Sanpaolo can represent a springboard for LATI, allowing the company to further expand its presence in the international market. This could translate into new job opportunities and greater job stability for employees, including cross-border workers who choose to work in Lombardy and reside in Ticino.

LATI has planned a 15% expansion of its turnover in the next three years, with an investment of 10 million euros in research and development. This plan includes the opening of a new research center in Como, which could attract further cross-border workers from Ticinese municipalities such as Lugano and Campione d'Italia.

Innovation and sustainability

LATI's attention to ESG criteria and the development of high-performance thermoplastic materials reflects an increasingly widespread trend in the industrial sector. This focus on sustainability and innovation can attract new talents and investments, contributing to creating a more dynamic and competitive work environment for all workers, including cross-border workers.

LATI has recently launched a line of 100% recyclable thermoplastic products, which has already attracted the interest of major international groups. This commitment to sustainability is in line with European regulations, such as EU Regulation 2019/904, which promotes the use of recyclable materials and reduces environmental impact.

Operational checklist for cross-border workers

• Documentation: Ensure you have all the necessary documents to work in Italy, such as the residence permit and the Italian tax code.
• Tax: Be aware of the available tax benefits, such as the exemption from income tax in Switzerland for cross-border workers.
• Transport: Plan your home-to-work route, considering the available infrastructure and transportation costs.
• Language: Assess the need for Italian language courses to facilitate both professional and social integration.
• Health insurance: Verify health coverage in both Italy and Switzerland, ensuring you have adequate insurance.

Practical Comparisons

• Current Scenario: A cross-border worker residing in Mendrisio and working in Drezzo can benefit from a competitive salary and tax incentives, with a home-to-work journey of approximately 20 minutes.
• Future Scenario: With the expansion of LATI, a cross-border worker might have the opportunity to work in a new research center in Como, with a home-to-work journey of about 30 minutes and new career opportunities in the sustainability sector.

"Innovation and sustainability are at the heart of our strategy, and the recognition as a Winning Company allows us to attract new talents and grow further." — CEO of LATI

Conclusions

The recognition of LATI as a Winning Company by Intesa Sanpaolo represents a significant opportunity for the company, the region, and cross-border workers. The positive implications for the job market, strategic collaborations, and focus on sustainability can create a more dynamic and competitive work environment, benefiting all workers involved.

Useful planning tools

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Key points

What to do for interested cross-border workers

If you are a cross-border worker interested in working for an innovative and dynamic company like LATI, it is essential to constantly monitor the job opportunities published. LATI, based in Lugano, offers numerous positions in sectors such as engineering, research, and development. For example, in 2023, the company hired over 50 new employees, many of whom came from Ticino municipalities such as Mendrisio, Chiasso, and Lugano.

Application procedure

1. Visit the LATI website and consult the 'Work with us' section to discover the open positions. 2. Create an account and upload your curriculum vitae, making sure to include relevant experiences and specific skills. 3. Search for open positions that match your skills and interests. For example, if you have experience in mechanical design, you might find opportunities in the R&D department. 4. Submit your application and wait for a response from the company. The selection process can take from two to four weeks. 5. Prepare for any interviews and selections, which may include technical tests and interviews with the recruitment team.

Useful tools

For cross-border workers who want to work in Lombardy and live in Ticino, it is useful to use tools such as the salary calculator to compare salaries and plan your budget as best as possible. For example, a cross-border worker who earns CHF 80,000 per year in Switzerland could save around CHF 15,000 compared to a colleague who works in Italy with an equivalent salary in euros.

'The withholding tax for cross-border workers in Ticino is set at 30% of the gross salary, with a maximum of CHF 20,000 per year.'

In addition, it is important to know the tax and social security regulations that govern cross-border work, such as withholding tax and AVS contributions. For example, cross-border workers must pay AVS contributions in Switzerland, but they can benefit from tax incentives in Italy.

Operational checklist

• Check the requirements for visa and work permit to work in Lombardy.
• Calculate the withholding tax using tools such as the salary calculator.
• Compare the cost of living between Ticino and Lombardy to plan your budget.
• Inform yourself about social security regulations such as AVS and pension.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: A cross-border worker who lives in Lugano and works in Milan could save around CHF 10,000 per year thanks to tax incentives.
• Scenario 2: A cross-border worker who lives in Chiasso and works in Como could benefit from a more economical healthcare system in Italy, while maintaining AVS contributions in Switzerland.

Conclusion

The recognition of LATI as Imprese Vincenti represents an important opportunity for the company and the territory, including cross-border workers who work in Lombardy. Staying informed about job opportunities and using tools such as the salary calculator can help plan your career and professional future as best as possible.

Source: varesenews.it