Massimo Seri, affectionately known as “Scintillone” within the company, is a remarkable figure in cable manufacturing and innovation. Born and raised in Pieve Santo Stefano, Italy, he embodies the spirit of Tratos, a company that values local talent and expertise.
Tratos, often referred to as a “pocket-sized multinational,” thrives on its exports, yet its core strength lies in the commitment of its local employees. In a village of 3,000 inhabitants, 300 individuals are proud members of the Tratos family, a testament to the company’s deep roots in the community.
Massimo Seri, the “Leonardo of Tratos,” possesses a unique and invaluable skill set. He is the only person in the world capable of creating specialised cables for the CERN facility in Geneva, Switzerland. This achievement is all the more remarkable, considering that global giants had withdrawn from the project due to its extreme complexity. Seri, a local industrial expert passionate about his craft, rose to the challenge.
Over twelve years, Tratos has become one of the leading suppliers to Network Rail, the British railway system. Their outstanding contribution earned them the prestigious Queen’s Award, the highest recognition a business can achieve in the United Kingdom.
Massimo Seri’s journey is emblematic of Tratos’ ethos of innovation and development. His tireless dedication, ingenuity, and engineering prowess have driven the company’s progress. Tratos has consistently introduced groundbreaking products, from optical cables in 1987 to telephone cables with solid insulation, non-toxic cables, and flame-resistant cables in 1988. The early ’90s saw the company venture into medium-voltage cables, adapting to evolving regulations and sensitivities.
In the 2000s, Tratos revolutionised the industry by miniaturizing cables, enabling the insertion of up to 288 fibres with an 8 mm diameter, setting new standards in the field. Around 2010, a fortuitous collaboration with E.N.E.A. led to the development of superconducting cables, enabling the European part of the ITER project in partnership with Criotec. This breakthrough propelled Tratos into designing and constructing systems for cabling superconductors, primarily used by C.E.R.N. in Geneva.
Tratos’ innovation extended to voltage regulation conductors, making strides in mobile laying and offshore cables. Simultaneously, the company developed an original in-house process for high-voltage cable production.
Massimo Seri’s contributions underscore the company’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, fostering sustainability, and driving progress in cable manufacturing. His exceptional skills and dedication have been instrumental in shaping Tratos’ reputation as a leader in the industry.
