Former Employee Day
50 years of legacy: honoring our roots, embracing the future.
Some days stay with us—not only for what we experience, but for the symbolic meaning they carry. The event celebrating former employees, organized as part of the Nardò Technical Center’s 50th anniversary, was exactly that: a special moment made of people, generations, memories, and shared visions.
From the very start, hospitality set the tone. With professionalism and warmth, today’s NTC team welcomed these special guests with genuine smiles, making everyone feel truly at home.
A large group of former employees chose to return to the proving ground to honor this important milestone and share a memorable day. Coming from all over Italy and representing different eras of the company’s history, they brought with them a living heritage of memory and identity.
A reception surrounded by greenery was much more than a convivial moment—it became a collective embrace. Familiar faces reunited after years, tight hugs, bright smiles, and life stories that effortlessly bridged decades in an instant.
Some of the Center’s key figures fondly recalled their first day at work and the many years that followed—proof of a life spent at the proving ground: “We joined as kids in short pants… and left as grandparents.”
A bridge between generations and visions: a meaningful moment of connection between past, present, and future.
Current employees guided the guests through the transformation of the proving ground, recounting its history and evolution, challenges, and vision for the years ahead. With curiosity and attention, guests learned about the latest technological advancements—and, most strikingly, about the new ways in which NTC now connects with its region and clients. Many were amazed to discover new roles and functions, such as Customer Care or digital-focused areas—unimaginable back in the day, yet now symbols of a company culture increasingly driven by relationships and innovation.
The stories shared confirmed something clear: innovation has always been part of NTC’s DNA. Already in the 1980s, the control tower was an example of this spirit: “We wanted to monitor 60 vehicles in real time, collecting at least ten parameters—temperatures, water, oil, and so on.”
There were also many pioneering safety initiatives at the time:
the internal barrier on the truck track helped prevent fatigue-related accidents;
the creation of separate lanes for trucks and cars—a solution later adopted by Italy’s highway authority—was another innovation born at NTC.
“We were the first in Italy to use New Jersey barriers, imported from the U.S."
"We introduced a fixed barrier to separate truck and car tracks. After seeing our experience, the highway authority adopted them nationwide—at a time when there was no standard solution to divide opposite tracks."
A balance between familiarity and progress.
The visit continued through historic test tracks and newly upgraded facilities, like modern workshops that reflect recent investments and future-oriented thinking. A balance between familiarity and progress. Guests were clearly moved as they saw continuity in the places and roles they once inhabited.
There was also time to reflect on the human values that build lasting bonds: friendships among colleagues, a team spirit that went beyond the job description, and the strength to stay united through the toughest challenges.
“We were a team. We all got involved, no matter our role or title.”
Some former employees recalled, remembering long night shifts, tireless dedication, and the sense of responsibility felt from day one.
“We weren’t just coworkers—we were a family. And this was our home.”
This symbolic handover rekindled a strong sense of belonging—a culture rooted in doing things well, learning with passion, and taking pride in contributing to a shared mission.
The day ended on a joyful, symbolic note: a group photo capturing faces, smiles, emotions—and fifty years of history. A commemorative plaque was presented by the guests to the company—a heartfelt thank-you from those who helped build NTC, and a good-luck gesture for what lies ahead.
Explore the photo gallery and feel the legacy come to life.
On this special day, one thing stood out: what holds this place together transcends time and generations. It’s passion, identity, and vision. And it’s in the meeting of memory and the future that NTC’s identity continues to grow—deeply rooted, and always moving forward.
Watch the video to experience the highlights and emotions of the day.