Interview with Alessandro and Valeria Vignaga, sharing a decade that transformed the family business.
January 2016 – January 2026. Ten years marking the generational transition at MCS DUE. We spoke with Alessandro Vignaga, CEO and Head of Sales, and his sister Valeria, who together took over from their founding parents. A conversation in which their voices naturally merge, as happens when two people share the same vision.
Let’s go back to January 2016: what were the key factors that led to the birth of MCS DUE and the generational transition?
The generational transition actually started well before 2016, in a gradual and natural way. That date represents a formalization, not a complete break. Being part of a single family, we prefer to define it as a semicolon: a pause that marks continuity, not a cut.
How was the generational transition prepared over time?
It also depends on the character of our parents, especially our father. He has always had a non-dominating, non-centralizing approach. Since 2008, the year the new facility was purchased, decisions about investments and machinery were entrusted to us with complete confidence. Initially, we worked alongside them, then progressively we were given full autonomy.
What was the balance between continuity and change in the early years of MCS DUE?
Our father was actually looking forward to this transition. It was gradual: first, he started taking a few days off each week, then more and more. Covid and the lockdowns became a test of prolonged absence, with increasingly sporadic and remote presences. Our mother, on the other hand, took longer, being experienced in administrative management and perhaps more protective of her role. She always described the company as the “third child,” and a mother always finds it harder to let go.
What personal skills did you bring to MCS DUE that you consider decisive for its growth today?
We complement each other perfectly. Alessandro has a creative mind—not reckless, but inclined to act without overthinking, to avoid staying stagnant. He is curious and enjoys offering a service, not just a product. Valeria has a more analytical mind, suited to administrative areas. We are the mirror image of our parents, exactly alike. This balance has always been part of the family DNA.
Looking back over these ten years, what major technological and organizational transformations has MCS DUE experienced?
The company has grown significantly, increasing revenue by 60% compared to that period. But it’s not just about numbers: the team has expanded, and the organization has improved across all areas.
Has the relationship with clients changed?
Absolutely. Generational change also involves the client side: where previously our contacts were often older than us, now they are almost peers or even younger. This translates into different ways of thinking, working, and building relationships.
Which strategic investments have most marked this decade?
Certainly, the expansion of our technical office: we wanted to stop being pure executors of specifications and become capable of designing a product from A to Z. Then there’s 3D printing technology, along with overall evolution in all processes already in place before 2016.
How important is customization today as a competitive advantage?
Very. It is highly appreciated by clients. We relieve them from dealing with multiple suppliers in many cases.
How is quality ensured in a production environment that is increasingly flexible and customized?
It’s not simple, because we are not monothematic. Each department is like a small company connected to other small companies within the same system. Each has specific procedures, its own skills, and in-process control systems calibrated to the work performed.
What role do people play in MCS DUE’s growth?
We pride ourselves on having minimal turnover: this is a sign of loyalty but also of maintaining expertise. Every handover involves a loss of know-how, so retaining staff indirectly adds value for the client.
What values guide the company’s daily work today?
Continuing to work with passion. That’s how we summarize it.
How is technical expertise passed on to new generations of collaborators?
Through shadowing experienced team members, all long-standing staff. This is complemented by established procedures, supported by digital archiving and management systems.
What is the main value MCS DUE offers today to clients compared to ten years ago?
The ability to approach clients with a consultative and proactive mindset.
What have been the most challenging obstacles in these ten years?
Challenges are part of everyday life, but we wouldn’t call them complex, otherwise work would be a drama. With clients, we almost always manage to align thanks to a friendly, partnership-driven approach, which prevents friction or complexity from arising.
Looking to the future, what strategic directions are you working on?
Continuous improvement of processes is a major focus: in machinery, automation, IT support, or even AI implementations.
How do you imagine MCS DUE in the next decade?
It’s hard to say. Ten years ago, we had a vision that came true in terms of business: becoming an expert partner in electronic equipment accessories, enclosures, and human-machine interfaces. But we could never have imagined the developments in 3D printing. We will therefore remain vigilant, interested, and curious.
If you had to sum up these ten years in one word?
A story that evolves. It makes us reflect on 42 years in total since 1983, of which ten are the evolution with the second generation.
What message would you like to share with clients and partners?
Working with MCS means engaging with a young, motivated, and skilled team. Come visit us, see and experience our production and achievements firsthand.
