There are stories that remain etched in our hearts forever, stories that transcend time. My grandfather’s story, Giannelli Benito, is one of those. A man who devoted his life to work, family, and a dream that took shape through his hands. That dream was called “Sansone”—not just the name of a company, but a symbol of passion, sacrifice, and vision.
The Roots of a Dream
The story began in 1964 when my grandfather, Giannelli Benito, started producing his first milk storage tanks and buckets in the family garage. It wasn’t just manual labour—it was passion, dedication, and a vision that extended far beyond the small workshop where he worked. In the 1970s, the business grew and gained stability, a time of great sacrifices but also immense satisfaction.
The Birth of the Sansone Brand
In 1973, after acquiring a warehouse in the industrial area of Lecce, the “Sansone” brand was officially born. However, this period was marked by some conflicts among the founding partners. My grandfather strongly opposed the introduction of an automated system, fearing it would jeopardize jobs for the workers. This disagreement led him to make a bold decision: to leave the very company he had created, staying true to his values.
Undeterred, Giannelli Benito founded a new company, OMG (Officine Meccaniche Giannelli), specializing in water tank production. It quickly distinguished itself for its quality and innovation, earning the “Nuovo Mezzogiorno” award for small industries just four years later.
Years later, after the Sansone company, under the management of his former partner, went bankrupt, my grandfather closed OMG and purchased the Sansone brand for 50 million lire, bringing it back under his leadership and breathing new life into his dream.
A Family Legacy
In the 1980s, the story of Sansone also became the story of the family. In 1984, with the inauguration of the first warehouse, Benito’s daughters, Maria and Roberta, who had just graduated, began working to carry forward their father’s entrepreneurial dream alongside their respective husbands. Rino, who took on the responsibility of leading the company as CEO together with Benito, and Antonio, who managed the production department, consistently ensuring maximum efficiency and quality.
Five years later, my grandfather purchased a large plot of land, which would later be used to build the second warehouse. This move showcased not only his foresight but also his ability to plan for the future, always focused on growing the business.
The following years were marked by significant milestones. In 1991, the company was officially re-established under the name “Sansone,” and shortly afterward, the product that would become its flagship—the welded container—was introduced. This container, with just one central weld, set the company apart from the competition.
A Mark of Quality
In 1998, the Sansone brand was officially registered, solidifying the identity and quality it represented. A few years later, “La Nuova Sansone” received the “Mercurio d’Oro” award, a prestigious recognition of its contribution to the entrepreneurial landscape.
As the years passed, Sansone continued to grow and innovate. In 2010, the second warehouse became operational to support increasing production demand. The following year, the company achieved its first NSF certification, marking its high-quality standards and enabling expansion into new markets like the United States. This was also the time when his grandsons, Simone and Marco, began working in the company, bringing fresh ideas and the same passion that had characterized the start of our journey. From that moment on, we have never stopped innovating, always looking to the future with the pioneering spirit that has defined Sansone’s path.
Looking to the Future with Gratitude
Today, as I write these words, I reflect on how my grandfather, Giannelli Benito, left an indelible mark on our lives and our family’s history. With the same determination and ambition that defined him, Sansone continues to face the future with confidence, committed to meeting market needs, growing, and innovating.
This is the story of my grandfather, the story of Sansone, and our story. Until two weeks before his passing, my grandfather was at the company every single day. Each morning, he arrived with a smile, ready to offer advice, work, and share his love for the craft he began so long ago. Even today, his chair remains in the production area, a silent yet ever-present reminder of his strength, passion, and dedication. We will never forget him and will continue to carry his dream forward with the same love he poured into building it.
Thank you, Grandpa.
