The Cusio-Valsesia district, located in the Novara province of Piedmont, is a hidden gem of Italian manufacturing, specifically known for its faucet and valve production. This region, nestled by Lake Orta and the Alpine hills, has a long history of metalworking, which began with the casting of bronze bells and evolved into producing various brass items such as household goods and cutlery. Over time, this tradition laid the foundation for what would become a thriving faucet industry.
The area’s proximity to valuable fuel resources like peat and lignite played a crucial role in the development of industrial activities, especially the processing of metals. The industrialization of local quarries in the late 19th century furthered the region’s transformation, leading to the emergence of a specialized faucet manufacturing sector. By 1908, the first faucet workshop opened, and as demand for brass items declined, the focus shifted toward producing faucets and valves.
The growth of the industry was further catalyzed by labor availability after World War I, as granite extraction declined. Small family-run workshops, known as “buchi,” became the backbone of the early faucet industry. These artisans worked out of cellars or small domestic spaces, with women often assisting in the molding process. Many workers used their personal savings to fund their businesses, driven by a passion to succeed. This grassroots approach to manufacturing paved the way for the district’s eventual expansion.
By the mid-20th century, as public health and hygiene standards improved, the demand for faucets, especially for bathrooms and kitchens, surged. This shift in consumer needs fueled the growth of the industry, leading to the establishment of three key faucet production areas: the Lake Orta region (focused on single-product manufacturing), Brescia (specializing in non-ferrous metalworking), and Milan (serving as the commercial hub). These areas developed strong synergies, combining quality craftsmanship from Novara, mass production from Brescia, and commercial expertise from Milan, forming a highly competitive industrial district.
The district has grown to be one of Italy's most dynamic industrial sectors. It is characterized by a mix of small and medium-sized enterprises that prioritize innovation and design, allowing them to compete with larger manufacturers. Over time, many entrepreneurs, after gaining experience, have established their own businesses, creating a tight-knit network of interdependent companies. This collaboration has led to economies of scale, enabling the district to maintain competitiveness on a global scale.
Several factors have driven the district’s growth: a tradition of brass and bronze processing, access to abundant water and low-cost energy, and legislative support for public housing and infrastructure development. Additionally, the construction of the Simplon Railway connected the region to more industrialized areas, facilitating access to cheaper energy and broadening market reach.
The region’s success is also attributed to its strong workforce, which has evolved over the years. Today, the district employs around 4,000 skilled workers, with many of them gaining experience before starting their own ventures. This highly trained workforce, combined with an efficient local economic network, has helped the region maintain a reputation for quality and craftsmanship. Companies in the district are also recognized for their commitment to environmental sustainability and customer service.
Design has become a key strength of the district, with many manufacturers focusing on creating aesthetically pleasing and technologically advanced faucets. The sector’s reputation for innovation is reinforced by the continued development of high-tech solutions and the use of modern design in their products. This has positioned the Cusio-Valsesia region as a global leader in the sanitary faucet industry.
One of the highlights of the region is the “Museum of Faucets and Their Technology” in San Maurizio d’Opaglio, which explores the historical relationship between humans and water. The museum provides a unique perspective on the evolution of hygiene and the technological innovations that have shaped body care, from a luxury practice to a mass phenomenon. It also highlights the role that faucets and valves have played in this transformation, reflecting the region’s integral role in the development of modern sanitation.
The museum aims to explore the social history of water, focusing on the innovations that allowed people to master this essential resource, shaping the evolution of body care and leading to the rise of the faucet and valve industry in the Cusio region. Today, the district continues to be a hub of innovation, with a strong export orientation and a focus on quality and design, making it one of Italy’s most successful and influential industrial regions.
