Museo delle Industrie e del Lavoro del Saronnese

Stepping into the Museo delle Industrie e del Lavoro del Saronnese (MILS) in Saronno, Italy, is like taking a journey back in time to witness the industrial evolution of this vibrant region. Nestled within the historic buildings of the former Ferrovie Nord Milano workshops, near the bustling Saronno railway station, this museum offers a captivating glimpse into the industrial heritage that shaped the local community.

The Birth and Evolution of the Museum

The inception of MILS can be traced back to a 1996 exhibition dedicated to the ancient industrial activities in the Saronno area. The overwhelming success of this exhibition sparked the idea of creating a permanent museum to house the artifacts and documents collected. The first section of the museum was inaugurated on October 25, 1998, within a historic warehouse provided by Ferrovie Nord Milano, which was once part of the FNM Social Workshops. Over the years, the museum has expanded significantly, with the exhibition space reaching 2,000 square meters by 2003, including 600 square meters of covered area. By 2005, another 200 square meters were added, bringing the total covered exhibition space to 800 square meters.

In 2013, an entire wing of the museum was dedicated to Luigi Lazzaroni, a prominent entrepreneur in the food sector and one of the museum's key promoters, who passed away in 2012. The museum continued to innovate and in 2017, it introduced new electronic visit tools to enhance the visitor experience.

Showcasing Saronno's Industrial Giants

From its inception in 1998, MILS has amassed a remarkable collection of documents, products, and machinery from the major companies that operated in the region. These companies, particularly in the mechanical, railway, textile, and food sectors, played a pivotal role in the city's development, extending their influence beyond mere production to include social and urban initiatives that are still evident in Saronno's urban fabric today.

Among the key companies represented in the museum are Averone Borsani, Costruzioni Meccaniche di Saronno, Cemsa, Cotonificio Cantoni De Angeli Frua, Cotonificio Poss, Davide Lazzaroni, EBI Buti, FIMI-Phonola, Liquorificio Saronnese Fontana, Fonderie e Officine di Saronno, Gianetti, INCIS, Isotta Fraschini, Lesa, LUS Legnani Umberto Saronno, Menning & Torley, Molino Canti, Parma, and Paolo Lazzaroni. The Ferrovie Nord Milano holds a special place in the museum, as it was not only a major employer in the city but also housed the main workshops for the maintenance of rolling stock and steam locomotives.

Exploring the Museum's Collections

The museum's collections are organized by individual companies, each showcasing their unique contributions to Saronno's industrial landscape. Some companies are associated with specific products and sectors, such as the confectionery industry or the radio and television industry, while others span multiple sectors. The outdoor exhibition area is entirely dedicated to the railway sector, featuring locomotives, wagons, and carriages from various manufacturers. Although Ferrovie Nord Milano is not a factory in the traditional sense, its presence has been crucial to the city's economic development, particularly in the metalworking industry.

The Ferrovie Nord Milano Section

The Ferrovie Nord Milano has always been a cornerstone of the local economy. The Saronno station, along with the Milano Bovisa station, has been a vital hub in the railway network, hosting the main maintenance workshops for locomotives and vehicles until their closure in 1942. The area adjacent to the museum still serves as the headquarters for the FNM network maintenance teams. The proximity to Milan and the presence of the railway have been significant factors in the development of the local industry.

The museum's rich collection includes some prized items:

• The E.600-06, part of the first series of FNM electric locomotives (1928-29).
• The EB.700-09 electric railcar, part of the first series of electric railcars (1928-33), paired with a post-war 810 trailer.
• The M.2 battery-powered shunter, used at the Novate workshops for internal services.
• A 1922 bogie passenger carriage and four different types of freight cars, three of which are equipped for FNM network maintenance purposes.
• The X0011 service carriage, a unique example used for checking the overhead electric line, derived from an early 20th-century two-axle car.
• The Max Judel type central apparatus for switching and signaling, which regulated movements at the Milano Cadorna station for a century (1895-1995). This apparatus, recovered by museum volunteers, consists of a 39-lever control panel, a light board, acoustic alarms, and a switch that can be operated for demonstration purposes.
• The Art Nouveau canopy that once adorned the entrance to the Saronno station.

In April 2018, the collection was further enriched with three new rolling stock items:

• The E.610-03 electric locomotive, part of the second series of FNM electric locomotives (1949).
• The EB.740-02 electric railcar.
• The DE.510-02 diesel shunting locomotive.

Visitors to the Museo delle Industrie e del Lavoro del Saronnese are treated to a fascinating journey through the industrial heritage of Saronno. The museum not only preserves and showcases the technological advancements and industrial achievements of the region but also tells the stories of the people and communities that were instrumental in shaping its history. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a railway buff, or simply curious about the industrial past, MILS offers a rich and engaging experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.