COMPANY

The history
of SAE

Direct heir of SAE from Lecco, a leading company in the electrification of railway lines, CDC began its operations in the early 1980s. Active since 1926, the Società Anonima Elettrificazione (SAE) was founded by industrial giants such as Falck, Edison, Ansaldo, and others with the goal of electrifying the Bolzano-Brennero railway line. The opening of the factory in Lecco dates back to 1938, where the production of steel towers was initiated, eventually reaching a production capacity of over 120,000 tons per year.

The following decades were marked by great successes and the international expansion of the company’s activities. The Lecco headquarters is now remembered by the SAE Lecco Club, a free association of former SAE Lecco colleagues.

bolzano-brennero line

YEAR: 1929

This project marked the birth of SAE, which was founded to oversee the electrification of the Bolzano-Brennero railway line.

It was such a successful endeavor that it prompted the founders, who had initially formed only a temporary association, to establish a permanent company: Società Anonima Elettrificazione (SAE).

stelvio power line

YEAR: 1947

The Sluderno/Cesano Maderno power line was commissioned by the Montecatini Company to the Società Anonima Elettrificazione (SAE) of Lecco. This project undoubtedly represented an example of technical excellence for a country that had just emerged from World War II. Alongside the scale of the work itself, there were additional challenges due to the post-war circumstances and the complex terrain where the work was being carried out. Local workers were involved in the construction, and their contribution was crucial thanks to their knowledge of the area and their experience in working at high altitudes.

This monumental project will also be part of a dossier aimed at promoting the Stelvio’s candidacy as UNESCO World Heritage status.

messina crossing

YEAR: 1956

When thinking of the Messina crossing, people often recall the bridge that has fueled economic and political debates for decades. However, it was actually in 1957 that the first true crossing of the strait was completed: we are referring to the project that enabled the transport of electricity from the mainland to Messina.

It was SAE – despite various claims of credit – that was the true driving force behind this major industrial project. Not only did it lead to the construction of the necessary structures, but it was also awarded the ANIAI National Prize for the best Italian industrial engineering project.