13.09.2005

John Valla

John Valla, the son of Valla founder Antonio Valla, died yesterday in the USA. He was a brilliant engineer and played a significant role in building the crane company into the business it is today.

In 1963 Valla pioneered the introduction of the first battery electric mobile crane. Today Valla are by far the leader in the electric pick and carry crane market. John Valla also made the bold decision in the early 60’s to move his family to Fresno, California where he opened a North American arm of the business.

John handed over the day to day management of the company to Maurizio Manzini the current General Manager, based at the Calendasco plant in Italy, a few years back,

John’s son Antonio junior decided to become a lawyer in the USA but still maintains an involvement with the business.