FASS stands as a testament to how local tradition can be seamlessly interwoven with corporate identity and product offerings. For over 50 years, the company has forged a strong collaborative bond with Larciano, maintaining a delicate balance between respect for tradition and openness to innovation.
Roots in Larciano’s Broom-Making Heritage
In the second half of the 19th century and early 20th century, Larciano experienced a remarkable industrial boom centered around broom manufacturing, fueled by the natural resources of the surrounding countryside. In particular, the fertile lands adjacent to the nearby Fucecchio marsh were rich in natural fibers, such as sorghum and millet, which provided the raw material for the production of high-quality brooms, solidifying a manufacturing tradition.
From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Enterprise
Before World War II, Celestino Niccolai, the father of the founder, worked in a sorghum broom factory. After the war, he decided to venture into the business of marketing these brooms. Despite his untimely passing, he instilled in his son Piero a passion for this sector, carrying on the legacy with his wife Romana.
Initially, they dedicated themselves to packaging small cleaning sets for cars and small brooms toys for children in a home office. During the 1960s, a significant industrial district emerged, based on a deep knowledge of the local territory, of which Piero would also become a part, starting with the production of a single broom item through the purchase of a punching machine.
The Birth of FASS: A Commitment to Tradition and Growth
Thus, in 1968, the Piero Niccolai company was born, destined to grow and evolve into FASS, Fabbrica Artigianale Scope e Spazzole (Handicraft Broom and Brush Factory), while maintaining the cornerstone of its connection to Larciano, even during the most significant changes.
A tangible example of this relationship is represented by the expansion of the company’s facilities, which over the years have remained faithfully tied to Larciano. Initially, a first warehouse was built adjacent to Piero’s residence, followed, about thirty years later, by the establishment of FASS 2, a plant for the production of painted handles, located a short distance away. In 1995, with the purchase of an additional building, he founded PLASTIC PRODUCTS, which deals with the molding of plastic components. In the early 2000s, these three entities were united under the FASS S.P.A. brand with the joint construction of a new 32.000 square meter plant, marking a new chapter in the company’s history.
A Deep-Rooted Connection to the Community
Another concrete demonstration of FASS’s attachment to the territory is the intrinsic bond with its community. The company has supported local initiatives to date, ranging from involvement in sporting events to the sponsorship of social projects and initiatives. In addition, stable relationships have been maintained with local Tuscan suppliers, with a significant percentage coming from Larciano. FASS’s workforce has also remained primarily composed of local residents, creating a positive impact not only on the company but also on the community’s well-being.
All of this shows how the company’s growth has remained faithful to its roots, making attachment to the territory one of FASS’s core values.