Ferrara, July 29, 2026 – First day yesterday, first lesson of the course to prepare for childbirth. “They teach you how to prepare the bag, what to put inside, how to face emergencies, the rush to the hospital. I go to the Boschetto counseling center.” Angela Marinelli, 31, has a blue floral dress, long black hair and a big belly. “I’m in the eighth month of pregnancy. My son, yes it will be a boy, will be born on September 26,” she is happy, with a big smile in the lobby of the Coperion plant.
Until the other day – Monday, July 22 – her concern was what to name the first child (“My husband wants the name Giacomo like his father, I prefer a shorter name, maybe Fabio”). Since that date, the world and her life have changed. “Here it closes.” The Coperion group, controlled by the US fund Lone Star Funds, announces to the 77 employees in Ferrara the decision to shut down and lay off.
When were you hired?
“My son will be born on September 26, I was hired here on September 21, 2021. What a joy that day.”
What are your duties?
“I started as an assistant to management. And I was recently promoted, I am an ISO manager. I take care of health and safety in our company.”
Your husband?
“He is 34 years old, he works as a driver for the transport company Tper.”
How will it end?
“I don’t think there is hope, for the fate of the company, for the future of us employees. From what I understand, closures and layoffs do not only concern our city but also other plants of the group. And, honestly, I don’t think buyers will come forward, that someone wants to buy the company. And in any case, it will no longer be our Coperion.”
What will you do?
“Well, I won’t need to find someone to take care of my son when I’m at work. Just kidding. I will get busy, I will immediately start looking for another job.”
What is your educational background?
“I graduated in advertising graphics and photography.”
Have you bought a house?
“Yes, I am originally from the province of Naples. I moved to Vigarano Mainarda already in 2020. We bought a house a few years ago, we are paying the mortgage. I never expected to live a situation like this, our company has always been solid.”
Do you feel comfortable here?
“Yes, very much. It’s like a family, we all know each other, there is respect. Yes, we are a great team.”
Giacomo or Fabio?
“We’ll see. But in the end, I will have the final say on my son’s name. At least I think so.”
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