the Japanese magnate is hosted by the Gastaldello family at Wilier Triestina
28 June 2004 was a memorable day for Wilier Triestina. Yoshizo Shimano, the chairman of the famous Japanese industrial giant of bicycle components, visited the Wilier Triestina factory spending several hours in the company of the Gastaldello family.
Wilier Triestina is one of Shimano’s main clients in Europe, and its chief arrived by helicopter in Rossano Veneto, intent on visiting one of the companies he has defined as one of the most interesting in the cycling business scene.
Welcomed by Lino Gastaldello and his sons Michele, Enrico and Andrea, he visited the various departments of the company, browsing the production and show room in particular, where he spent some time in front of the bicycle and jersey that belonged to Marco Pantani.
Yoshizo Shimano asked various questions to the owners of Wilier Triestina to understand their approach to the domestic and foreign markets and the features of the flagship models.
He willingly posed for some photographs with company staff, after which, he politely said goodbye, wished them luck and left by helicopter to his offices in Milan.
A visit which gave Wilier a pleasant memory of a great and charismatic company, whose name today is one of the historic symbols of technology applied to bicycles.
“Mr. Shimano’s visit really surprised and flattered us – commented Lino Gastaldello -.
In Italy he has asked to personally meet very few companies and we are pleased to have been among them. He seemed truly interested and keen on cooperating with us and this is an important recognition of our work”.

Yoshizo Shimano together with the Gastaldellos

Yoshizo Shimanoin the Wilier show-room

Yoshizo Shimano with Andrea Gastaldello

Yoshizo Shimano and with the whole Wilier staff