Soft and warm, fleece was born in the heart of Busto Arsizio: Marco Crosta, a hundred years of textile excellence

Busto Arsizio (Varese), October 26, 2025 – A century of enterprise for a local company that has become a global benchmark in the textile finishing machinery sector: the final phase of the fabric production cycle, also known by industry professionals as "finishing" due to the high aggregate value it brings to the fabric. Celebrating this milestone is Mario Crosta Srl, a company based in Busto Arsizio, which blew out 100 candles with an event attended by approximately 200 people, including Mayor Emanuele Antonelli.

The Busto Arsizio-based company produces machines for the clothing and furnishing sectors , which give the finishing touch, the feel, and the identity to a fabric. These machines give fabrics a "peach-touch" effect, for example, velvet, chenille, and especially "fleece," the soft, velvety fabric technically known as "polar fleece."

Fleece has revolutionized the fabric market

It was precisely with the Busto Arsizio company that, in collaboration with the American company Malden Mills and other operators in the sector, this fabric was born in 1993, which revolutionized trends worldwide . And it is also to this invention that Mario Crosta Srl owes its fame throughout the world.

The celebration of the company's centennial was accompanied by the Tramonti-Crosta Bersaglieri Band, named after Mario Crosta, the founder. The event was an opportunity to celebrate the company's entrepreneurial history, but also to thank those who believed in the company and whose trust and collaboration contributed to its growth and overcoming significant challenges. Starting with the generational transition: currently at the helm is CEO Marco Crosta, who, together with his sister Laura, head of service and support, has taken over from his father Emanuele, who in turn succeeded founder Mario.

"If we're celebrating our centenary, it's because we've pursued two key areas: digitalization and market research," the CEO emphasizes. Ninety-five percent of turnover is exported, with a widespread presence in Asia.