ELAN is the protagonist of the Cover Story of issue 78 of S News, which showcases the evolution of a typical Made in Italy company from the Marche region while also highlighting the new perspectives and skills that have emerged from a thoughtful generational transition that ELAN has been developing and reinforcing over time.
Cristina Andreoni, engineer and daughter of Adrio Andreoni, the founder and president of ELAN, explains that this evolution occurs not only at the management level but also within the team, which is enthusiastic about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, aiming for a prosperous and competitive future.
To explore the various issues that set apart the ELAN of today and tomorrow, S News interviews Cristina Andreoni herself, the company’s CEO. For more than 35 years, ELAN has established itself in both the Italian and international cable and battery markets, renowned for the quality of its products and its commitment to customers satisfaction.
Enjoy your reading!
Engineer Andreoni, the generational change that frightens many companies, has brought added value to ELAN. Who is ELAN today?
In the current business environment, generational change presents both challenges and opportunities for ELAN to grow and innovate. We have seized this moment of transition, successfully integrating tradition with innovation.
The generational transition has enabled us to maintain the traditional values that have established ELAN as a benchmark in the industry for decades, while also introducing necessary innovations to compete in the global marketplace.
New perspectives and new skills are essential for growth, and this transition has certainly fostered a greater diversity of ideas and approaches in ELAN. This not only enriches the decision-making process but also increases the company’s attractiveness. ELAN is now an even more dynamic and innovative environment, capable of attracting and retaining the best professionals in the industry.
Our company’s recent history demonstrates that balancing tradition and innovation is crucial for creating a prosperous and competitive future.
ELAN has always been promoting the “rule of art,” since last year also with your important and strategic participation in CEI, correct?
That’s right. Since last year, we have been part of the CEI member companies to officially contribute to the dissemination of the “rule of art” in our country. The topic has always been close to our company’s heart and has been finally recognized by the prestigious Italian Electrotechnical Committee.
Continuing our commitment, this year we will participate in all the events of the new cycle of CEI Free Training Conferences, which is a key event for professionals in the electrical, electronics and telecommunications sectors. This initiative involves thousands of professionals throughout Italy who gather to get a preview of all the main innovations in the field.
The CEI 2025 Tour is named “The New Edition of CEI Standard 64-8 to Support the Safety and Performance of LV Electrical Installations”, and it will focus on regulatory and technological developments in a broad context of progressive electrification of end uses and development of digitalization. For us, the CEI Conferences are a vital opportunity for discussion and debate between the regulatory and corporate worlds, and a chance to connect with technicians and professionals.
The tour will consist of 10 meetings across Italy, beginning with the first event in Milan (February 20), Florence (March 6) and Rome (March 20). (All the CEI Tour stops in the article CEI Free Training Tour 2025 Starts: new edition CEI 64-8 standard).
Another strategic area you are focused on is internationalization. What is the significance of this choice?
In today’s global economic environment, internationalization is a crucial strategy for all companies aspiring to expand their reach and increase their competitiveness. For ELAN, active participation in trade fairs such as Intersec (in Dubai in January 2025), Sicurezza (in Fiera Milano in November 2023) and Adria Security Summit (in Sarajevo in October 2024), is not just an opportunity, but a strategic necessity.
Participating in international trade fairs, such as the recently completed 26th Intersec in Dubai, allows us to explore new markets. This year more than 50,000 trade visitors attended the fair, providing an ideal scenario for us to present innovative products and establish business relationships with local and international partners.
In addition, being present at internationally recognized industry trade shows allows us to strengthen our brand.
The visibility gained at these events allows the company to establish its position as an industry leader, and such media exposure is critical to confirming its reputation for reliability and innovation.
Finally, participation in international events allows us to stay abreast of the latest market trends and technological innovations. This competitive advantage allows the company to adapt its products and services promptly, responding effectively to the evolving needs of global customers.
Increasingly, internationalization and active participation in trade shows are essential for us to grow and prosper in an increasingly globalized market. These strategies create new opportunities while also strengthening the company’s position as an innovator in the cable and battery industry.
Innovation is a recurring key concept in your words, engineer. How does it combine with regulatory compliance?
Regarding batteries, Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 of the European Parliament and of the Council has now entered into force, updating the regulation on batteries and battery waste in amendment to Directive 2008/98/EC (on waste), Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (supervision of products placed on the market) and in fact repealing the Batteries Directive (Dir 2006/66/EC), which had brought about an improvement in the environmental efficiency of batteries and established common standards and obligations for economic operators.
At ELAN we are closely monitoring the new Regulation and have proactively undertaken a series of activities to ensure that all necessary requirements are met within the required timeframe. We guarantee that our BIGBAT lead-acid battery series fully complies with the regulations in force, ensuring the highest quality of the product, their ready availability and constant attentive customer service.
As fare as it concerns cables, the market’s increasing sensitivity to CPR regulations and international geopolitical situations clearly generate greater challenges for manufacturers outside the EU to operate in the European market. As a result, we see significant opportunities for growth. Therefore, at ELAN, we continue to adapt to the market sensitivity to certified cables, and we remain committed to expanding our range of certified products.
Many new products have been introduced. What are the latest changes?
For our cable range, we have recently added three new certified cables to our ELANFIRE EN50200 PH120 line.
These are fire-resistant twisted and shielded signal cables certified with a fire reaction class Cca – s1a, d0, a1. Here they are:
- ELANFIRE 2X0.50 TW SHIELDED
- ELANFIRE 2X2X1.00TW SHIELDED
- ELANFIRE 2X2X0.50TW SHIELDED
These cables join the existing ELANFIRE EN50200 PH120 range, namely:
ELANFIRE EN50200 PH120 shielded cables FTE29OHM16
- ELANFIRE 2X1.00TW SHIELDED
- ELANFIRE 2X1.50TW SHIELDED
- ELANFIRE 2X2.50TW SHIELDED
Additionally, we have the ELANFIRE EVAC EN50200 PH120-UNI 9795 cables, unshielded FTS29OM16
- ELANFIRE EVAC 2X1.50TW. UNSHIELDED
- ELANFIRE EVAC 2X2.50TW. UNSHIELDED
The ELANFIRE (PH120) series is a fire-resistant cable using mica technology with the use of E29-type cross-linked compound as specified in CEl 20-105V2. The abbreviations FTS29OM16 and FTE29OHM16 refer to cables where the conductor is sheathed in fibreglass/mica and insulated with E29-type cross-linked compound sheathing (again, in unshielded and shielded versions, respectively).
It is important to emphasize that the production process for FTS29OM16 and FTE29OHM16 cables requires special attention and meticulous craftsmanship. Each section of the conductor must be wrapped in fibreglass/mica tape, which serves as the primary barrier against fire. The sheathed conductor is then extruded into a protective sheath. After coupling with other conductors and any required shielding, a second extrusion is applied with special fire-retardant sheathing.
Regarding the cable range, I would also like to mention the KNX line. The ELAN KNX cable is designed to connect and control heating, lighting and air conditioning systems, providing outstanding performance and a reduced environmental footprint.
Our LSZH TWISTED SIGNAL CABLE (KNX) is certified in class Cca-s1a, d0, a1 and complies with European standards CEI 20-22/III, CEI 20-37 and CEI UNEL 36762; it guarantees non-propagation in case of fire and low smoke and toxic gas emission, making it suitable for installations for both private and public use.
In this regard, I would like to reiterate that ELAN is a manufacturing company officially recognized by the KNX Community.
Tradition and innovation turn out to be your mantra, part of the company’s DNA. What is your vision for the future and what aspects, in addition to those already presented, will become distinctive and successful for a company, in your opinion?
For over 35 years, ELAN cables and batteries have been synonymous with excellence and innovation in the industry. Based in the Marche Region, our company has established itself as a leader thanks to the quality of its products and dedication to the customer, representing an authentic example of Made in Italy production. Quality, in fact, is our beating heart. Every cable produced by the company expresses the excellence of Made in Italy, including the materials used, which are carefully selected to ensure superior performance and durability, thus meeting the needs of an increasingly demanding market.
ELAN then ensures excellent service and wide availability, thanks to a portfolio of 400 products, always in stock for prompt delivery. This wide range enables customers to always find the right solution, with the assurance of fast and reliable delivery times. The ability to maintain such a large, ready-to-use inventory is a testament to the company’s logistical efficiency.
Customer care is another priority for ELAN. We strive to understand and meet the specific needs of each customer, offering personalized support and expert advice. This approach not only builds trusting relationships but also ensures that each customer receives maximum value from the products and services we offer.
This value is the fruit of a tradition that combines expertise and passion, distinctive elements of our work, and the significant generational change that ELAN has recently experienced not only marks a continuity in family tradition but also represents an opportunity to innovate, acquire new skills and create new perspectives.
We will therefore continue to invest in research and development to create even better performing solutions. We will aim to further strengthen our presence in foreign markets by establishing new strategic partnerships, and we will continue to offer exceptional service and the highest quality products, meeting the needs of an ever-changing market.
The entire ELAN team and I are excited about the challenges and opportunities ahead, and ready to write the next chapter of our story with passion and determination.
