From Milan to Valmet – by way of curiosity
On the border between Italy and Slovenia lies the quiet town of Gorizia, a place that has become home to Claudio, an energetic and thoughtful engineer with a passion for sustainability, collaboration, and the sport of padel. We caught up with him to learn more about his work at Valmet, his background, and what fuels his enthusiasm every day.

Claudio’s journey began in northwestern Italy, where he was born and raised, before moving east to Gorizia in 2021. After earning his degree in Energy Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, he joined Valmet through the International Graduate Program. Four department rotations, a wide mix of projects, and countless connections later, he found his calling as an Energy Management Expert for tissue production processes. "I didn’t have any connection to Gorizia before joining Valmet,” Claudio admits. “But when the opportunity came, I gladly took it.”
A hands-on role that’s anything but ordinary
Despite what the title might suggest, Claudio’s job is far from a desk-bound routine. His days are filled with variety: from visiting mills and working with engineering teams, to identifying the best technology mixes for sustainable tissue production. A big part of his mission is finding green energy vectors to support the industry's decarbonization. “What I enjoy most is the chance to interact with such a diverse group of people – within Valmet, with suppliers, partners, and customers,” Claudio says. “It keeps things dynamic.”
When challenges become opportunities
Although early in his career, Claudio has already had the chance to tackle new, demanding challenges. One recent example? Contributing to the development of a dust control system for converting machines, an entirely new field for him, and one that pushed him to expand his technical and interpersonal toolkit.
It was quite outside my background, but I’ve learned so much. It helped me grow and connect with new colleagues, and the fact that we were building something completely new at Valmet made it all the more exciting.”
Driven by people, purpose, and a bit of stubbornness
For Claudio, it’s not just about the technology – it’s about the people. His strongest memories at Valmet are shaped by those who took time to share knowledge, like a senior colleague who guided him through his first on-site mechanical measurements during the height of the pandemic. “That experience really stuck with me. His openness and willingness to mentor meant a lot.” What keeps Claudio going is a deep desire to do his job well, and his self-described strengths of enthusiasm and persistence help him get there. “At the end of the day, knowing I’ve supported our customers gives me a sense of satisfaction.”
Outside the office: hills, padel, and good food
When it’s time to disconnect, Claudio heads for the outdoors, whether it’s hiking in the hills around Gorizia or strolling the seaside in Grado. But his favorite way to unwind? A competitive round of padel, a sport he picked up with his girlfriend and now enjoys regularly with colleagues and friends. “And of course,” he laughs, “I love discovering new places to eat, anything from Michelin-star restaurants to a stand with a greasy burger.”
Three words? rational, goal-oriented, outgoing.
Those are the traits Claudio’s colleagues would use to describe him, and it’s easy to see why. He brings structure, drive, and warmth to every part of his role. In a field that blends technology and transition, Claudio is a steady hand steering toward a greener future.
2025 marks the year we're celebrating more than 50 years of delivering tissue technology to the world. Through a series of articles, we’ll highlight key milestones, share inspiring personal stories, and, above all, honor the people who have truly made a difference over the decades.
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