More Than a Machine: Finding Family, Inspiration, and Excellence at MFL
When businesses invest in machinery, they expect technical expertise, quality engineering, and professional service. What they do not expect is to find a family.
My journey with MFL Group began with the purchase of a 16-end multi-wire drawing machine to support the growth and modernization of our copper cable manufacturing operations. What I discovered was far more valuable than any piece of equipment. I found a team whose commitment to excellence is matched only by their humanity.
From the very beginning, Piero Brunetti became much more than a business contact. In every meeting, every discussion, and every challenge, he stood beside me with unwavering support. He guided me through the process with patience, wisdom, and genuine care. As a woman navigating a highly technical and traditionally male-dominated industry, I immediately felt seen, respected, and encouraged. Piero Brunetti treated me not as a customer, but as family. From day one, he held my hand through every step of the journey and welcomed me with the warmth of a proud father caring for a daughter.
The technical support I received was equally extraordinary. Vincenzo Paci demonstrated a level of dedication that is rarely encountered in today’s business world. He travelled all the way from Italy to South Africa to assist with upgrading our factory and ensuring that our operations could achieve their full potential. His expertise, professionalism, and willingness to go above and beyond transformed what could have been a simple installation into a genuine partnership focused on long-term success.
Then there was Loredana Barbizzi, whose kindness left an indelible impression on my heart. Every detail of my visit to Italy was carefully considered. She ensured I was comfortable, looked after, and never lacked for anything. She made certain I was well fed, personally checked on my wellbeing, and even arranged a special hotel room to make my stay memorable. Her care extended far beyond hospitality; it reflected a culture of genuine concern for people. She was, in every sense, a “mama bear” who made sure everything was perfect.
At the centre of this remarkable organization stands Lucia Frigerio. As the owner of MFL, she embodies the values that have made the company exceptional. Her leadership, vision, and strength have created a culture where excellence and compassion coexist seamlessly.
As the owner of Flexicor, I found a special connection in seeing another woman leading a successful manufacturing enterprise. In an industry where female leadership remains uncommon, Lucia Frigerio represents what is possible when determination, intelligence, and integrity guide a business. She is the kind of leader who inspires others not only through success, but through the way she uplifts the people around her.
The alignment between our companies feels almost destined. MFL is a woman-owned company. Flexicor is a woman-owned company. Yet the connection runs deeper than ownership structures. It is rooted in shared values: resilience, innovation, excellence, and the belief that people matter.
In manufacturing, machines can be purchased from many suppliers. Technology can be replicated. Specifications can be matched. What cannot be easily replicated is culture. What cannot be manufactured is genuine care.
MFL has proven that world-class engineering and world-class humanity can exist in the same organization.
When I look at the 16-end multi-wire drawing machine operating within our factory, I see more than advanced technology. I see the hands, hearts, and dedication of the people behind it. I see Piero’s guidance, Vincenzo’s expertise, Loredana’s care, and Lucia’s inspiring leadership.
Italy is famous for its craftsmanship, innovation, and passion. Through MFL, I experienced all three. But above all, I experienced something even more valuable: the rare privilege of doing business with people who truly care.
For that, I will always be grateful.
Grazie, MFL. You have not only helped build a stronger factory — you have helped build a stronger entrepreneur.
– Eugenia Gualdi, Owner of Flexicor
Flexicor Cables
Flexicor Cables (PTY) Ltd began as a small, hands-on enterprise and has grown into a well-established participant in South Africa’s electrical manufacturing sector. Based in Gauteng, the company built its reputation on technical expertise in the production of water-cooled power cables and air-cooled copper conductors for furnaces and transformers—applications where reliability, performance, and precision are essential. Over time, Flexicor expanded its portfolio into a comprehensive range of copper and aluminium products, including braids and strand, flexible braided, stranded and laminated connectors, automotive and welding cables, panel wires, Kwena anti-theft cable, submersible pump cables, and trailing cables.
Flexicor’s growth has been driven by a company culture centred on technical expertise, customer focus, collaboration, and quality. Close cooperation with customers enables the development of tailored conductor and connector solutions designed for specific operational requirements. The company has combined investment in its people with ongoing technological advancements to expand production while maintaining high manufacturing standards.
Quality and continuous improvement remain central to Flexicor’s operations. Processes are aligned with ISO 9001:2015 and relevant SABS standards (SANS 1574-3), with independent audits and regular reviews conducted to ensure consistency, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction. Continuous performance monitoring supports improvement across design, sales, assembly, and supply chain activities.
Today, Flexicor serves as a long-term partner to customers, employees, and suppliers, combining practical manufacturing expertise with disciplined process management. Now proudly woman-owned and led by Eugenia Gualdi, the company continues to build on the foundations established by its founder while advancing modernization initiatives and supporting sustainable growth. Its evolution from a small workshop to a leader in flexible copper conductors reflects a long-standing commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality products, supporting the people who contribute to their success, and investing consistently in the future.
From humble beginnings to industrial legacy — The Story Of Elidio Gualdi and Flexicor Cables
Author: Eugenia Gualdi
“My father, Elidio Gualdi (1950–2021) built a remarkable industrial legacy that began in poverty and grew into one of Johannesburg’s leading copper cable manufacturers.
Born in Mantova and raised in Genova, Italy, Elidio faced significant challenges from an early age. Following family hardships, he assumed responsibility for helping support his household and his newborn sister while still a child. With no formal schooling, he worked in local bars and developed a passion for music, performing in bands from the age of 12. At 17, he joined a cruise-line band, where he met Nadine, a South African who would later become his wife. The couple subsequently relocated to South Africa, where Elidio learned English and began his career with Fiat.
Despite lacking formal education, his natural aptitude and determination saw him excel during a 20-year career at the company. In 1990s-era Johannesburg he parlayed that experience into entrepreneurship, founding Flexicor Cables (Pty) Ltd. Starting with just two machines and five employees, he built the enterprise into a modern manufacturer with over 83 machines and more than 200 employees by 2026.
Flexicor’s growth reflects Elidio’s practical leadership, attention to manufacturing detail, and deep commitment to workforce development. Under his stewardship the company became an important local employer and a reliable supplier of copper cable products in South Africa, contributing to industry capability and skills development in the region.
Elidio sadly passed away from COVID-19 in 2021. I have continued and expanded his vision, investing in the company’s future — notably acquiring my father’s dream machine, the MFL 16 end wire drawer — and steering Flexicor through its next phase of growth. The company today stands as a testament to my father’s resilience, resourcefulness and the intergenerational legacy he created.
For engineering readers, Elidio’s story is a reminder that technical industries are often advanced as much by hands-on experience, leadership and determination as by formal credentials. Flexicor’s evolution underlines the value of practical know-how, employee investment and targeted equipment upgrades in scaling a competitive manufacturing operation.”
The new project: a red Ferrari Multiwire
When Eugenia Gualdi, the current owner of Flexicor, took over the leadership of the company following the passing of its founder, she faced a challenging transition with an ageing production fleet and and critical decisions regarding the company’s future direction.
For many years, the founder had dreamed of investing in a new copper multiwire drawing machine from MFL. During visits to wire Düsseldorf, he proudly pointed out the MFL stand to his daughter, sharing his vision for the company’s future growth. That vision became reality in 2022, one year after his passing.
This vision was translated into a concrete industrial investment aimed at modernising the production base and increasing productivity.
At the time, Flexicor was operating several ageing machines. MFL specialists visited the facility to assess the existing equipment, identify opportunities for refurbishment, and develop a modernization plan. Their technical support and practical approach helped Flexicor optimise existing assets while preparing for a new investment phase.
The centrepiece of this transformation was the installation of an MFL 16-wire copper multiwire drawing machine, selected to increase productivity and support the company’s future expansion. In tribute to her father’s lifelong dream of owning a Ferrari, Eugenia chose a distinctive Ferrari-red finish for the machine. For her, it represented not only a technological upgrade but also the realization of a vision that had inspired the company for many years.
The machine is designed to operate at speeds of up to 35 m/s, which is expected to significantly increase productivity. It will also contribute to reduced maintenance requirements and shorter setup times.
The new multiwire machine delivers significant productivity improvements through advanced features such as a quick die-change system that eliminates the need to re-string the machine. Its innovative design substantially reduces maintenance requirements, with approximately half the number of shafts, gears, and bearings compared to conventional machines, contributing to lower mechanical complexity and up to 10% energy savings.
Today, Flexicor is investing in a facility equipped with modern, high-performance production technology. While the existing machines continue to operate successfully, the new generation of equipment provides the productivity, efficiency, and reliability needed to support future growth. Looking ahead, the company is already planning its next investment: a new extrusion line.
Beyond the technology itself, Flexicor chose MFL because of the values shared by the two companies. The long history, the collaborative atmosphere, and a way of doing business based on mutual respect, trust, and strong personal relationships created a partnership that extends well beyond the supply of machinery.
This investment, reinforced by a strengthened partnership, marks the beginning of a new era in Flexicor’s long-term industrial modernization journey.
