Ariano nel Polesine, June 14, 2025 – Fire, rubble, and rebirth. January 2023, just the other day a blessing in front of the facility, tears in the eyes of the workers. It’s a story of courage, written by a company that is a symbol of the Polesine area. The flames are still vivid in memory and sight – it was the cursed night between January 24 and 25, 2023. A fire destroyed more than 5,000 square meters of the plant along the Romea highway in Ariano nel Polesine. The fish company is called Mancin Nadia, a local icon. Many work there – young people, women, families across generations. It could have been the end; instead, it was a powerful display of resilience.
A new beginning in the words of Marco De Agostini, CEO of Mancin Nadia:
"On January 25, 2023, an event deeply marked our company, putting years of work, experience, and dedication into question. In less than 20 days, we were back in operation, with the same quality, reliability, and determination, choosing to rebuild by looking ahead, seizing this challenge as an opportunity to relaunch ourselves. We invested in technology, reorganized processes, and strengthened the group’s identity. Today we are fully operational. We are joined by Mgib, a group company specialized in mussel purification. Together, we have about one hundred collaborators. A fundamental human asset, the heart of our restart. We are developing new commercial and marketing strategies, aiming to strengthen the brand, expand our product range, and consolidate our market presence.”
The big day, the ribbon cutting, the emotion, employees clapping. Just a few days ago. The fire, possibly caused by a short circuit in the middle of the night, reduced the entire facility to ashes. Years of work and sacrifice went up in smoke. For many, it would have been a knockout blow, with damage exceeding 10 million euros. But in the months that followed, the town and the De Agostini family, owners of the plant, fought back. Leading the way were founder Martino, his wife Nadia Mancin (who gave the company its name in 1983), and their sons Marco, Michele, and Fabio. Fear and uncertainty gave way to courage and the strength to react.
Over the past two years, due to operating under temporary conditions, the company had to forgo about 20% of its revenue. Today, the goal is to reach €20 million in turnover by 2026. A recovery and then further growth. At the helm, the founders are now supported by the third generation: Andrea and Martina De Agostini, and Lorenzo Negri.
A double celebration: the return to the historic headquarters, and the company’s rebirth alongside its 40th anniversary. The day began with a blessing from Bishop Pierantonio Pavanello: “A death followed by a resurrection.” The liberating applause. “We did it.” Two years ago, these days, there was nothing but rubble.
Mario Bovenzi
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