Farm Contractor is said to report the passing of Merlo president and founder, Amilcare Merlo, who was 88 years old.
He was born in 1934 on the outskirts of Cuneo, Italy, and began working in his father’s blacksmith workshop at just 14 years old. This inspired him to open the first Merlo Group production facility in 1964.
In 2014, the company he founded celebrated its 50th anniversary, marked by recognition in the Italian register of historic companies. Mr Merlo and his sister Natalina were awarded honourary citizenship of Cuneo a year later.
The Mayor of Cuneo, Patrizia Manassero expressed her condolences to the Merlo family, “It is a great loss for everyone. Amilcare Merlo was a very precious figure, together with his family, for our province. He was an honorary citizen of Cuneo, I want to remember him. Everything about him was an example of intelligence, generosity and vision.”
In a speech delivered while accepting an honorary Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Turin, Mr Merlo addressed the audience of students, “I say have the courage to dare, those who do not dare will never receive anything. Be curious and, even if it requires sacrifice, don’t stop at the first defeat. This recognition is a great satisfaction, the fulfilment of a dream for me who have always considered myself an engineer of the land.”
“Amilcare Merlo was a truly inspiring figure for anyone that had the pleasure to meet him,” commented Shaun Groom, general manager of Merlo UK Ltd. “All of us in the Merlo UK team are truly saddened by his passing. I know I can say that his wisdom, wit, determination and expertise will be missed by all. We will continue in the manner that he would of wished, ensuring the Merlo brand continues to innovate, develop & grow in the United Kingdom.”
Mr Merlo is survived by his wife Denise and children Cristina, Paolo, Silvia, Andrea and Marco, along with several grandchildren.