Recognition for a lifetime of innovation
Nelso Antolotti – Founder and President of Lincotek Group – was recognized for his huge contribution to the Thermal Spray Coating market with induction into the Thermal Spray Hall of Fame on April 30th, 2024. The honor was bestowed at a special ceremony at the International Thermal Spray Conference and Exposition (ITSC) trade show in Milan, Italy.
The statement issued in support of his nomination was as follows:
“In 1973, Nelso founded Flametal, revolutionizing thermal spray in Italy and Europe. As head of Lincotek, he drives advancements in coating at global level, energizing biomedical, gas turbine and aerospace industry.”
Nelso finds himself in prestigious company, with other recent inductees including leading industry figures such as Dr Michel Jeandin, Prof Shrikhant V. Joshi, Dr Subramaniam Rangaswamy, Mr Neil Matthews and Dr Heiko Gruner.
What’s the significance of the Hall of Fame?
Established back in 1993 by the Thermal Spray Society of ASM International, the Hall of Fame is designed to honor ‘outstanding leaders who have made a significant contribution to the science, technology, practice, education, management, and advancement of Thermal Spraying’.
We are delighted that Nelso’s remarkable achievements have been acknowledged in such a public way. It’s worth remembering that he founded the business that was set to become Lincotek with the equivalent of just €5,000 in today’s money. He purchased some heat guns and set to work in a small garage. And from there, over 50 years ago, history was born – click here to find out more!
Milan – April 30th, 2024
“It’s wonderful to be here with so many friends and colleagues today. I am deeply honored to receive this recognition.
As some of you may know, I stumbled on thermal spray by chance.
Unbelievably, it was over half a century ago now.
I was working on racing cars with Giampaolo Dallara. He’d built his experience with Ferrari, Maserati, De Tomaso and Lamborghini. So this was an exciting time for a young man, as you can imagine!
But my father had been an entrepreneur. And I always wanted to follow in his footsteps.
So when I discovered thermal spray through various brochures, it really sparked my imagination.
Despite having no previous experience in the field, I made the decision to open a coating business, believing in its promising future.
For over 50 years, thermal spray has been my passion.
I fondly remember the meetings and interactions during my many years attending ITSC and NTS, where I had the privilege of meeting colleagues, scientists, and the pioneers of thermal spray.
It was during these meetings that my dream of creating a worldwide thermal spray network began to take shape. It took 50 years to realize it.
This dream continues today, driven by a passion for a versatile technology that can be applied in many different fields.
I dedicate this recognition to my daughter Linda and all my valuable colleagues, who represent with passion the future of our family business.
I believe this is just the beginning of an exciting journey.
To all those who will be leading our sector in the years to come and developing the next generation of technology, I say just two things:
Think big.
And be bold.
Thank you very much.”
Nelso Antolotti
