Founded in 1989 in Switzerland, Sontex is a highly specialized company producing measuring instruments for water and thermal energy consumption. For over thirty years, the company has been synonymous with precision and reliability in the field of water meters, heat meters, and more recently, heat cost allocators—efficient devices installed directly on radiators in central heating systems. Today, Swiss-made Sontex technology is also distributed in Italy through its local branch, which operates from offices in Reggio Emilia, Rome, and Rho (Milan). This widespread presence is designed not only to market the parent company’s products in Italy but above all to provide a more complete service tailored to each customer’s needs.
“I joined the company on February 1st, 2018,” recounts Emanuele Fiorini, a key figure in Sontex’s growth in Italy. “With my arrival, I brought a strong customer-oriented approach. We don’t just sell products: we aim to build trust-based relationships through tailored services and a local presence that ensures fast and effective responses.”
by Roberta Imbimbo
Dr. Fiorini, what was the mission behind the foundation of Sontex Srl’s Italian branch?
Sontex Italia was established by the parent company with the aim of strengthening its direct presence in the Italian market, building on and revitalizing the work done in Switzerland over the previous 15 years. The opening of the Italian branch was therefore a strategic move to get closer to customers, offering not only high-quality products but also integrated and personalized service. With operational sites in Reggio Emilia, Rome, and Rho (Milan), Sontex Italia positions itself today as a reliable and competent partner in the field of heat and water metering. This structured territorial presence allows us to respond promptly and professionally to the needs of service providers, installers, condominium administrators, and companies in the energy sector.
How has your arrival in 2018 changed the company’s business approach?
With my arrival, I sought to implement a substantial shift in the company’s organizational culture, introducing a customer-centric approach. This means going far beyond just selling products: our goal is now to build long-term relationships based on trust, expertise, and attentive listening. We began placing the real needs of our stakeholders at the center of every action, offering not only high-quality technical solutions but also tailor-made services that address their specific challenges. The decision to open operational offices in key areas of Italy stems directly from this vision: being physically present allows us to offer rapid assistance, personalized technical and commercial support, and, above all, to be recognized as a reliable, accessible partner. This approach has transformed our relationship with clients from a simple supply relationship into a true collaboration, where value is built over time thanks to continuous dialogue, adaptability to regulatory and technological changes, and a willingness to accompany clients throughout the product life cycle—from installation and maintenance to consumption data management. In a market where innovation is crucial, we believe the true difference lies in service quality and the ability to create flexible, effective, results-oriented solutions. This customer-centric vision is now the beating heart of Sontex Italia.
What distinguishes you from your many competitors?
In a highly competitive market where speed, innovation, and adaptability are essential, Sontex stands out for its ability to be constantly “inside the business.” This means not only closely following industry developments but also anticipating market needs and supporting clients at every stage of the process, from selecting the best solution to its implementation and operational management. Being “inside the business” for Sontex means actively engaging with the challenges our clients face every day: responding swiftly to technical requests, offering intelligent solutions that optimize consumption and enhance energy efficiency. Sontex, therefore, does more than supply measuring instruments—it delivers value, expertise, and vision. The idea behind our model is simple yet strategic: start with a precise, reliable, and technologically advanced product, and then build, on demand, an ecosystem of integrated services that enhance and complete it. From technical consulting to scheduled maintenance, post-sales support to continuous consumption monitoring, every service is designed to meet the real, concrete needs of our clients. Our focus goes beyond sales—it is deeply rooted in building strategic and long-term partnerships. Advanced technology, on-the-ground expertise, and a collaborative mindset: this is how we stay “inside the business” and one step ahead in the future of metering.
How important is it today to measure water consumption with highly innovative tools?
Now more than ever, being able to measure water consumption with innovative tools is not just important—it’s essential. In a context where the costs of raw materials and water resources are constantly rising, having access to cutting-edge measuring devices is a strategic asset for both service providers and end users. Modern technologies allow not only for precise consumption measurement but also for real-time remote monitoring through smart, connected systems. This results in more efficient control, transparent management, and the ability to intervene promptly in case of anomalies or waste. Furthermore, next-generation devices ensure reliability and performance for the entire validity period of their metrological certification, guaranteeing uninterrupted service. Having access to such advanced tools ultimately means promoting a culture of efficiency, sustainability, and responsibility—making conscious consumption a realistic and attainable goal.
Can you tell us about the new LoRaWAN technology?
The new LoRaWAN technology is one of the most exciting innovations in radio communication applied to consumption metering. As a manufacturer, we offer three different radio communication systems to meet the specific needs of each installation, and LoRaWAN is certainly among the most advanced and high-performing solutions. Its strength lies in its ability to cover large distances with a single gateway, significantly reducing the required infrastructure and simplifying installation. This makes it possible to remotely monitor a large number of devices—even across multiple buildings or complexes—with efficiency, reliability, and lower costs. Thanks to LoRaWAN, it is now possible to automatically, continuously, and securely collect consumption data, improving energy management and enabling accurate, transparent readings without the need for physical access to the systems. It is a forward-looking technology that addresses the needs of smart cities, sustainability, and the digital transformation of our real estate assets.
