"We build tunnels that set global standards"
Interview with Antonio Damiano Minotti, Managing Director and Giuseppe Aliverti, Commercial Director of Tunnels & Formworks International Srl
The construction of tunnels is a technical challenge that requires both expertise and innovative solutions. The company Tunnels & Formworks International (TFI) has successfully established itself in this complex field since its inception in 2015. With a focus on highly specialized formworks for tunnel construction, TFI works on international major projects and has established itself as a reliable partner in the industry.
Tunnels & Formworks International was founded in December 2015, with a team of experts who already had decades of experience in tunnel construction. The idea for the company began when Antonio Minotti and Giuseppe Aliverti took on a major tunneling contract in Israel. This first major contract was the catalyst for the company's establishment. "Our core competence lies in the development and provision of formworks used in traditional tunneling methods as well as with modern tunnel boring machines," explains Antonio Minotti, Managing Director of TFI. "Each tunnel project presents its own challenges, whether it's the geology of the site, the size of the tunnel, or specific technical requirements. Our goal is to find the best possible solution for each of these projects."
International Presence and Expertise
A significant milestone in the company's history was its participation in a major subway project in Sydney in 2018. "This was a key project for us," emphasizes Giuseppe Aliverti, who serves as the commercial director. "The Australians trusted us based on our previous work, particularly the Airport Link project in Brisbane. Our long-standing experience and the innovative power of our solutions helped us win this significant contract." Today, Tunnels & Formworks International is active worldwide, with projects in Russia, Doha, Dubai, and also in Europe. The company places special emphasis on close collaboration with local partners. "We work closely with local companies and professionals to ensure that our projects meet the highest quality standards while also fulfilling local requirements," explains Antonio Minotti.
Challenges and Strategic Decisions
Tunnel construction requires not only technical know-how, but also logistical precision and strategic foresight. Each project is planned years in advance, often five to six years before the first ground is broken. Tunnels & Formworks International accompanies the entire process from tendering to the manufacture and installation of the formworks on site.
"From the beginning, we have been involved in the planning and are working closely with the construction companies," explains Antonio Minotti. "The challenge is that each tunnel is different. There is no standard solution; we always have to adapt our products to the specific requirements of the respective project. This requires a high degree of flexibility and innovation." One of the biggest hurdles in the industry is the shortage of qualified personnel, especially in engineering. Antonio Minotti describes the search for specialists as 'Mission Impossible': "It's incredibly difficult to find experienced engineers who are familiar with the complex requirements in tunnel construction." Therefore, TFI increasingly focuses on training young engineers within its own team in order to meet the high standards. This ensures that the company secures the necessary expertise for the demanding projects in the long term.
Future Projects and Innovations
Despite the challenges the company faces, TFI looks optimistically to the future. "We already have orders for 2025 and are working to further fill our order book for the coming years," reports Antonio Minotti. A particularly exciting project is a cross-border tunnel between France and Switzerland, which is considered a technical masterpiece.
"This tunnel is one of our most ambitious projects," says Giuseppe Aliverti. "It is a challenging endeavor that poses high technical demands, but that is exactly what we excel at. We are looking forward to realizing this project and further expanding our expertise." In addition to traditional tunnel construction, TFI is also focusing on innovative technologies to enhance its competitiveness. "Automation and digitalization in tunnel construction are becoming increasingly important," explains Antonio Minotti. "We are continuously investing in new technologies to increase the efficiency of our products and optimize our processes. With this, we aim to work not only faster but also more cost-effectively."
Another important topic for the future is sustainability. This includes the use of environmentally friendly materials and technologies that reduce energy consumption during the production and installation of formworks. With this strategy, TFI plans to expand its international presence and implement further important projects globally. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and efficiency, the company aims to solidify its market leadership and meet industry requirements. Technological advancements and a conscious approach to resource management remain central success factors.