🏛️ History – Origins & Early Growth Foundation and Import Era (1919–early 1930s) Maddalena was established in 1919, shortly after World War I, during a period when Italy was rapidly modernising its urban infrastructure, especially water supply systems. Initially named Società Italiana Contatori d’Acqua Maddalena & C. Began as a distributor of imported water meters, particularly from Vienna (Schinzel company) 🔧 Transition to Manufacturing (1930s) By around 1932, Maddalena shifted from importer to manufacturer: Developed its own designs and production lines and began producing Italian-made water meters. This marked the birth of a domestic Italian metering industry. 🌍 Post‑war Expansion (1950s–1960s) After World War II, Europe entered a huge reconstruction phase. Maddalena expanded production capacity, broadened its range (domestic + bulk meters) and began exporting internationally. 🏭 Industrial Consolidation (1970s–1980s) By the late 20th century: Maddalena had a full product range for all applications In 1982, it moved to its modern facility in Povoletto (Udine) Italy. ⚙️ Continuous innovation Mechanical → volumetric → smart → ultrasonic -Reflects 100+ years of metering evolution. Maddalena has historically produced all major classes of water meters, reflecting the evolution of metering technology from mechanical to digital. 🧭 Meter range produced; - Single‑jet meters Water enters through a single jet aimed at a turbine, compact and economical, typically used in domestic installations. - Multi‑jet meters Multiple jets drive the impeller evenly, more stable accuracy under varying flow. - Volumetric (positive displacement) meters Measure actual volume passing through internal chamber, very accurate at low flows. - Smart / electronic meters were introduced in the late 20th–early 21st century. Features: Electronic registers, Data storage, Built‑in communication (radio, LoRa, etc.), Remote reading (AMR/AMI systems). Combine measurement + communication in one device. - Ultrasonic / static meters No moving parts, measure flow using sound waves. High long‑term stability, no wear from water impurities. Ideal for smart networks and advanced utilities. - Bulk and industrial meters Large diameters (up to DN400) for Water mains, Irrigation systems and Industrial plants. Designed for high flow and pressure environments. The HWM.Museum has a rare early 1/2" 1960's Maddalena single jet water meter and a later 2016 model for comparisons in its collection as per the below images.