Axial Fans Int: From cooling towers to UNIQUE systems, an Italian excellence in industrial cooling
Since 2011, Axial Fans Int (AFI) has established itself as a key player in the design and production of axial fans and industrial cooling systems. Headquartered in Besnate (VA), with a commercial and service hub in Arona (NO), AFI combines cutting-edge technology, research and development, and a strong commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.
A story of growth and innovation
Founded on December 7, 2011, by Robert Mosiewicz, an entrepreneur with extensive experience in the industrial fan sector, AFI was created to bring innovation to an already well-established market. As Franco Curcio, the company’s Managing Director, explains, Mosiewicz had previously founded Cofimco, a leading fan manufacturer, which he sold to a multinational company in the early 2000s. After a break, he decided to return with AFI, bringing not only his experience but also a fresh vision that set the company apart from the start.
“Dr. Mosiewicz had a deep technical background and a thorough understanding of the market, having worked in the industry for over 30 years,” says Curcio. “After selling Cofimco, he wanted to start fresh with a new company, introducing a series of technological innovations he had developed and refined.”
In 2012, AFI launched its R&D activities and produced its first aluminum-bladed fans, followed by fiberglass-bladed models in 2013. “Material selection depends on the application,” Curcio explains. “For aggressive or corrosive environments, fiberglass offers superior resistance compared to aluminum.”
Advanced technologies for a sustainable future
AFI stands out for its commitment to research and development, investing significantly in advanced technologies such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Method (FEM) modeling. These tools optimize blade design, reduce noise emissions, and improve energy efficiency.
A major breakthrough came in 2014 with the patenting of smartfan™ technology, which enhances aerodynamic efficiency while reducing energy consumption. This innovative approach refines axial fan design through advanced aerodynamics. By leveraging wind tunnel testing and mechanical modeling, smartfan™ optimizes airflow, reduces turbulence, and enhances energy efficiency. The result is a fan that not only consumes less power but also delivers stable and long-lasting performance across various industrial applications.
In the following years, AFI continued its growth, expanding its production facility in 2016 and developing new patented solutions such as the Stealth Low Noise Fan and the UNIQUE system.
Stealth low noise fan
The Stealth Low Noise Fan reduces noise emissions by 4-6 dB(A) while maintaining energy efficiency comparable to standard fans. Unlike many competing solutions that compromise energy efficiency to lower noise, Stealth achieves a perfect balance between the two, offering a high-performance and competitive product.
“Our Stealth fan significantly reduces the noise of air-cooled systems, which is crucial for urban installations like hospitals and skyscrapers,” Curcio explains. “What sets us apart from competitors is that we have managed to lower noise levels while maintaining high efficiency, ensuring low energy consumption. Our fan is made entirely of aluminum, making it lighter and suitable for high-speed applications, where plastic-based competitors cannot compete.”
UNIQUE: A high-efficiency ventilation system
In 2022, Axial Fans introduced another innovation: the UNIQUE system. More than just a fan, UNIQUE is a fully integrated system designed to work seamlessly within its installation environment. Featuring an advanced airfoil design, winglets, aerodynamic add-ons, and deflectors, the fan not only improves its own performance but also enhances the overall efficiency of the cooling system.
This high-efficiency system redistributes and optimizes pressure gradients, reducing electricity consumption and boosting performance by 15-25%.
“We redesigned the airfoil, introduced a new winglet, and developed aerodynamic enhancements that, when integrated with the fan, improve overall system efficiency,” Curcio explains. “With UNIQUE, we have increased fan efficiency by up to 20%, leading to significant energy savings for our customers.”
This innovative approach extends beyond fan design to a detailed analysis of existing installations. Axial Fans sends engineers to customer sites to assess conditions and develop customized solutions based on real-world data.
New developments: Cooling tower innovations
Axial Fans is not limited to fans; since 2020, the company has been developing new solutions for industrial cooling. One standout innovation is a patented rotating nozzle for water distribution in cooling towers, designed to function effectively even at low pressures.
Cooling towers represent a key application for Axial Fans Int’s products and technologies. The company goes beyond producing high-efficiency fans by developing integrated solutions that enhance overall cooling system performance. “We developed a rotating nozzle that evenly distributes water even at low pressures, improving cooling efficiency,” says Curcio. This patented nozzle is designed for extreme conditions, delivering superior performance compared to traditional systems.
Additionally, AFI introduced a highly durable fill pack, manufactured using a unique process. “Our fill pack is more resistant to water erosion, making it longer-lasting and easier to maintain,” adds Curcio. This solution not only reduces maintenance costs but also improves overall system reliability.
With these innovations, AFI has positioned itself as a service provider for cooling tower end users, offering ongoing support to enhance performance through advanced technologies.
A company in continuous growth
Axial Fans currently employs 78 people and operates from its main headquarters in Besnate, where R&D and production are based. The company also has specialized teams working in three major Italian refineries—Saras, Sonatrach, and RAM—providing continuous maintenance for industrial fans. These teams operate under long-term global service contracts, ensuring ongoing customer support while allowing AFI to test and develop new solutions in real-world conditions.
AFI prioritizes research and development, allocating a significant portion of its revenue to technological innovation. This strategy helps maintain a competitive edge in a highly demanding market.
Global expansion: From established markets to new challenges
Axial Fans operates worldwide, with a strong presence in Europe and expanding reach in the United States, China, and Turkey. The Turkish market, in particular, has shown great interest in the UNIQUE fan due to its energy efficiency benefits in geothermal power generation.
“In the past two years, we have sold over 1,200 UNIQUE units in Turkey, where our solutions are highly valued for their energy savings,” Curcio shares.
The company recently opened a branch in Saudi Arabia and has already installed fans in major Aramco and Adnoc refineries. The next strategic goal is expansion into the Far East, including Indonesia, Korea, Japan, and Australia—markets that AFI has only lightly explored so far.
With a solid technological foundation, an expanding patent portfolio, and an increasingly global presence, Axial Fans Int is looking to the future with ambition and determination. The company’s mission is clear: to continue innovating and delivering ever more efficient and sustainable solutions worldwide. As Franco Curcio states, “Our goal is not just to meet customer needs, but to anticipate them, leading the industry toward a future where efficiency and sustainability go hand in hand.” With this vision, AFI stands as a shining example of Italian excellence ready to conquer new frontiers.
