In memoriam: Gianmario Beretta

By Piergiorgio Recalcati and Ron Bygness

Gianmario Beretta, founder of the Tenax Group, died May 28 in an aviation glider accident in Northern Italy. He had been at the helm of Tenax for several decades.

A pioneer in plastics production, Beretta developed innovative geosynthetic materials for use in civil engineering projects and for soil and environmental protection. His initial ideas led to the issuing of numerous patents, and his management helped the company grow into an international organization, with branches and production plants in Europe, China, and the U.S.

His exceptional business acumen, combined with perseverance and the ability to handle technical or production aspects of the company with a brilliant sense of eclecticism, were the keys to his extraordinary career and also to Tenax’s growth and success.

In all of his activities, Beretta devoted himself with boundless passion and enthusiasm. His love for gliding is emblematic: He was so dedicated that he founded a company (Alisport) that specializes in the production of state-of-the-art aircrafts, even some that he designed.

Ron Bygness is the senior editor of Geosynthetics magazine.