In 1947, Luigi Prando opened his small workshop, repairing bikes and motorbikes. This is the turbulent period after the war and the will to start out afresh and is firmly fixed in the heart and mind of Luigi who, in the 60s had already expanded his workshop, also dedicating himself to the repair of cars and agricultural machinery.
During that period, the business lead is handed over to Antonio, Luigi’s son.
In 1975, the Prando workshop changes name to Operval.
The third Prando generation joins the company in 2005, with Andrea and Lorenzo who, particularly interested in electronics, take on the challenge of making remote controlled earth moving vehicles.
In 2016, Operval starts its internationalization process by introducing Tracked Dumper PL10 at Bauma, World’s leading construction machinery trade fair. PL10 would remain our flagship product at SaMoTer of Verona in 2017 and at Bauma 2016 and 2019 as well.
In 2019 Operval joined Unacea, Italian construction equipment association.
To the present day Operval has filed 3 innovative patents.
Operval’s constant bond with the territory and a qualified well trained team contributed towards the creation of versatile machinery with exceptional maneuverability, able to operate over all types of terrain, perfectly satisfying the requirements of those who work in the field of earth moving.
Easy Engineering: A brief description of the company and its activities
OPERVAL: Our mission is to build our machines to provide working comfort and safety to operators. We do It while respecting environment and human values, conscious of our history but focused on our future.
Our vision is making construction sites and hazardous environments safer through innovative technology able of adapt to the needs and pace of work of the users.
” We work on our projects with dedication and commitment, supporting our mechanical expertise with an in-depth technological research and an eye always pointed at the future of the world of earthmoving machines.
By partnering with some of the biggest construction equipment companies on the international market, we gained the necessary experience to design innovative solutions and to improve working comfort, safety, and ease of handling.
All our machines are characterized by versatility and reliability. Engineered to be swift during operations and incredibly easy for maintenance. You will find in our products a precious ally able to work in the most difficult conditions and impervious terrains: tunnels, mines and steep terrains.
We aim to offer the best efficiency and performance while ensuring great reliability over time. That’s why we offer a first-class support service on our machines, from scheduled maintenance to spare parts availability” Andrea Prando – Operval’s Administrator
E.E: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
OPERVAL: Earthmoving, agricultural, mines / tunnels.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
OPERVAL: In 2020, we patented (and presented in 2021) the KE60™ hydraulic thumb. Being completely welding free, our KE60 ™ it is the only Hydraulic thumb that does not involve structural modifications to your excavator.
Also, this year we designed and presented the new Dumper P14, the logical evolution of the PL10, dumper launched on the market in 2013 and presented to the international public at BAUMA 2016.
Ours are the first radio-controlled mini dumpers in the world and have been designed and built focusing on operator comfort and safety.
Being a remote controlled machine, the P14 is designed to work with maximum efficiency on all types of terrain, always guaranteeing great stability and traction.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
OPERVAL: We currently have:
- radio-controlled machinery useful in construction sites, quarries, dangerous places and / or difficult to reach by machinery with operators on board;
- hydraulic thumbs for excavators;
- radio-controlled (or with operator on board) pipe layer;
- tunnel dumper.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
OPERVAL: The market, after the covid emergency, is recovering and the requests are numerous. The problem is the supply of components.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
OPERVAL: We must try to be very flexible and ready for the changes that are coming. This is why we invest heavily in research & development every year.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
OPERVAL: The radio controlled dumper P14.
With the remote control you can precisely control your P14 up to 50 meters, safely and comfortably. Away from dust, noise and vibrations.
Furthermore, the machine may be personalized. Amongst the available options, there are:
- •Paintwork and colour; by sending the colour sample and indications, we can personalize colours and aesthetics.
- •Branding; the Dumper can be marked with your own brand logo.
- •Non standard components (if allowed by regulations).
- •New and/or additional functions of mechanical parts.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2022?
OPERVAL: In 2022 we will participate in the new edition of Bauma in Munich. This will certainly be an opportunity to present the news we are working on.