The Ansaldo STS logo tells how the company transformed an engineering workshop into one of the transportation industry’s leaders. It reminds us how the company found solutions to complex problems, overcame the challenges of the time, and adapted to new demands while preserving the spirit of progress.
Ansaldo STS: Brand overview
Ansaldo STS traces its rich history back to 1853 when Italian industrialist Giovanni Ansaldo founded Gio. Ansaldo & C. As a machinery manufacturer, the company gradually became a major producer of naval artillery, locomotives, steel, ships, and other heavy machinery.
Over time, Ansaldo has used strategic acquisitions and mergers to expand its presence in the industry, becoming a multi-faceted conglomerate. The creation of the Finmeccanica Group in 1993 was an important turning point. The newly formed company brought together numerous Italian defense and transportation companies, including Ansaldo.
In 2001, Ansaldo’s signaling and transportation solutions business was spun off as Ansaldo Signal. This division did not remain independent for long: in 2006, it merged with the Spanish transportation conglomerate STS to form Ansaldo STS.
Ansaldo STS has carved out a niche by specializing in developing and operating signaling, monitoring, and control systems for railroads and mass transit networks. The company expanded its services globally, building train control systems and managing infrastructure solutions in security and ticketing.
However, in 2015, Ansaldo STS lost its status as an independent operating unit, fully integrating into parent company Hitachi Rail Italy, now known as Hitachi Rail. Despite this organizational change, the legacy of Ansaldo STS has been preserved, and its engineering excellence continues to evolve under the Hitachi Rail umbrella.
Meaning and History
1912 – 1917
1917 – 1919
1919 – 1922
1922 – 1933
1933 – 1936
1936 – 1938
1938 – 1946
1946 – 1977
1977 – 1984
1984 – 2011
2011 – 2016
2016 – today
The Ansaldo STS logo impresses with its clarity and simplicity. It lacks complex graphic elements. The design is strict and modern, reflecting the serious approach of a company operating in technology and transportation.
The logo’s foundation is the company name, rendered in a thin sans-serif font. This style gives the text a sense of precision and neatness while maintaining ease of readability. The font appears carefully designed: the letters’ smooth lines and crisp contours evoke precision and attention to detail. The capital “A” stands out with its pointed peak, emphasizing the beginning of the word and adding dynamism. The remaining letters, in lowercase, soften the overall look and create balance.
The color palette includes shades of gray, symbolizing reliability, stability, and technological progress. This color highlights the company’s professionalism without distracting from the content. Gray conveys a sense of calm and confidence for a transportation and technical solutions brand.
The text is divided into “Ansaldo” and “STS.” This division emphasizes the dual structure of the name, referencing the company’s history and modern achievements. Despite the separation, the unified font style creates a cohesive impression.
This emblem is an example of minimalism that enhances the brand’s perception. Its simplicity makes the design versatile, and the chosen style underscores the company’s core values: professionalism, reliability, and a focus on modern technologies.