CEMEX and SEM were the last two fully vertically integrated accordion factories left in Italy,
and both facilities ceased to exist decades ago
for SEM, all the physical assets were sold off parted out and junked first, then
later the intellectual assets were purchased at auction so vestiges of the name survive.
the most valuable intellectual and physical assets that escaped were those owned
by the Piermaria group which fully retained their property and brand rights, while
the other famous brand rather had to start from scratch, and sub-brands being built
there by contract pretty much evaporated
for Excelsior, PIGINI purchased them while they were still building accordions, and like
many mergers and takeovers, both brands benefited in some ways from this... the entire
Electronics division including Marco were moved to the Pigini factory, as well as the
reedmaking division, body forms, etc. but much was left or put into storage limbo and
even perhaps some of the old NewYork machines are still up in the rafters of the old building
but today, Pigini IS likely the closest thing to full integration you will find... the majority
of their accordions are made from stuff in their factory, not assembled from
parts and supplies and mechanisms ordered from specialty supply shops
by so called "boutique" brand accordionmakers
it is also a Family company
i seriously doubt they would gut the value of the Excelsior brand
by sourcing them in China secretly... this practice was done
years ago when Soprani was still being butchered with
knockoffs and such, like the E. Soprani, and eventually
italian lawmakers stepped in to stop deceptive practices
in the accordion industry
i admit it did not make me happy when Cemex ceased to be an independent,
but i am happy they are now part of a reputable house and the brand lives on
i believe Excelsiors are built in the Pigini factory period
ciao
Ventura
