The auxiliary systems of the Ferrovie Nord concentrated in Saronno, such as the locomotive depots and vehicle and wagon repair workshops, were strictly sufficient for the requirements of the local network. Saronno had been the site of the main depot workshop since the earliest days of carrying out locomotive maintenance, in 1927/28 coinciding with the peak of steam power development.
With an increase in the supply of equipment intended to replace the electrified suburban service, a large area adjacent to the railway was identified in the Novate Milanese area, where it would also be possible to build an electric substation, necessary for the coming technological development.
Construction proceeded in stages to eventually fulfil the project capacity of 10 tracks 60 m in length, all equipped with an inspection pit. The locomotive shed building was fitted with large windows and all the tracks were electrified. Safety was guaranteed by special signals visible from everywhere in the locomotive depot.
Thus began a story in the history of Ferrovienord, a story whose origins lie in what were once the desolate outskirts of Milan, but which would eventually become the beating heart of the city itself.