The former Garofalo pasta factory, due to its considerable dimensions and the high chimney tower, constitutes the landmark of Gragnano. Specifically, it is established as the icon of the fervent industrial reality of the 1960s. This new reality arose at the end of the nineteenth century close by the Vernotico River in a historic area built during economic growth followed by the pasta industry development. The building represents the first large production plant in the area, distinguished by its multistorey structure in load-bearing tuff masonry and floors with iron beams and tuff vaults supported by cast-iron pillars. Due to the mechanization of production, in 1963, the Garofalo pasta factory closed its historical headquarters. The earthquake of 1980 was devasting. The building was severely damaged, collapsing and becoming unusable. Despite its magnificent history, the Garofalo pasta factory turned from a community landmark to an alarming problem. Indeed, nowadays, due to its degraded conditions, the structure represents a ‘negative emergency’. The study of the former Garofalo pasta factory was conducted through the deepening of indirect sources, careful observation of the structure, and an updated survey of the building. This approach allowed us to understand the spaces’ layout, the structural solutions, and the current state of preservation. Specifically, these efforts are made to acquire sufficient knowledge to develop a necessary restoration and enhancement project. The proposed case study aims to investigate the tools and methodological processes to increase the knowledge of historical industrial complexes to favor their restoration and reuse. All the new developments should be consistent with the specific context and peculiarities of individual structures. It is mandatory for the community to avoid such a vast and valuable heritage suffering the time harm and arbitrary choices of demolition or improper reuse.