Imola
Cooperativa Ceramica d'Imola
One hundred and thirty three years of tradition
Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola is the oldest work and production
cooperative in Italy. One hundred and thirty four years of tradition,
characterised by a blend of production and human values, history and
culture. A long artistic journey, which has led the company to its
current leading position as regards the production of ceramic materials
for architecture and design; representing the undisputed allure of the
made in Italy round the world.
A history full of intense passions.
On 22 June 1874, Giuseppe Bucci handed over his crockery and
majolica factory, dating from the mid eighteenth century, to his
workers, with the intention of contributing “to the progress of industry
and the economic improvement of its workers”. The founding father’s
conviction, reaffirmed in various articles of association and in the
Brotherhood Pact, signed by the company’s historic partners, lies at the
heart of the company’s style and approach: safeguarding and promoting
work as a fundamental asset, for both the individual and society, a
primary requirement, capable of transforming not just reality, but man
himself.
In 1883 the Artistic Department was opened, the pride of
Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola. Through its participation in the Torino
Exposition, strongly advocated by the artistic director at the time,
Gaetano Lodi, the Imola company burst on to the international scene,
rapidly acquiring fame and renown. The quality of its products, together
with the vivacity of its colours and decorative motifs, immediately had
a unique impact round the world.
1913: the production of tiles began, subsequently representing the
company’s primary production activity. 1922: the need to expand the
factory premises led to the acquisition of a late nineteenth century
ex-glassworks, a workshop which, over time, was converted to ceramics
production. Thanks to scrupulous and faithful restructuration work, the
location has become an example of industrial archaeology and, at the
same time, the historic site of the Museum, exhibition room and artisan
workshop.
1928: the King of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele III, visited the
Cooperative’s factories, thereby testifying, on a national level, the
level of fame and success which the company had achieved. An act of
recognition which has been renewed each year, thanks to the interest
displayed by the highest authorities of the State, as well as
personalities from the world of culture, politics and business.
1990: for Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola, an important decade began,
marked by major development and constant growth. A stimulating period
which found its maximum expression in the creation of new company head
offices: a project conceived with the intention of uniting tradition
with innovation.
Today, Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola is positioned at the top of its
sector, in terms of technology and production capacity. An example of
high technology capable of satisfying every request made by the
international market, which is the source of more than 70% of the
company turnover. The production of tiles, which originally consisted in
traditional double-firing, now ranges from single-firing to rapid
double-firing, from glazed porcelain stoneware to full body porcelain
stoneware. And so on, through to special items, with decorative
elaborations and third firing. In addition, Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola
now provides new sophisticated solutions for building construction,
thanks to large size tiles, single piece slabs for steps and window
ledges; solutions aimed at various sectors such as domestic, urban and
industrial fixtures and fittings.