H I S T O R Y
80 years of innovation.
The history of Lonati S.p.A. dates back to 1946, shaped by the entrepreneurial vision of Francesco Lonati, who laid the foundations for what would become a global leader in the manufacturing of circular knitting machines for hosiery.
Francesco Lonati:
the pioneer of innovation.
Francesco Lonati founded the first production hub in 1946, which specialized in building circular knitting machines for men’s and children’s socks. At that time, emerging mass‑consumption societies, driven by surging consumer demand, called for greater production diversification on a larger industrial scale. Accordingly, in 1952 Francesco Lonati significantly broadened the product portfolio and started manufacturing women’s hosiery machines at the new factory in Brescia. The new production site, with around 1,000 square metres of covered floor space and a workforce of approximately 30 employees, made it possible to fulfil higher‑volume orders. Francesco Lonati also pursued new business opportunities, expanding markets beyond national boundaries. Lonati’s women’s hosiery machines enjoyed considerable success, not least because they were the first in Europe to implement a key technological innovation: two‑fall machining.
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Francesco Lonati founded the first production unit of circular knitting machines for men’s and children’s socks in Rezzato.
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The new Brescia plant already measures 1,000 square meters and employs 30 people
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Lonati presented the first “dualfeed” circular machine for the production of women’s stockings.
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Exports expand beyond Europe to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Mexico, Chile, South America, North America, and Scandinavian countries.
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Lonati presented a new model of the circular machine for the production of men’s socks.
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Lonati became the world leader producing 90% of machines for hosiery factories.
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Dinema, a company specializing in industrial electronics and control systems for lighting, textiles, and electronics, joins the Lonati Group.
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Tecnopea, Italy's leading manufacturer of machines for ironing and packaging socks and seamless garments, is acquired, expanding the range of packaging solutions on offer.
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Lonati founds ITS Machina to train and specialize new professionals for the sector.
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Launch at ITMA of Unlimitex, a software suite that with Orion marks a decisive step by Lonati towards digitalization.
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Lonati rebranding: new logo, new website and a new image to strengthen its international identity.
Opening of a branch in China to remain competitive on the markets, particularly in Asia.
Lonati machines account for nearly the entire global production of women’s stockings and 60% of men’s and children’s stockings worldwide. Through the acquisition of well-established heritage brands, continuous development and optimisation of technologies, and global expansion, Lonati has elevated local industrial traditions to unprecedented heights
International expansion of Lonati machines
The new‑generation machines quickly gained success within the MEC countries, notably in the Federal Republic of Germany, and later in the United Kingdom. Between 1955 and 1960, exports extended beyond Europe to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Mexico, Chile, further markets across South and North America, as well as the Scandinavian nations. By this point, worldwide business partnerships had been established, not least because significant market penetration into countries behind the Iron Curtain began from 1966.Engaging with global markets demanded careful assessment of market trends, ongoing technological advancement and continuous upgrading of production facilities. Accordingly, the plant underwent major expansion in 1969: the total site area reached 30 000 square metres, of which 15 000 were covered floor space, and the workforce grew to 300 employees.
Growth and innovation
without borders.
Alongside technological innovation, Lonati strengthened its overseas presence by establishing an efficient export department and a global sales network of agents and dealers. When the company decided to develop double-cylinder machines for knitting men’s and children’s socks, it made a bold decision—given competitors’ strong market position and the substantial investment required to launch a new-generation machine that remains regarded as the most technologically advanced. This entrepreneurial endeavour was rewarded with remarkable success across all global markets.
