THE STORY: THE SUCCESS OF AN IDEA
“In the 1960s, ideas were the important ingredient”, remembers Giovanni Marcolin, the Group’s founder and President. His innovative idea was to render the frames of glasses more decorative by making temples in metal, instead of plastic. This concept already contained the core of that sensitivity to style and the market that would enable a crafts company in Cadore to develop over the years, becoming one of the most important players on the international eyewear market.
1961 Foundation of the Crafts Factory.
1964 The company became "Marcolin Occhiali Doublé", from the name of the laminate that was used to produce glasses.
1967 The new factory at Vallesella di Cadore was opened.
1968 The company began marketing its products in the United States.
1974 By now the company was manufacturing 1,000 pairs of glasses a day, with 80 employees.
1984 A million frames made every year; 200 employees.
1988 The company’s head offices were moved to Longarone. Inauguration of the factory making acetate frames.
The ‘90’s
Marcolin consistently achieved widespread recognition for the design and quality of its products. The distribution system was extended as the brand’s familiarity amongst consumers increased.
1999 The company was quoted on the telematic stock exchange system operated by Borsa Italiana S.p.A, and developed an assets structure compatible with its growth objectives.
Marcolin entered the sports sector by purchasing French group Cébé, with a leadership position in the manufacture and marketing of sports eyewear, ski-ing goggles and helmets.
The new millennium
Increasing investments were made to consolidate the brand portfolio and reinforce the company’s international standing.
2004 Diego and Andrea Della Valle, who at present are responsible for some of the most important projects in the Italian and international luxury sector, entered the Marcolin SpA company assets structure.
2006 In a joint venture with Optec, Japanese company renowned for the manufacture and marketing of high-level eyewear collections, the Marcolin Group founded the Marcolin Japan branch.
The same year, a capital stock increase was used to acquire new financial resources with which to fuel the Group’s growth, and in particular the development of its brand portfolio and the increase of manufacturing capacity. At the same time Luigi Abete, through LUAB srl, entered the Marcolin SpA company assets structure.
