Cooperativa Ceramica d'Imola

Over One hundred and thirty five years of tradition.
Cooperativa Ceramica dImola is the oldest work and production cooperative in Italy. One hundred and thirty five 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 fathers conviction, reaffirmed in various articles of association and in the Brotherhood Pact, signed by the companys historic partners, lies at the heart of the companys 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.

1883: The Artistic Department was opened, the pride of Cooperativa Ceramica dImola. 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 companys 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 Cooperatives 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 dImola, 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.

1992: Imola Tile expands to the Continental US, based out of Coral Gables, South Florida.

2002: Imola Tile open new Headquarters in the Miami Doral area as a main distributor of fine porcelain.

Present: Today, Cooperativa Ceramica dImola 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 dImola 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.