HISTORY
For over 75 years, we have been weaving fabrics between expert hands and contemporary inspirations.
Our roots go back to the 19th century Fabbricone Storico, one of the first full-cycle wool mills in the heart of the Prato district. Here, we create woolen fabrics using craft techniques that are as old as they are modern. Also here, we develop fabrics designed to inspire timeless garments.
75+
These are our years of experience. Three generations of craftsmen, workers and creators have shaped our reality, handing down the savoir-faire and passion that today distinguishes our textile craftsmanship around the world.
100+
They are our collaborators: a diverse team of weavers and designers, salespeople and technicians. We combine the liveliness of young talents with the experience of our most experienced guides to offer continuously evolving woolen fabrics, reflecting global trends.
30.000 sqm
The size of the Fabbricone Storico, the factory of our entire wool production cycle. From yarn to finished fabric, our production is local and modern, expert and responsible, in continuous dialogue with the 19th century architecture that houses it.
1281
These are the customers with whom we cultivate relationships all over the world. For many we offer customised textile solutions, surprising them with collections that are renewed and expanded every year.
54
These are the countries we work with. We respond to the needs of a global market in continually evolving with innovative and sustainable fabrics.
According to our philosophy, each garment is the result of a complex interplay of impulses and ideas. In this balancing act, fabrics play a crucial role in turning on the spark of creative people and designers.
Our aim has always been to inspire and guide the next brand creations. In each fabric, we weave patterns, feelings and colours that tell our vision of time and fashion.
We value and redefine time. Our path is shaped by our ability to evolve without ever forgetting our origins.
1889
1889
1920
1934
1948
1975
1981
1999
2000
2017
2022
Today
The birth of the Fabbricone Storico
The Fabbricone Storico is born, our headquarters. A true 'walled citadel', just outside the centre of Prato. It housed 900 workers, almost all women. A completely atypical reality in the Prato district. The first modern full-cycle textile industry, built by the German Köessler & Meyer families. We retain almost everything from that era, from the structure to the fixtures that accompany us like the spirit of that lively and industrious community.
1920
The Art of Guido Dolci
We are in our current sample room. Here, artist Guido Dolci paints six scenes recounting the evolution of fashion, from prehistory to the present day. A work that marks an indissoluble link with stylistic innovation in our DNA.
1934
The Nervi Hall
The first floor of the Fabbricone is built. The striking Sala Nervi, which bears the prestigious signature of Pier Luigi Nervi. Originally dedicated to fabric inspection, today the room hosts photo shoots and special events, keeping the dialogue between past and present alive.
1948
The birth of Lanificio Ruggero Balli
After the war, three brothers from Prato - Ruggero, Otello and Dionigi - founded what they then called Lanificio Ruggero Balli. Ruggero, a former cyclist professional, Otello, an expert mechanic, and Dionigi, with strong commercial skills, combine their very different minds to create the reality we live in today.
1975
The purchase of the Fabbricone Storico
There is a lot of work and space is shrinking. Lanificio is looking for a large, modern and almost entirely self-sufficient industrial area. Among the realities of the area, it chose the Fabbricone Storico, in the heart of the district, perfect for growing the industrial reality. Two years later, the company officially moved in. Thus Lanificio Fratelli Balli was born, bringing new life to our historical building.
1981
The growth of Lanificio
Lanificio Fratelli Balli becomes a joint-stock company (S.p.A.), expanding its corporate structure and consolidating its presence in the Italian textile market. Among the new shareholders are two key figures, Enrico Raffaelli and Michael Höchel, who, since the 1960s, have played a crucial role in the company's success.
1999
New collaborations
The entry of new German partners marks a phase of renewal and internationalisation for the company, which is ready to explore new horizons, new markets and new challenges.
2000
The acquisition of Lanificio Rafanelli
Lanificio Fratelli Balli acquires Lanificio Rafanelli, a strategic move that accelerates our company's growth in the market. Today we dedicate our most successful fabric line to Rafanelli.
2017
The Merger
Lanificio Fratelli Balli absorbs Lanificio Rafanelli. Today, we dedicate one of the most prestigious lines of our collection to this historic company.
2022
Restructuring and Rebranding
The year 2022 marks a turning point. We undergo a change in the corporate structure with a redistribution of shares and a renewed strategic vision. A generational shift brings a young and dynamic leadership, supported by the experience of the historical team. We re-evaluate the company structure and organizational chart to improve operational efficiency and strengthen decision-making capacity. We choose modern management, focused on innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness. To inaugurate this new path, we initiate a complete rebranding of our product lines, projecting ourselves into the future.
Today
Ready for the future
With solid foundations, we innovate and focus on our ancient savoir-faire and the next generation of creatives. We are determined to build a sustainable and competitive future, keeping the dialogue between tradition and innovation alive.
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