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Our History

The Origins (1942 – 1952): Lo Zoccolificio Romagnolo (The Romagnolo Wooden Clog Factory)

The company’s roots date back to 1942 in Forlì, when Romano Rossi and his father founded Zoccolificio Romagnolo in Via Dei Mille. In an era defined by the hardships of World War II, the business focused on the production of wooden footwear—an essential commodity during the war and the post-war years.

The company’s history is inextricably linked to the tragedy of the conflict: in 1942, Giuseppe Rossi, Romano’s father, was killed by retreating German soldiers, courageously sacrificing his life to protect one of his daughters. At this critical juncture, the young Romano took over the leadership of the small artisanal workshop.

Driven by determination and vision, he moved the headquarters to Via Benzoni in 1945—a decisive step that marked the beginning of the transformation from a local workshop into a pinnacle of industrial excellence.

 

The Transformation into Formificio (1953 – 1962): The Advent of Wooden Lasts.

The Transformation into Formificio (1953 – 1962): The Advent of Wooden Lasts

In 1953, the company changed its legal name to Formificio Romagnolo snc. This new chapter marked a crucial transition, shifting the company's core business from the finished product (clogs) to the technical component for footwear manufacturers: wooden shoe lasts.

The founding partners of this new venture were Rossi, Arfellini, Cimatti, and Casadei.

In 1958, the headquarters were moved to Via Andrea Dragoni 43/45, also in Forlì—a location that would remain central to the company’s history for years to come.

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Material Innovation (1963 – 1969): The Transition to Polyethylene.

In 1963, the company launched the production of polyethylene lasts, anticipating a landmark shift in the industry. This plastic material offered significant advantages over wood, most notably in terms of durability and precision.

A turning point occurred in 1966 following the flood of the Arno River in Florence, which severely damaged numerous Tuscan businesses. In response, Formificio Romagnolo decided to permanently abandon wood in favor of polyethylene, establishing itself as a pioneer in the transition toward synthetic materials.

That same year, the company opened its first branches in Scandicci (Florence) and Bussolengo (Verona), marking the beginning of its national commercial network. In 1967, a new branch was opened in Trezzano sul Naviglio (Milan), and the company was incorporated as a Joint-Stock Company (S.p.A.), representing a further step toward a modern industrial structure.

 

Territorial Expansion (1970 – 1996): The Italian Commercial Network.

In 1970, the company began recycling polyethylene by establishing a dedicated recovery department at the Forlì headquarters, significantly strengthening internal production capacity.

The following years saw a major territorial expansion with the opening of several new branches:

  • 1979: Perarolo di Vigonza (Padua) and Civitanova Marche (Macerata)

  • 1982: Verolanuova (Brescia)

  • 1987: Monsummano Terme (Pistoia)

  • 1995: Volpago del Montello (Treviso)

Meanwhile, in 1977, Romano Rossi took on the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors, consolidating the family's leadership of the company.

 

Automation and Digitization (1994 – 2006): The Technological Revolution.

Beginning in the 1990s, Formificio Romagnolo launched a period of profound technological innovation:

  • 1994: Introduction of multi-station combined machinery, significantly increasing production flexibility.

  • 1996: Commencement of digitization and turning processes utilizing the Horma 2000 system.

  • 1999: Digitization was further enhanced with computerized Newlast machinery and molding presses for plastic blanks.

  • 2000: Strengthening of the polyethylene recovery department with Satrind shredding machinery.

In 2006, the company introduced Newlast SDF4 finishing machines, capable of completing the last finishing process without the need for toe/heel sprue removal (cimostatura), thereby increasing both efficiency and product quality.

 

Preserving Heritage and Advanced Technologies (2018 – Present).

In 2018, the Model Archive was inaugurated, housing over 400,000 production pieces out of a total of 1 million physical models (including those at branches and other storage facilities). Simultaneously, the Historical Archive was established at the Forlì headquarters: an initiative dedicated to protecting the company’s technical and cultural heritage.

Also in 2018, the turning department was upgraded with the introduction of Newlast SDF6HS finishing machines, increasing production capacity through the ability to process three pairs of lasts simultaneously.

In 2020, the company implemented SDMARK robotic laser marking—once again utilizing Newlast technology—underscoring its continuous commitment to automation and precision.

In 2022, the company celebrated its 80th anniversary, confirming its position as a benchmark in the footwear last industry.

The current corporate structure of Formificio Romagnolo S.p.A. is held by a majority share by the Rossi family, with the Arfellini family as minority shareholders.

As of 2025, Dr. Marisa Rossi has taken over the presidency of the Board of Directors, continuing the family legacy into the new millennium.

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