European leading company offering high quality solutions to the garments industry

From 1881 to the present day : Italy’s first special sewing machine factory – Milan

In 1881 on the suburbs of Milan, an enterprising workman, Virginio Rimoldi, produced the first sewing machine for industrial use in Italy in a small workshop. It was the STELLA A.  It was used to sew gloves with overlock stitch. A patent was created. From this machine were gradually derived types for sewing coats, felt hats, knitwear and other special applications (STELLA B-C-D-E-F-FF-G).

From a small artisan, Virginio Rimoldi, among many difficulties, gradually became a name known in Italy and abroad, not only in Europe, but also in North and South America as Virginio Rimoldi & C. At around of the new century it participated in international exhibitions, affirming itself for quality, geniality and functionality, gaining trust, awards and customer recognition.

In 1936, on the eve of the World War, the workshop not without enormous difficulties, not only had to build new models, but also completely new machines such as the OVERLOCK machine.  The war effort caused a continuous and growing demand until the end of 1945, forcing companies to adapt to try to meet it.  During these years, Rimoldi was reinforced with excellent technical, administrative and managerial staff made available by the large aeronautical and engine plants that closed after the armistice.

From 1945 to 1950, the 155 and 1-2-3-4 needle flatbed series as well as the 2nd and 3rd generation of the ovelock were born. In 1956, after the factory extension was built, the new series of class 27 and 29 were born. At the end of the same year,  a lot of land was purchased in OLCELLA, adapting an existing building to production requirements. This relocation allowed production to increase by 30%. We arrive at 1958 when a further plot of land is purchased in Olcella, which will allow the following year the relocation of all special departments such as heat treatment, painting, galvanic treatment and assembly.

New generations of 227 B227 flatbed machines 163 B163 try to meet the ever-increasing demands of the world market. From 3000 rpm for overlock we go up to 4000 /5000 and more. The same goes for cupseamer and flatbed machines.

In 1962, the workshop was divided into departments, transforming them into production lines. This solution allows the implementation of special machines that perform groups of operations on different workpieces, reducing time and creating technical and innovative solutions. In 1964, the use of steel lost-wax casting is high. Rimoldi buys the manufacturing licence in the USA from Arwood and starts the new “investment casting” business, producing all the parts it needs within a year, making it independent.

In 1969 it was decided to build a new assembly, galvanic and water purification department. In 1971, ownership gradually passed into the hands of the US multinational ‘NORTH AMERICAN ROCKWELL’. It is a company with a multitude of activities in various sectors: aeronautics, aerospace, electronics, graphic machines, mechanical tools, home appliances textiles, etc., with plants employing around 250,000 people.

It was precisely between 1971 and 1972 that the new 327 and 329 overlocks and 264 flat machines were introduced. Within a couple of years, 90% of production was radically replaced. At the turn of 1972/74, the foundry was expanded.

Sales grew and quality improved and thanks to this, Rimoldi was also able to serve customers with micro-jet parts for aircraft, missiles, optics, telecommunications, weapons etc etc.

The year is 1974: some 3600 different subclasses are produced, which are shipped to all parts of the world and used by manufacturers on every continent. In the years that followed, the company expanded its distribution network abroad with a sales and service organisation in many countries through branches and agents in the United States, Germany, France, Great Britain, Brazil, Spain, etc. In other countries there are more than 70 exclusive agents selected from companies that guarantee not only commercial reliability but also knowledge of the machines and a service network in line with Rimoldi standards.

Today Rimoldi & CF is the leading company in Europe offering high quality solutions in the garment industry: industrial sewing machines, equipment, spare parts consultancy start up services and training. Located in Gallarate, a few kilometres from Malpensa airport, it has a showroom, sales offices, assembly department and a verticalised production cycle. The key words are: made in Italy, turnkey projects, after-sales service, original spare parts and standard and special attachments . Social profiles (Istagram, facebook, linkedin) as well as the new website www.rimoldiecf.com complete customer information and communication service.

FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY NOW, RIMOLDI’S PHILOSOPHY HAS STILL BEEN TO MANUFACTURE EFFICIENTLY, CONSCIENTIOUSLY AND AT THE BEST POSSIBLE PRICE, WITH QUALITY, FUNCTIONALITY AND RELIABILITY ALWAYS BEING THE BEST PUBLICITY.