Safilo USA Inc history

In 1934, Gugliemo Tabacchi bought the original eyeglass factory, founding a new company, Safilo.

In the 1960’s, Safilo also developed and patented Optyl, an ultra-lightweight, hypoallergenic, flexible yet highly resistant material which was designed to maintain its shape over time.

1964: Safilo opens a second factory in Santa Maria di Sala, near Venice.

Back in Italy, Safilo added a new factory operation, in Martingnacco-Udine, in 1980, dedicated to the production of metal components for eyeglass frames.

Safilo's designer business also brought it to the United States, where it acquired 50 percent in New Jersey-based eyeglasses company Starline Optical, which was building up its own selection of designer eyewear, such as a line of Calvin Klein-designed styles launched in 1985.

By 1986, Safilo had acquired full control of Starline, giving it one of the largest eyewear distributors in the United States market.

Safilo moved to gain a place in this market as well, acquiring the Friuli, Italy-based Oxsol, a specialist in sunglasses manufacturing, in 1987.

1990: The company opens a new headquarters building in Padua.

2000: The company acquires Maxima, a specialist in eyeglass coating and coloring, based in Longarone.

37. "Tabacchi Launches Takeover Bid on Safilo (Tutta Safilo ai Tabacchi, la famiglia degli occhiali lancia l'Opa)," Corriere Della Sera, May 18, 2001.

As Safilo turned to the new century, its sales had neared EUR 850 million and were expected to near the EUR 1 billion mark by the end of 2002.