The Martinelli family has been working in the textile industry since the end of the 19th century in Val Gandino, an Italian textile district that is known for the production of woollen cloths. In 1891, Cavaliere del Lavoro Luigi Martinelli launches his textile manufacturing business, which goes on to become one of the best-known manufacturing companies in this sector.

The world wars prevent Mr. Martinelli from passing the reins to his nephew Ginetto, but in 1947, he launches his own business in Leffe, producing woollen blankets.

The intelligence, passion and tenacity of the company founder Ginetto and his wife Margherita enable the company to grow, and in the 1960s, production is expanded to include cotton and linen as well as wool.

In the 1970s, the Group begins producing jacquard fabrics, and quickly makes a name for itself on the global market as a leading producer and distributor of fine damask linens for the household linens sector.

Ginetto's sons, Sergio and Luciano, join the company, with the former dedicated to business development and the latter to administration and finance.

NORD CINIGLIA - the yarn division of the MARTINELLI GINETTO Group - is founded, specialising in the production and distribution of chenille yarn collections, designed and tested for use in furnishing, outdoor, upholstery and clothing fabrics.

DUNITALIA is founded in the city of Pápa, Hungary. DUNITALIA becomes a strategic production facility for Martinelli Ginetto, as the site at which the wool spinning, chenille spinning and weaving processes are carried out.

Alberto Paccanelli joins the Group's corporate and managerial team, joining Sergio and Luciano Martinelli in leading the strategic and operational management of the company. His arrival marks the strengthening of the management structure, and the beginning of the Group's expansion plan.

Acquisition of GIUSEPPE BRIGNOLI Srl. Founded in 1939, the company is globally recognised for the creativity and quality of its yarn-dyed jacquard fabric collections for household linens.

Acquisition of CANDEGGIO LA BRIANTEA. Founded in 1850 in Arcore, the company is dedicated to the dyeing and finishing of fine fabrics.

With the support of a dedicated creative team, KOHRO - the collection of double width fabrics for furnishing applications - is launched. It is specifically dedicated to the world of architects and interior designers.

MARTINELLI GINETTO establishes a digital printing line, using advanced Japanese printing technology on the finished fabric that enables high levels of manufacturing flexibility, ideal for the production of custom fabrics, including those in small batches.

MARTINELLI GINETTO joins LYONTEX as a majority shareholder; the company is a traditional artisan textile manufacturer, dedicated to the production of high-quality jacquard fabrics that are 100% made in Italy. The subsequent addition of the GIUSEPPE BRIGNOLI company to the Lyontex Group strengthens the position of the latter in the high-end household linens segment.

Francesco Zenoni joins the Group's corporate and managerial team, joining Sergio and Luciano Martinelli and Alberto Paccanelli in leading the strategic and operational management of the company. His entry marks the beginning of the journey towards the digitalisation of the company.

Acquisition of Manifattura SATTA E BOTTELLI, a historical textile finishing company based in Nerviano. The Group further strengthens its presence within the production chain, establishing its position as a European leader in the textile finishing segment.

For the first time, MARTINELLI GINETTO presents itself as MARTINELLI GINETTO GROUP, with the spinning yarns division now united under one name, NORD FILATI, a brand specialising in the production of wool yarns, chenille yarns and novelty fancy yarns.