He is succeeded by his son, Gaetano. Through substantial investment, this small artisanal enterprise evolves into an industrial operation.
The Mutual Aid Society was founded, reflecting an entrepreneurial vision that is attentive to the wellbeing of the community.
Vittorio Emanuele, Gaetano’s son, begins construction of the spinning mill in Maglio, a hamlet of Valdagno, introducing the production of combed yarn at a time when the Italian industry is still largely limited to carded yarn.
The railway line connecting Vicenza to Valdagno and the region’s main transport hubs is inaugurated, facilitating the movement of people and goods and supporting the company’s industrial and commercial expansion, as well as that of the surrounding area.
Construction begins on hydroelectric power plants designed to supply energy to both the manufacturing facilities and the local community. This strategic decision demonstrates the company’s innovative spirit and its determination to equip itself with modern infrastructure to support industrial development.
Having inherited the company from his father Vittorio Emanuele at a young age, Gaetano Marzotto Jr. expands the workforce from 2,500 to 12,500 employees, broadening the Group through the acquisition of additional wool manufacturing businesses. Despite the effects of the Wall Street financial crisis, Marzotto continues to grow and strengthen its presence in international markets.
The company modernises its strategic and organisational structure, creating a forward-looking system based on autonomous industrial divisions entrusted to management and dedicated to specific product lines, within a context of growing internationalisation.
These are the years of the Made in Italy boom: securing exclusive contracts with prestigious brands and collaborating with renowned designers becomes essential, combining creativity, commercial expertise and industrial organisation.
From the mid-1980s, the Marzotto Group embarks on a growth strategy through acquisitions. In 1985 it acquires Finbassetti and Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale, enters into an agreement with Missoni, and collaborates with Philip Morris on two apparel lines dedicated to leisure and sport (Marlboro Classic).
In 1987, Lanerossi and the fashion house of Gianfranco Ferrè join the Group.
Expansion continues throughout the 1990s. In 1991, the Group acquires Hugo Boss, a global leader in high-end menswear, and the Guabello wool mill in Biella.
In 1994, Lanificio Novà Mosilana, located in Brno in the Czech Republic, and Liteksas of Lithuania (home furnishings) become part of the Group, further strengthening its international presence.
Valentino, one of the most prestigious names in Italian fashion, particularly active in the high-end womenswear and accessories segment, joins the Marzotto Group.
The Group welcomes important new companies, including Lanificio Fratelli Tallia di Delfino and Lanificio G.B. Conte, expanding its womenswear offering (Estethia – G.B. Conte brand).
In the same year, the acquisition of Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale is completed, further strengthening the Group’s manufacturing capacity.
The brand Nuova Tessilbrenta, specialising in casual and sports cotton apparel, also joins the Group.
A partnership is established with the Schneider Group, a global leader in the combing of wool and noble fibres, through a manufacturing joint venture in Egypt, in which Marzotto holds a 30% stake.
The Group acquires a 33.3% stake in Ratti S.p.A., one of the most important companies in the silk sector, in partnership with Faber Five Srl, which also holds 33.3%.
Marzotto Group, Loro Piana and Ermenegildo Zegna each acquire a 15% stake in Pettinatura di Verrone, a Biella-based company specialising in combing of superfine wool, cashmere and vicuña. The company is controlled by Schneider Group.
With the aim of streamlining management and aligning investment policies, the Group reorganises its structure by establishing Marzotto Wool Manufacturing, bringing together all brands operating in the wool sector, and Marzotto Lab, which includes other activities including Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale, Tessuti di Sondrio, Lanerossi and other Group companies.JacqArt – Trame d’Arredo is established, a new manufacturing entity specialising in the creation of jacquard fabrics and velvets for interior design and bespoke luxury, born from the collaboration between Rino Mastrotto and the Marzotto Group.
The Marzotto Group launches an important collaboration with the Modiano Group, a leader in the processing and trading of wool, which acquires control of Pettinatura di Verrone.