Albini celebrates 150 years: ‘Research and responsibility, bridging the past and the future’
The history of the Lombardy-based cotton mill has run parallel to that of Italia. To mark the occasion, a series of events and initiatives are being organised across the region. The CEO said: “We want to attract the younger generations.”
Although there are many examples of textile companies whose history has been intertwined with that of Italia, that of Albini is one of the most representative: it was 1876, six years after the unification of Italia was completed with the conquest of Rome, when in Albino, in the Seriana Valley, the cotton mill was founded; shortly afterwards, the Brianza-born entrepreneur Giovanni Albini became first a partner and then the sole owner, establishing what is now the leading cotton mill in Italia and Europe, renowned for producing the finest shirt fabrics in the world.
-U37827227352eSz-600x313@IlSole24Ore-Web.jpg)
Subsequent generations have weathered crises, wars and even kidnappings; they have used funds from the Marshall Plan to purchase state-of-the-art looms and modernise every stage of production; they have opened the company up to global markets, largely thanks to the vision of Silvio Albini, who passed away suddenly in 2018. A family history that runs parallel to that of the group, which today comprises four textile brands, over a thousand employees, seven factories and a turnover of 150 million in 2025.
In 2026, the Albini 1876 brand will celebrate its 150th anniversary – a milestone achieved and celebrated with pride, yet with the understated elegance that has always been a hallmark of the family, who still live in their historic villa in Bergamo, built in a simple Florentine style.
The fifth generation is at the helm of the company, with Stefano (chairman), Andrea (plant manager) and Fabio (creative director), alongside the CEO Pierluigi Fusco Girard, who joined Albini almost two years ago: ‘I’m struck every day by the very close bond with the community,’ he says. ‘Here, people say “I work for the Albini family” and not just “for Albini”: a subtle difference, but a very significant one. “Although it is a company known throughout the world and valued by the most important brands, it is characterised by humility, a willingness to listen, and passionate work that is constantly focused on innovation and improvement.”
Fusco Girard seems to have a particular affinity for companies with a prestigious past and a promising future, such as the Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale, which he led for seven years. And a vision that bridges these two timeframes has given rise to the programme of celebrations marking Albini’s 150th anniversary: ‘We chose the slogan “150 years of wonder”, where the sense of wonder certainly stems from what has been achieved, but also – and above all – implies an invitation to stimulate curiosity and exploration, which have always characterised Albini.’
