Summarising the history of a company like Olivetti in just a few words is almost impossible. Here, we offer only a brief timeline, spanning from its origins to the death of Adriano Olivetti, the period during which the company was, in essence, entrusted with an unprecedented role. We invite you to explore this extraordinary industrial story further through other sources, as it extends far beyond the perspective and time frame presented here.
The company “Camillo Olivetti & C. First National Typewriter Factory” was founded in Ivrea in 1908. At the 1911 Turin International Exposition, it unveiled the M1, and in the years that followed the company expanded significantly.
During the First World War, the factory contributed to the war effort. After the conflict, the M20 was launched, the production facilities were expanded, and the first overseas branches were opened. At the same time, competition from American and German manufacturers became increasingly intense.
In 1925, Adriano Olivetti travelled to the United States to study modern mass-production techniques. Upon his return, he reorganised manufacturing according to standardised production processes.
The M40 and the portable MP1 were introduced, while the company further strengthened its employee welfare programmes.
In 1932, Adriano became General Manager. He commissioned architects Luigi Figini and Gino Pollini to design the first extensions of the ICO Workshops and the Castellamonte residential neighborhood.
By 1933, the company was producing around 24,000 typewriters a year—more than one-third of them portable models. It employed over 800 people, held more than 50% of the Italian market, and was present in almost every major international market.
Olivetti entered the mechanical calculating machine sector. With the outbreak of the Second World War, the company again supported the war effort. Employing 4,200 people, it produced around 33,000 typewriters and 2,500 calculating machines annually, exporting 17% of its production.
After the war, the company experienced remarkable growth. From 1950 onwards, the Lettera 22 became a market success. In 1956, the calculating machines designed by Natale Capellaro and styled by Marcello Nizzoli—the Tetractys and the Divisumma 24—were launched. The latter went on to sell more than one million units worldwide.
In the United States, the Olivetti Corporation of America was established, with headquarters in New York.
The Olivetti Electronics Research Laboratory was founded in Barbaricina, near Pisa, under the direction of Italian-Chinese engineer Mario Tchou. It was soon relocated to Borgo Lombardo, and in 1959 the Elea 9003—the company’s first electronic computer—was presented to the President of the Italian Republic, Giovanni Gronchi.
By 1959, Olivetti employed 26,600 people, 44% of whom worked abroad. That same year, the company acquired control of Underwood, a bold and risky move that opened the doors to the American market.
Adriano Olivetti’s death in 1960 came at a pivotal moment: the uncertainties surrounding the Underwood acquisition and the technological transition from mechanical engineering to electronics.
In 1962, Olivetti’s share price collapsed. A consortium of investors (FIAT, Pirelli, IMI, Mediobanca, and Centrale) recapitalised the company on the condition that its Electronics Division be sold to the American company General Electric.
Nevertheless, in 1964 a team of designers led by engineer Pier Giorgio Perotto completed the prototype of the P101, widely regarded as the world’s first personal computer. Designed by Mario Bellini, it was unveiled at the 1965 New York World’s Fair. NASA purchased 60 units, which were used in support of the first manned mission to the Moon.
