HISTORY

The stories of companies are easily boring and probably the least read part.

We thought of a summary that deliberately stays away from often insignificant details and magnificent
performances but gives an idea.

In reality, we are keepers of an entire world of anecdotes and legends that, by unanimous family decision, will be passed down only verbally.

Maurice Morel, a visionary entrepreneur, built his first factory for cotton reinforcements for footwear in
Arpajon, France.

His success leads him to expand throughout Europe, opening factories in England, Spain, Belgium, Germany, and Morocco, always with a local partner.

Morel Italia is established in Milan. Maurice partners with Antonio Ghiringhelli (an auditor for Teatro alla Scala) and Alice Bonfanti, a close friend of Antonio.

A fire destroys the headquarters at Via Agudio 4, Milan. They decide to build a new, dedicated facility at Via
Privata Gradisca 18.

The German army seizes the factory and installs an anti-aircraft gun on the roof of building F2. The British
attempt to bomb it but miss, hitting the small F6 instead.

The Americans briefly seize Morel before returning it.

After WWII, Antonio Ghiringhelli is called upon by the first post-war mayor of Milan, Antonio Greppi, to help rebuild Teatro alla Scala.

Maurice Morel and Antonio Ghiringhelli select Ottavio Bonfanti, Alice’s son, as their successor. A creative chemist passionate about design and architecture.

Luca Bonfanti, Ottavio’s son, takes over and starts meticulous restoration work on the Gradisca property.

Luca and his daughter Bianca cease production to focus on the restoration project, preserving and respecting the industrial architectural logic of the era.

Morel remains a place where time, history, and, perhaps, some old ideals whisper quietly—perhaps making them truly modern.