1979: The shoe factory is founded by brothers Mario and Renato Catani as a de facto company. The brothers develop and re-organise what had been the workshop of their father, Americo, turning it into a viable business.

1980: Work begins on the first 600m2 of the current facility, and within a few years the entire production chain is moved to this new facility, which has a fully industrial layout.

1982: The ‘Forestland’ brand is unveiled. The comfortable, sporty shoes for men marketed under this brand are designed as a sample collection for retail customers.

1988: The de facto business is registered as a joint-stock company. Work starts on the expansion of the original facility with a view to rationalising the various production processes. The facility now covers a surface area of around 5000 sqm.

1995: The beginning of a longstanding partnership with a leading American brand.

2001: Initial outsourcing agreements are signed with foreign manufacturers to deal with certain processing phases (cutting and binding) on products with low added value.

2007: The new Roberto Catani brand highlights the creativity and quality of Italian-made footwear.