03/08/2024
More than 60 years of passion and entrepreneurial vision.
In the town of Guastalla, located in the north of Italy in the province of Reggio Emilia, Vittorio Bertazzoni founded the Smeg company, which is currently one of the leaders in the production of household appliances in the country. The entrepreneurial activity of the Bertazzoni family dates back to the 17th century. At first, the Bertazzoni family was engaged in blacksmithing, soon retraining as metallurgists.
In 1948, in the era of economic growth and rapid urbanization, the Smeg metallurgical plant was founded. The very name Smeg is nothing but an abbreviation of the Italian Smalteria Metallurgica Emiliana Guastalla (Metallurgical Factory of Emilia Guastalla).
In an era of radical changes in social structures, family and lifestyle, Smeg began to create products that meet the new technological needs of society and conditions that have changed in everyday life. Technology quickly became a matter of pride for families in the conditions of changing habits, which demanded the greatest comfort in everyday life.
In the late 1950s, Smeg produced one of the first gas stoves with automatic ignition, fuse and timer. In 1963, the production of washing machines and dishwashers was launched. The mid-70s was marked by the release of the first built-in ovens and hobs and the establishment of the first partnerships with world-renowned architects and designers. In the 1990s, the Smeg range also included sinks, extractor hoods and colorful retro refrigerators in the style of the 50s, which soon became a style icon on an international scale.
Strengthening its position in the household appliances segment, Smeg has created professional divisions that produce appliances for the catering sector, such as ovens and dishwashers for restaurants and hotels, as well as tools for medical institutions.
Today, Smeg is headed by the third generation of the Bertazzoni family, and the name of the company preserves the memory of where it all began, Smalteria Metallurgica Emiliana Guastalla.
