Old knitting and manufacturing techniques were replaced by ‘revolutionary’ weaving looms and carding machines. Francesco owned numerous knitting machines and purchased a carding machine from France.

He took over the business when he was just 13 and proved his entrepreneurial spirit by purchasing a steam engine machine from Switzerland. It is believed to be the first one set up in Biella.

Around 1830, he bought two knitting handlooms which aided the production of the Pettinengo sweater. Fast forward a couple of years, and his son Eusebio began working with him. Together they founded the business name, ’Francesco Maggia and Son’, a title that lasted over a century!

In 1916, Francesco purchased a factory in Occhieppo Superiore from the Vigna brothers, expanding their operations.

Back in Pettinengo, the family had access to a local wool supply and knitting took over from cloth processing. Sticking to the ways of local peers, their focus was on pasturing and wool processing.

Following Eusebio’s death during the war, his son Cornelio continued the ancient knitting tradition within the Maggia family.

The Italian Army was one of the brand’s main customers for years. There wasn’t a soldier at the time that didn’t wear items made in Maggia’s Occhieppo factory. These varied from coats, sweaters and t-shirts, to accessories like caps. The quality of Maggia’s clothing was something that charmed the army in Italy.