1915
The Pieve Vergonte chemical plant was established in Milan on 15 November, with a company capital of ITL 2,500,000 and under Stabilimento di Rumianca Ing. A. Vitale company name. Mr Alfonso Vitale, Eng., was appointed CEO and General Manager.
The company’s scope of business activity was the installation of an electrolysis plant for chlor-alkali production. The Ossola Valley area was selected due to the construction of several high-capacity hydroelectric plants, essential for the energy-intensive chlor-alkali production process. At the same time, other production cycles were started up, including the production of carbon disulfide, sulphuric acid and, later on, carbon tetrachloride and bleaching powder.
1919
After WWI, Engineer Vitale expanded and improved the existing facilities. To enhance the living and working conditions of employees, he established a cooperative, a company canteen, and built or acquired various housing units. He entered into an agreement with the Italian State Railways for the construction of a railway station connected to the production site. He also enhanced logistics and local infrastructure by spearheading the creation of a new road between Piedimulera and Pieve Vergonte and a road connecting the municipalities of Rumianca and Vogogna.
1922
Engineer Vitale left Rumianca, which became part of the SNIA Viscosa Group, owned by Gualino company. SNIA was already a renowned industrial company, producing artificial textile fibres, and required carbon disulfide and caustic soda for its operations. Ostilio Severini, Eng. was the new CEO.
New plants were built for the production of tetralin, chlorobenzene, concentrated caustic soda, and ammonia.
