Designer cutlery by Mepra

1950

The Beginning

Mepra was founded on January 1, 1947, in the aftermath of the Second World War, thanks to three brothers Pietro, Felice and Giacomo with the financial support of their father, GianBattista. In 1952, production in 18/10 stainless steel began. Mepra was the first company in Lumezzane to embrace what was then a revolutionary new material, giving rise to Arte Inossidabile. The Bavaria pattern, still part of the Mepra collection today, became one of the company's best sellers. Following cutlery, everyday products were soon developed in stainless steel, including lunch carriers, food storage containers and the famous schisette, the traditional lunch boxes used by workers.

1960

Expanding the Collection

Production expanded beyond cutlery to include tableware and kitchenware. Mepra also began the process of international expansion, establishing production units in other countries in response to the difficulties of exporting to international markets that were still largely closed. This decade saw the creation of some of Mepra's first iconic products, including the 511 salt and pepper set, the Mirror grater and the Bolli Siringa, a product that was sold door-to-door to pharmacies throughout Italy.

1970

Growing Beyond Italy

Development and internationalization continued with the launch of products specifically designed for the international hospitality market. Exports became an increasingly important part of the company's business, while Mepra began receiving its first prestigious international awards. This was also the decade that saw the launch of the iconic Bombata, Lady and Party coffee collections.

1980

A New Language for Stainless Steel

The Cellini tableware collection was born and quickly became one of the company's greatest successes. At the same time, Mepra continued investing in new technologies and revolutionary surface treatments, expanding the aesthetic possibilities of stainless steel. The combination of stainless steel with other materials had a strong influence on the market. Collections such as Cellini Oro, Giotto Décor, Leonardo Oro and Michelangelo Oro Nero became must-haves for wedding registries and Christmas gifting.

1990

Colour Changes the Table

The Fantasia and later Caramella collections, spanning cutlery, cookware and tableware, brought a true revolution to the way tables and kitchens were designed. The kitchen was no longer simply a hidden space where cooking smells could be kept away. It became one of the most important rooms in the home, often opening directly onto the dining and living areas. Mepra's new collections brought table and kitchen together through coordinated designs and colours, creating a new way of experiencing the home — every day, as well as on the occasions that matter most.

2000

The New Millennium

The early 2000s were marked by major investments in new technologies. Technological progress accelerated at an unprecedented pace, allowing Mepra to bring products to the market that had never been seen before. Mepra introduced its first PVD-coated cutlery, becoming a leading manufacturer in the high-quality market and receiving prestigious international awards. Soon after came the Original Vintage collection and Vintage cutlery. Once again, Mepra was among the first to introduce this aesthetic to the market and uniquely, could combine new surface treatments with original products dating back to the 1950s and 1960s, giving them the distinctive look and character of pewter.

2020

The year of Covid

A time of profound change for everyone. The company’s financial strength allowed us to preserve every job, the expertise and professional skills developed both within the company and beyond, as well as the entire network of suppliers and subcontractors. Although we were all unable to produce, the company continued to financially support the entire supply chain, making it possible for everyone involved to restart after months of inactivity without major difficulties , with no layoffs, no downsizing, and no loss of personnel, machinery, or equipment. For us, this was perhaps the toughest, yet most meaningful and rewarding test of our first 80 years, and one we overcame together.

TODAY

The Mepra Atelier

Experimentation and innovation, together with the company's artisanal heritage and the expertise of its highly skilled collaborators, are at the heart of Mepra Atelier. Created for hyper-personalization, the Atelier transforms selected tableware and kitchen objects into truly unique pieces for private and professional clients who want to express their character, personality and emotions through the objects that surround them. Every Atelier creation carries a story. It brings together the vision of the person who imagined it and the craftsmanship of those who helped bring it to life — making each piece unmistakably personal, and truly one of a kind.