Since 1977 , we have cared for the eye health of over 10,000 people, thanks to our constant pursuit of innovation, efficiency, and technology.
1977
The beginning
January 4, 1977, marks a pivotal date in our journey: the founding of Industria Lavorazioni Ottico-Plastiche, better known by its acronym Ilop.
Ilop's story begins with the passion of its two founders, Nilda Buosi and Gian Michele Giroldi, who that year opened their first 20 square meter workshop in Piazza IV Novembre, Cunardo, in the province of Varese.
From the very beginning, the company's mission was clear: to establish a strong presence in the optical plastics market, specializing in the cutting and coloring of lenses for sunglasses.
At the end of the 1970s, Ilop experienced a period of rapid growth, creating an increasing need for more space. In 1979, the company inaugurated its main headquarters on Via Varesina in Cunardo, Varese, marking the transition from artisanal to industrial production.
However, in January 1983, a devastating fire swept through the Via Varesina facility, putting the very future of the company at serious risk.
Thanks to the unwavering support of their son Michele, loyal collaborators, and close family friends, the Giroldi family managed to rebuild the company with renewed strength, becoming a supplier to Ray-Ban and the U.S. Army.
1979
The growth
1985
The opportunity
A period of severe crisis hit just a few years later, following the collapse of the US dollar, abruptly halting the rapid growth that had defined the previous years.
Instead of retreating, Ilop chose to see this challenging moment as an opportunity to radically transform its business, creating a direct sales channel for the public.
The first retail store, just 9 square meters in size, was opened in Cunardo, directly within the production facility.
The decision to open directly to the public proved to be a winning strategy. In 1991, another major turning point arrived with the relocation of production to Portugal.
This move allowed the original retail store to expand significantly, eventually occupying the entire space of the former manufacturing facility.
From that moment, Ilop transformed itself into a true leader among optical centers in the province of Varese.
The exponential growth of the business enabled the company to open five additional stores in the following years, expanding its presence across the provinces of Varese and Milan.
1991
The change.
2015
A new identity
The company's transformation reached a significant milestone in 2015 with the renovation of the main headquarters in Cunardo.
Embracing an eco-friendly approach and vision, Ilop positioned itself as a true pioneer in the region, not only within the optical industry but across various sectors.
This evolution allowed the company to offer customers a modern, state-of-the-art facility, featuring an extensive range of products and dedicated areas such as the Eyewear Zone, Sunglasses Zone, Kids' Section, Optical Ambulatory Area, and Ophthalmologist Ambulatory Area, among others
In 2017, Ilop decided to create a new shopping experience for its customers at the Cunardo store, introducing a Police shop-in-shop dedicated to the direct sale of products and accessories, including watches, perfumes, bags, bracelets, and leather goods.
Thanks to perfect synergies with suppliers, an efficient and extensive network of stores, and state-of-the-art in-house laboratories, the company has been able to offer incredibly fast delivery times for eyewear.
Looking ahead, Ilop plans to continue investing in technology and research, with the goal of providing an even faster and higher-quality service to the thousands of loyal customers.
Today
Looking to the Future
ILOP, acronym for Industria Lavorazioni Ottico-Plastiche, is a company active
in the optical sector for over 40 years.
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