From the tradition of Monte Isola to innovation recognised worldwide

Our history

“La Rete srl” net factory, based in Monte Isola, has its roots in a unique area where the tradition of net making has been handed down for centuries. Here, making nets is not simply a manufacturing activity, but an ancient craft that is an integral part of the local culture and has been passed on from generation to generation.

The earliest evidence dates back to the year 1000, when fishermen and farmers hand-wove nets for fishing and hunting using natural materials and essential techniques. According to tradition, it was the Cluniac monks of the Island of San Paolo who first passed on weaving knowledge, initially using willow branches and later silk thread, marking a fundamental evolution in the quality and strength of the finished products.

As early as the fifteenth century, the quality of Monte Isola’s nets was recognised far beyond the local area: humanist courts purchased them for hunting activities, helping to spread the island’s reputation as a centre of excellence.

Between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, this tradition became even more firmly established: Monte Isola became a benchmark in net production, gradually moving from an artisanal dimension to a proto-industrial one, until the first organised net factories were founded. It was during this period that the foundations were laid for a manufacturing identity that still distinguishes this area within the European landscape today.

From tradition to innovation

Over time, the tradition of net making in Monte Isola has evolved without losing its identity. With the introduction of the first looms, and in particular Rachel looms, an important process of technological innovation began, transforming ancient artisanal know-how into production that became increasingly precise, efficient and high in quality. This evolution made it possible to expand the uses of nets, moving from fishing and hunting to numerous sporting and technical applications.

Within this journey, women’s work has always played a central role. The women of Monte Isola have represented, and still represent today, a fundamental part of production, contributing with skill, craftsmanship and attention to detail to the quality of the finished product. Even today, most of the staff at “La Rete srl” are women, testifying to a historical continuity that brings together tradition and the present day.

Unlike most companies in the sector, which over time moved their production to the mainland, “La Rete srl” is still the only company that continues to manufacture directly on Monte Isola.

Certified excellence recognised worldwide

In 1990, the company introduced a net with a “honeycomb” mesh, an absolute world first, chosen for the goals used during the Italy ’90 FIFA World Cup. This innovation marked a turning point in the sector and brought “La Rete srl” to the attention of the international market.

The journey continued in 2002 with supplies for the World Cup in Japan and Korea, marking the beginning of an ongoing presence at the main global and European football events. Among the most iconic creations are the “Tricolore” nets, produced for the 150th anniversary of Italian Unification, now featured on Serie A and Serie B pitches and in Coppa Italia finals.

Supporting this recognised expertise, the company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and uses advanced equipment for technical strength and safety testing, in compliance with European standards UNI EN 1263/1-2 and UNI 11808.

Production

Every year, we produce around 20,000 pairs of nets for different sports, including football and five-a-side football, volleyball and beach volleyball, tennis and padel, as well as basketball.

Our production also includes fencing and protective nets for sports facilities, certified fall-arrest nets and solutions for ski slopes, all developed in compliance with the highest quality and safety standards.

Alongside our standard production, we offer fully customised solutions, designed to measure according to the customer’s needs, with the possibility of creating custom nets and accessories tailored in size, materials, colours and specific applications. We also guarantee ongoing support throughout every stage, from product definition to order completion, assisting the customer with expertise and care.

With an annual turnover of around 4 million euros, we are now a reliable partner for the European and international market.

Our specialist brands, spanning e-commerce, history and specialised technical solutions: