Adriano Olivetti

Italian electrical engineer

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July 1, 2026

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Adriano Olivetti was an Italian electrical engineer who played a pivotal role in the modernization and expansion of the Olivetti & C. SpA company. He succeeded his father, Camillo Olivetti, as president in 1938. Under Adriano's leadership, the company became a leading European manufacturer of typewriters and business machines, and also produced calculators and microcomputers. He was instrumental in streamlining manufacturing techniques and developing new typewriter designs. Olivetti's influence extended to international ventures, including a joint venture with Japan's Sharp Corp. and a significant stock purchase by AT&T.1

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Olivetti & C. SpA
…1925 Olivetti dispatched his son Adriano Olivetti to study modern manufacturing techniques and plant management in the United States. Upon his return, the company underwent a complete reorganization that included streamlining and modernizing operations and development of a new typewriter design, the M-40, which won wide acceptance in the 1930s.
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…1925 Olivetti dispatched his son Adriano Olivetti to study modern manufacturing techniques and plant management in the United States. Upon his return, the company underwent a complete reorganization that included streamlining and modernizing operations and development of a new typewriter design, the M-40, which won wide acceptance in the 1930s.
Read More