Gruppo Raina: Made in Italy Lighting the World
From the Province of Pavia to an International Vision
Every entrepreneurial journey begins with an idea. The story of Gruppo Raina started in 1987, in a small workshop in Cilavegna, in the province of Pavia, where a father, his son and a young woman who would later become part of the family decided to invest in the lighting industry.
This marked the birth of Ideallux, a brand that would become the core of a larger industrial group built on research, design and innovation. More than a manufacturer of lighting fixtures, the company evolved into a developer of lighting solutions where light becomes architecture, function and experience.
From the very beginning, the company faced a highly competitive market dominated by major international players. Through creative design, manufacturing flexibility and industrial vision, however, it continued to grow while preserving a strong Italian identity.
Industrial innovation and Made in Italy identity
One of the key factors behind Gruppo Raina’s growth has been its ability to innovate production processes while maintaining direct control over quality.
Among its most significant innovations was the decision to use common components across different product designs, making it possible to expand the product range while maintaining manufacturing efficiency and industrial competitiveness. This approach enabled the company to evolve from a small artisan workshop into a structured industrial organisation.
Over the years, the lighting industry has changed dramatically. The LED revolution, product miniaturisation and the increasing availability of low-cost imports have transformed the market. Many companies chose to relocate production or rely entirely on imports.
Gruppo Raina followed a different path: continuing to design and manufacture in Italy.
A demanding choice that has become one of the company’s defining characteristics and is now certified 100% Made in Italy by the Institute for the Protection of Italian Manufacturers.
Four brands, one shared vision
The company’s growth led to the creation of Gruppo Raina, which today brings together four specialised brands:
- Ideallux, dedicated to industrial and commercial lighting
- Lookup, focused on architectural and decorative lighting
- Colombo, specialising in street and outdoor lighting
- Italiana Retail, dedicated to bespoke retail lighting solutions
Four distinct brands united by the same design philosophy: developing lighting systems tailored to the specific requirements of every environment.
Customisation has therefore become a defining element—not only standard products, but lighting solutions designed around the space, the architecture and each client’s identity.
Lighting architecture, retail and culture
Over the years, Gruppo Raina has applied its expertise to numerous projects, contributing to the lighting of public spaces, institutional architecture, retail environments and cultural installations.
Among its most significant projects are:
- Bologna Railway Station
- Porta Nuova in Florence
- The entrance to Montecitorio
- The Aldo Moro Hall of the Chamber of Deputies
The company’s activities have also expanded beyond Italy, reaching France, Portugal, the United States and Dubai through collaborations with international brands and bespoke projects.
Leonardo da Vinci in Washington, DC: light and Italian culture
One of the company’s most symbolic projects was the lighting installation created in Washington, DC, for the exhibition of the Codex Atlanticus by Leonardo da Vinci.
The works were illuminated using systems designed and manufactured in Cilavegna, creating a connection between contemporary technology, Italian culture and Leonardo’s genius.
In this project, light fulfilled more than a technical function—it became a tool for cultural enhancement and visitor engagement.
Continuous growth through technology and expertise
Today, Gruppo Raina continues to evolve by integrating advanced manufacturing technologies, Industry 4.0 systems and specialised expertise.
Industrial automation works alongside designers, CAD specialists and lighting designers whose skills are essential for transforming ideas into functional products consistent with the architectural vision.
The company’s growth is measured not only by numbers, but by its ability to remain faithful to a clear vision: producing lighting as an expression of quality, innovation and Italian identity.
Light as history and industrial vision
Gruppo Raina’s story is one of intuition, determination and continuity. It is the story of a company that has chosen to remain true to its identity in an increasingly competitive global market.
Every project, every luminaire and every bespoke solution reflects a clear philosophy: light is not simply technology, but an integral part of space, experience and design culture.
From a small workshop in the province of Pavia to an international presence, the journey continues with the same vision that inspired its origins: lighting the world through the value of Made in Italy.
