A 125-YEAR WINNING ITALIAN STORY
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In Chedde, a revolutionary civilian explosive was created, which was given the name “Cheddite,” a term now present in the Italian language dictionary.1901
Cheddite Italia was founded and the Livorno plant was built, with the start of civilian explosives production.1950
The production of rifle cartridges begins in Cinzano Torinese.1960s
Cheddite Italia acquires the Aulla plant and transfers its explosives production there, previously located in Livorno.1965
Production of smoothbore shotgun shells and the gunpowder for loading them begins in Livorno. During these years, the CGL and SLC-SUPER GRANULAR powders were created, as well as AQUILA, one of the company's most famous powders. AQUILA, along with its "sister" DRAGO, which was created shortly thereafter, still represents a historic Cheddite Italia brand worldwide.1980s
Cheddite Italia acquires the French factories of Gevelot, manufacturers of cases and primers: thus Cheddite France is born.1989
After a few years of suspension, the production of hunting cartridges resumes in Livorno.2001
The explosives division is sold to Maxam. Cheddite thus focuses entirely on the smoothbore shotgun shell business.2024
A new warehouse is being built in Livorno, increasing the cartridge storage capacity to 50 million units.2025
The GEA range of biodegradable wads is launched, the result of a specific study by Cheddite technicians on OK SOIL biodegradable materials, which allows Cheddite products to fully enter the world of biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
Over a century of experience in the munitions industry. Founded in 1901 in Livorno as Società Franco Italiana Esplosivo Cheddite, the company takes its name from an explosive developed in Haute-Savoie in the late 19th century.
That name—"cheddite"—became so iconic that it entered common parlance as a synonym for explosives. The famous logo of the dragon clawing at the world is a legacy of that period.
During the 20th century, Cheddite established itself as a European benchmark in the production of components for hunting and sport shooting ammunition, evolving to produce complete cartridges for smoothbore guns.
In the 1980s, the company strengthened its international presence with the acquisition of the historic French plant in Gevelot, giving rise to Cheddite France, now a European leader in the production of primers and cartridge cases. In recent years, Cheddite has invested in sustainability, automation, and quality, maintaining its strong Italian industrial roots and expanding its global network of customers and partners.
Particular attention has been paid to defining a varied, efficient, reliable and technologically advanced product range to meet all the needs of hunters and shooters around the world.
Quality and Technology
Control, innovation, and certified reliability. Every Cheddite component is the result of a highly automated and traceable production process. Digital quality control systems, in-line sensors, and ballistic analysis ensure repeatability and safety in every batch.
The company adopts cutting-edge technologies, but remains faithful to an industrial philosophy that focuses on reliability, precision, and consistent results. All products undergo rigorous testing in compliance with European and international standards.
The company policy
Certifications
The Livorno plant
Technology, safety, and industrial tradition. Located in the hills, the Livorno plant covers 50 hectares and is the production center for finished cartridges.
Here, Cheddite has launched a major modernization plan, with new automated machinery, digital quality controls, and work environments designed for maximum safety.
The People
A company where growth and value are created. A very specific and shared DNA. At Cheddite, people truly matter. Thanks to a stable, safe, and respectful work environment, every employee can find their space to contribute to Cheddite's success and longevity.
Continuous training, mutual trust, and a can-do culture are the values that guide our daily work, both in the factory and in the offices. Internal and external customer service has always been a priority, and adapting to changing market needs is a guiding principle for all company departments.
This is the “Cheddite” DNA!!
