The PIR facility
The 100-years old history of a family and a society
Romanian-jewish businessman Leo Geller is spending his holidays at Porto Corsini. On this occasion, he spots the military installation, abandoned after World War I. The base stood at the junction of the Baiona marsh with the Canale Candiano.
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Foreseeing the potential of this area, Geller rents the facility, wishing to transform it in a warehouse for exporting textiles to Romania in exchange of oil. Romania was then one of the most important petroleum-producing countries in the world.
On 24 May 1920 the Petrolifera Italo Rumena company (PIR) is born
Soon it becomes clear how importing oil is more lucrative than trading textures. Consequently, the area of the deposit on the coast is further improved.
However, several difficulties are encountered, as PIR is forced to compete with long-estabilished companies.
There are also logistic problems in the connections between the facility and the train station of Ravenna, while the canal is poorly mantained.
The company eventually bankrupts, following a financial crisis.
In 1927 Cesare Ottolenghi, a relative of Geller and manager of the facility, purchases PIR and relaunches it following a new business model.
Ottolenghi makes a deal with the Royal Dutch Shell's Nafta, and specializes in the logistic activity of the warehouse. He eventually buys the area of the facility and builds new cisterns.
During the thirties, PIR is able to carve out a place in the great market of fuel sellers, dominated by great companies such as Esso or Petroli Alto Adriatico.
The racial laws first and World War II later severely affect the society. The Ottolenghi family is part of an important jewish community from Acqui Terme, in Piedmont.
The conflict and the persecution of the jews eventually force the Ottolenghis to hide until the liberation.
The post-war period
Back in Ravenna the situation is grim, as the Allied bombings have not spared the city and its port. The PIR buildings were completely destroyed.
The recovery is very difficult, but the PIR factories are soon rebuilt.
The society is now lead by Guido Ottolenghi, as the main shareholder. While recovering, PIR can benefit of an intense state endeavour aimed to rebuild the strategic sector of oil supplying, refining and distribution,; a fundamental necessity following the conflict.
The manager building at the end of the Baiona marsh.
The italian economic miracle is beginning, and the PIR is able to take part in it.
In 1951 Guido Ottolenghi signs a first contract with the Shell plc, eventually consolidated in 1957. This represents a fundamental achievement.
In the same year Emilio Ottolenghi, son of Guido, joins the PIR, and soon takes the helm of the society.
Thus begins a new phase in the PIR history.
The sixties represent for PIR a period of intense developement, with the financial recovery from the debts incurred after the war.
Thanks to connection with Shell, the society grows both economically and culturally.
These years are also characterized by construction works in the new port of Ravenna, with several improvements involving also the PIR facility.
Following the 1973 oil crisis, Shell leaves the italian market, thus ending the historical partnership with PIR. In 1974, however, the italian company will be able to open a new collaboration with AGIP, with few backlashes.
PIR group - waiting for the1920/2020 centennial
PIR's significant history of achievements was always associated to a prominent commitment by the Ottolenghi family to culture and solidarity, which in 2020 celebrated the centennial of the society's fundation.
