Donati is based in Rodengo Saiano, in Franciacorta, a region north-west of Brescia. Although legend attributes the name Franciacorta to Charlemagne, a more plausible explanation is that it dates back to the late medieval "free courts", which once enjoyed special tax exemptions. Franciacorta today is one of north Italy's most fascinating areas, which produces the country's best wines and whose villas, monasteries and castles attracts thousands of visitors every year. Donati was founded in 1991 when it was decided to use Metalpres, the Donati Group's aluminium foundry specializing in the automotive industry, as a base for making another kind of superior quality product - components for office chairs. Production commenced as soon as the necessary skills and know-how had been acquired. Over the years, Donati has invested heavily in the areas of Design and Research and Development, transforming itself from a mere manufacturer of components to a supplier and partner involved in complete projects, becoming an important benchmark for customers and designers the world over.