Oto Melara

Oto Melara was a subsidiary of Finmeccanica S.p.A., active in the Defence sector, with factories in Brescia and La Spezia. The mountain pack howitzer Model 56, in service throughout the world, and the 76mm naval gun, adopted by 53 navies and installed on over 1,000 naval vessels, are among Oto Melara's best-known weapons since World War II. From 1 January 2016, the activities of OTO Melara merged into Finmeccanica's Defence Systems Division, within the Electronics, Defence and Security Systems Sector.

History

Pre World War I

It was founded in 1905 as a joint venture of Vickers and Terni Steelworks, Cantiere navale fratelli Orlando and Cantieri navali Odero. Investment was also provided by Guiseppe Orlando and Aliferi Odero. During World War I, Vickers Terni produced many weapons with calibre 40 mm and upwards. In 1929 the company was renamed Odero Terni Orlando with the abbreviation OTO. During World War II, mostly heavy guns for battleships were produced.

Post World War II

In 1953 the company took the name OTO Melara.

Melara

Melara is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Rovigo in the Italian region Veneto, located about 100 kilometres (62 mi) southwest of Venice and about 45 kilometres (28 mi) west of Rovigo. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 1,927 and an area of 17.6 square kilometres (6.8 sq mi).

The municipality of Melara contains the frazione (subdivision) Santo Stefano.

Melara borders the following municipalities: Bergantino, Borgofranco sul Po, Cerea, Ostiglia.

Demographic evolution

References

External links