The company ‘THERMIS AVE’ (or Thermida as it became commonly known) was founded in 1931 with the aim of manufacturing heating radiators, heaters, iron pipes, etc.; primarily heating products. They established a factory of approximately 15,000 m2 in Rizoupoli, Attica, to meet the needs of that time.

Among the founders of the company were Alexandros, Nikolaos, and Stefanos Mitsotakis, uncles of the former Prime Minister Mr. Mitsotakis. Also, Georgios and Angelos Mazarakis and others were romantic visionaries who saw that Greece’s future was in the industrialization of the country at a time when even the word ‘industry’ was rare.

It is well known that pre-war ‘THERMIS’ was mentioned in the directories of the era as one of the country’s largest companies in terms of economic stature, mentioned after banks. It was also a member of the Athens Stock Exchange. During the occupation, the ‘THERMIDA’ factory was commandeered as one of the best by the occupying forces and produced and repaired car engines and other machinery.

In the 1960s, ‘THERMIS,’ in cooperation with the German company BUDERUS, proceeded to manufacture cast iron central heating boilers, a product which established it in the Greek market. Under different conditions, it could have claimed a share in the European market. This specific product was so reliable that the name ‘THERMIDA’ became synonymous with central heating boilers, so much so that consumers even today often ask for ‘1 Thermida’ meaning a central heating boiler. The manufacture of cast iron central heating boilers was preceded by the construction of cast iron heaters, fan heaters, pans, etc., products that are rare today and have collectible value.