Cannero Riviera did not always life off tourism: apart from various artisan, Cannero was also home of industrial activities. The river “Cannero” was the heart of the local productivity. There is evidence that since the 17th century various grains and chestnuts were ground along the river in various little mills. The land along the shore of the Lago Maggiore was largely controlled and owned by the Borromeo family. The many churches and chapels are proof for these settlements. The church of Sacri Monti in neighboring Ghiffa is a well preserved example thereof.

Already around 1800 the Rabbis cadaster perceived the fundamental importance of the river that flew across Cannero. Its waters were exploited by two sawmills and other factories. A spinning factory was in operation until 1890. A certain Aristide Quattrini, entrepreneur from Locarno who ran a factory for all sorts of brushes, purchased the the builings of this factory and started similar activities in Cannero.