Aquila are an Italian firm who specialise in making strings for all sorts of musical instrument and with their "Nygut" range, are probably the most popular manufacturer of Ukulele strings in the 21st century. 

In 2012, in partnership with others, (and I am unsure quite how these partnerships work?) They have developed some Ukulele models so they can perfect the strings for them, one such is the ShortBass One. This is a Ukulele Bass that was developed in order to perfect Aquilas "Thundergut" Ukulele Bass strings and I'm not sure if its made in Italy or not? However on the Website they do say that the founder of Aquila strings, Mimmo Peruffo, was instrumental in its design and still has something to do with the company. The ShortBass One comes as Fretted or Fretless and as a 60cm 23.6 inch) scale - so slightly larger than a Baritone - with 12 frets to the body they call the Basic, and a, (not so short), 67cm, (26.4 inch), scale with 14 frets to the body and the idea behind the extra length is to improve intonation and to add acoustic volume - Maybe this new 60-67cm scale length should be classified as a Bass Ukulele Scale? 

Another collaboration but this time not so close was the co-development of the iUke Mini so Aquila could perfect their ultra thin Sopranino strings.