A Day With…. Revomec: a continuous challenge to grow

Quality, efficiency and respect for the environment. With these aspirations, Revomec, a company based in Trissino (Vicenza), a municipality that belongs to the Arzignano district, was founded in 2011. It specializes in the production and marketing of machines for the processing of hides, particularly fulling drums, machinery used in one of the parts of the tanning cycle, namely finishing. Despite its young age, this is a structured and rapidly expanding company, founded on a solid base, with a united and trained team working to continue to improve its products and services.
This is a reality that the editorial staff of Tannery International was able to learn about in depth, during a visit to the headquarters in mid-July, through the story of the two owners, Fabio Gecchele and Manuel Zordan. “Motivation, respect and responsibility have always distinguished us,” assure Fabio and Manuel, both class of ‘83 who grew up in the area of San Zeno di Arzignano and were schoolmates,” we strongly believe in teamwork to achieve better results. We invest in people: transmitting passion and desire to grow is our company philosophy. We believe and invest in new technologies, young people and their desire to grow and learn. We implement new solutions to support sustainability, based on energy saving, lower environmental impact and increased performance. We research in detail and design scrupulously, because we are convinced that they are always very important factors.”
It is really curious how this business partnership was formed. A parallel story, with different events that then came together many years later. The two partners both carry educational backgrounds as electrical engineers, and once they graduated, a job opportunity immediately opened up for both of them, which they jumped at.
“I had an experience of about eight years in a mechanical/tanning company in the district,” says Fabio Gecchele,” during which I performed various tasks, including as a carpenter and warehouse worker, a long experience that led me to be responsible for service and research and development. I traveled a lot, going abroad: the experience I accumulated, even in the difficulties and the ability to overcome obstacles, was useful for me to learn the dynamics of the industry, get to know clients and delve into the issues of the tanning world. This was followed by a 4-year stint in a commercial company with Italy and foreign expertise. However, I had been left with the desire to specifically build machines, and I identified Manuel as a possible associate and ideal partner. We saw each other often for work, so almost jokingly, we started talking about it and then decided to try the adventure on our own.”
“After finishing school I also went straight to work,” recounts Manuel Zordan, “staying for 15 years in a company producing advanced digitized control systems: there I initially followed the electrical part, then with time and gaining experience, I moved on to programming, industrial automation and advanced software. Actually, we were not only working for the tanneries, as the equipment was also intended for other industries. It was a job I enjoyed and would have continued to do happily, but in life it is right to set new goals and raise the bar. Talking with Fabio we understood what each of us could give to the new project and that was the starting point. We started with our own resources and then moved to a small rented office in Chiampo.”
When you started did you already have clear ideas about the product you wanted to build?
“Let’s say that there was a specific market demand, namely the fact that fulling drums were at a static stage as a development, for example, they did not ‘get clean’, once the working cycle was over, they often had problems with contamination and unpleasant odours. Many tanneries and workshops in the valley complained about this, but no one was able to find the solution. We began to study this, to make a workshop machine, especially for sampling and for the chemical laboratory sector, capable of solving the problem. Starting from this need, we engineered and patented an internal washing system. That was in the fall of 2010, but in fact Revomec had not yet been founded, which was done with the articles of incorporation on April 1, 2011.”
Who was that first model intended for?
“Initially nobody, in fact we built it for ourselves, so a pure investment. It was completed, including testing, in September 2011, which was also a year of great economic crisis where it was very difficult to sell any machinery (evidently in Italy) and even more so, a technology from an almost unknown company. It was purchased in February 2012 by a tannery in Arzignano, with their president who trusted us for a specific operation. This prototype was developed to process particularly soft swollen leathers. Then the same entrepreneur commissioned us with another machine, larger in size, which from the 15-20 hides processed in the small model, guaranteed higher numbers. From here our journey began, in small steps we arrived in 2014 with twelve machines purchased.”
“Actually, the turning point came in the following years.” – Manuel emphasizes – “In 2015 the year we moved to Trissino to a larger plant. In 2018 we rented another warehouse in the same municipality, and in 2021, the year after Covid, the move to the new location in Trissino, the current one, of about 2,000 square meters was done: in total we now have covered areas of 3,400 square meters, just enough for current needs.”
In the meantime, you have increased production and range …
“That’s right. Over the years, growth from a technological point of view in Revomec has been manifested through the path of innovations, new machines, with the arrival of new software and 4.0 machines. Reviewing the evolution of models, the first machine, after the initial design, was the Dharma, starting with the 1.8 version and then moving to the larger 2.5. Meanwhile, in December 2013, we had delivered an MD 320, which represented the first production drum, sold in this case to a tannery subcontractor. Also in 2015, we exhibited for the first time at the Simac Tanning Tech show at the Milan Trade Fair. The very exhibition event allowed us to contact the first representatives, the delivered machines had received enthusiastic acclaim and clients spoke very highly of us, which helped us. In 2016 we started hiring technicians and then following up with another two to three people a year until we reached a dozen by the end of the decade. Now the workforce consists of about 20 employees, a number that will grow in the coming years.”
When did you start working with foreign countries?
“The first two machines outside Italy we sold in 2016 in South America, in Colombia, thanks to the promotional work done in international exhibitions. Our first participation as an exhibitor in an international fair in 2018 was in Chennai, India, already with the presence of one of our dealers. Our export share is about 20 percent, with a constantly growing global turnover, stable in the last two years, a result that is comforting given the stagnant market situation. The Covid period granted us more time to study, particularly to develop the Dropless technology, which we had been developing since 2018 but had never found the time to implement. Now it represents one of our strongest points.”
What does Dropless technology consist of?
“It is the innovative system for humidifying hides in the drum, a strategic innovation for the tanning industry. Dropless literally means ‘’without a drop’’ and avoids any problems from the beginning related to moisture inside the drum. Thanks to continuous investments in the Research and Development department and further efforts of the company team, an already innovative system has been improved and with version 2.0 a further technological upgrade has been achieved. Thanks to this version, the machinery is able to reach the set values faster, ensuring further savings on the resources used, which were already low with the previous version.”
What are the other advantages of the Dropless system?
“It provides a better and more precise control of the end result. The flow of humidified air is more even and regular, which allows for superior results from the point of view of the quality of the finished product. In many cases processing times are shortened, in the graph transmitted on the display the trend curve is much more stable and constant. All types of leather can be processed with this special system: from wet-white, to splits, suedes and especially leathers tanned with new technologies that are very sensitive to water. This innovation currently represents the “top of the line,” but in the meantime, work continues at Revomec at a great pace to launch new technologies. In recent years, the systems have evolved a lot, including in terms of energy savings and attention to the environment, a theme that has been dear to the company since its early years.”
Where does your technology excel?
“Leather over the years has become an increasingly sophisticated product. The first stages of tanning are very important, but finishing similarly remains a delicate part, which creates the aesthetic and tactile effect. The fulling drum is indispensable in this very delicate phase. In large drums we come to process from 80-250 hides (depending on the thickness), everything must be perfectly adjusted, the machine must be absolutely reliable because if an interruption in the process occurs, we risk ruining all the material. Therefore, we choose to use the best possible construction and high- quality components. Added to these are state-of-the-art control systems and just-in-time service.”
What characterizes the performance and environmental level of Revomec models?
“High quality at all stages of production, combined with extreme attention to detail and design, a trained staff and a focus on environmental sustainability, have enabled us to establish ourselves internationally in a short time. However, it is innovation, from the technological solutions to the materials used, that is the true guiding spirit of the company. Compact design that takes advantage of the large loading area, general insulation for better yields on processed hides, an innovative heating and de- dusting management system, low energy consumption for real sustainable production, great simplicity and safety in use, and advanced connectivity thanks to remote supervision. These are the main innovations that have enabled us to meet the needs of an ever-changing market, as much in fashion leathers as in furniture and automotive. In our drums, the leathers are softened, their grain highlighted and stabilized, the surface dusted, the moisture content properly adjusted and the feel properly modified. With our Revomec solutions, it is possible to process hides of different origins and varied nature such as cow, sheep and goat, pig and exotic such as fish, reptiles and ostriches.”
Some famous labels and prestigious groups have chosen your brand, creating installations of considerable size. What does this mean?
“It is a source of satisfaction and pride for the work we do on a daily basis, together with the entire company staff. We proudly believe that we have merit if the owner of a company, after buying our models over the years, comes back to us when it comes time to change a system or to add another one, it means that he has been satisfied with our technology and reliability. We have already entered several Italian tanning groups, which is significant given that business owners often consult with each other. A further added value is the fact that the machines are developed together with the clients. We deal with the companies on a daily basis, visit them, and a collaboration ensues that leads us to develop ad hoc products for specific processes. This is a very welcome service, partly because of the possibility of solving problems of any kind and quickly while guaranteeing virtually immediate assistance.”
What will you be presenting at the 2024 edition of Simac Tanning Tech in Milan from September 17 to 19?
“In addition to some improvements in Dropless technology, we will be exhibiting an MD 215 CCLS model in the booth with the aim of promoting and publicizing the system that stands for ‘Climate Control Leather System,’ which will be the main focus. The CCLS system, which of course we have patented, is very innovative: with previous systems to cool or reduce humidity that is too high, the solution was only through exchanging air with the outside, blowing humid air out and introducing indoor air. This, however, presents a limitation, as it is related to seasonality or the climate that characterizes one country in the world rather than another. In our research and development, we have solved this problem by cooling and heating the leather without the air exchanger and keeping the machine completely closed. The air inside is always the same, ensuring a constant temperature, as well as the ability to keep humidity under control all year round. At the same time, we have eliminated static problems, due to the fact that there is no contact with outside air. Finally, in terms of consumption, we avoid the constant temperature changes, with demonstrable energy savings of at least 20-25%.”
What are the main innovations you will be launching in 2025?
“We can’t pre-announce them, but we have something important in place, and tanneries are always careful to invest in products that give greater yield and quality to the finished product. In Revomec we have just implemented the staff, with the arrival in the technical office of another engineer who will follow the projects. By the end of the year, we will be able to produce between 45 and 50 machines, but our organization is capable of reaching almost 100.”
What does the current market primarily demand?
“In addition to quality and reliability, there is the need to consume less on all fronts, as the problem of raw material prices and energy costs has become a priority for the past few years. Environmentally, the fashion world has been addressing the issue of sustainable products and environmental care as an idea, but without then willing to accept the costs of development. In recent years, the sensibility has changed, designers and large tanneries have understood that it is a compulsory path, which will also characterize the development of the coming years.”

www.revomec.com

Fabio Gecchele

Manuel Zordan

A technical consultant for the Trissino company for the past 4 years, he has had a decades-long career in the industry, with senior roles in important tanning groups, particularly in the automotive sector, both as a manager and as sales manager, following in particular the American continent and Europe, as well as having a perfect knowledge of the Vicenza territory.
“I began my work experience in 1982,” says Gianpietro, “a native and lifelong resident of Arzignano. Initially, I worked in a chemical company, and then joined a major tanning group, for which I worked abroad for a long time. I am deeply familiar with the problems of large tanneries and can advise clients on the most suitable product for their needs. Our goal is to guarantee companies added value and impeccable leathers. Our machines increasingly use new technologies, such as remote service, which, through a remote connection, allows us to respond to any request. The devices allow us to see, for example, the results of a leather processing in real time, being able to provide the appropriate information.” “Revomec is a young, dynamic company with a desire to grow and innovate and provide a product that is superior to the standards on the market. Of course, we compare ourselves with other companies that sell less expensive machines, but companies that need certain production of the highest quality are increasingly choosing us.” “Here at headquarters we often compare notes,” he concludes, “I provide my experience and knowledge of the industry. I have an in-depth knowledge of foreign markets, especially in Asia where we recently participated in an interesting fair, on this continent there are important groups that aim to have Italian technologies to improve their production substantially. Some of these companies are convinced that in order to raise quality, they need to invest in ‘top’ range machinery.”

It is a completely in-house work experience at Revomec for Enrico, 25, who holds the position of technician in charge of maintenance in Italy and abroad. “I attended the Ceccato Institute in Montecchio Maggiore in the mechatronics section,” he says, “and before graduating I did an internship in this company, immediately finding it very comfortable, as it is a dynamic environment, where the goal is to improve processes and always propose innovative things. After my exams, I gladly came to work here, finding a fertile environment for my desire to grow and learn. I started in the summer of 2018, a period during important business growth, followed in the following years by Industry 4.0 incentives. A lot has changed since I arrived, and I have made an important path of growth from a professional point of view as well.” “Initially I was engaged on the in-house assembly staff,” he continues, “which gave me a thorough understanding of how the machines are built and the various secrets connected to them, a necessary period before going out for operations. The six years of experience are divided equally, the first three in-house and the next three as external maintenance manager. My role also involves the installation of systems, including large ones, that are assisted by a few colleagues. For overseas maintenance, I am sometimes alone and supported by the in-house technicians of the company, who in this way learn how to use our machinery in the best possible way. I speak English fluently, which is the main language used everywhere. Over the past year I have spent a lot of time abroad, but if help is needed inside to finish the assembly of a machine, I am available. Before I leave for an installation, I am also responsible for making sure all the necessary materials are present, from the main parts to the most ordinary screws. Depending on the country, there are clients who have well-organized in-house workshops, and others who need to be trained.”
One service always guaranteed by Revomec is the constant direct relationship with clients. “After installation on their sites,” concludes Enrico, “we explain in detail the functions of the machine, with its options, and then we remain available. Remote support does not work for everyone, and I am always contactable on my cell phone for any needs. Our goal is to give as much cooperation as possible to the client, but above all, it is essential to ensure a safe machine that possibly does not require intervention.”

“The staff I support,” Alex explains, “is made up of a total of 12 people, all with proven experience: together we manage production, following the evolution of the machine from start to finish, through all stages. The last step, which is certainly decisive, is related to testing, both mechanical and electrical, which is carried out in a precise and careful way in the plant, very often with strict deadlines and deliveries. It happens that we often continue beyond working hours, sometimes even on Saturdays, in order to complete a particular order in the required time.”
“In the three years I have been on the job, I have witnessed significant growth, especially in the evolution of the machines, which each year have significant new features. My background, even at the level of studies, is related to mechanics; I have had a long apprenticeship that has allowed me to know and gain knowledge of endless mechanical
dynamics. In other industries, the production steps are standardized and even the machinery has been the same for decades. Undoubtedly, the tanning industry is trying to evolve and propose new things, and for those who work as we do on technologies it is an important stimulus, because there is a need to raise the bar. At the end of the day, assembling an innovative machine is getting back into the game, you’re not dealing with an assembly line that can be boring.”
“Revomec is able to anticipate the needs of the market,” concludes the Workshop Manager, “continuously introducing new technologies, also due to the fact that the tanneries themselves are changing their leathers. Here they are focusing more and more on excellence, inserting themselves in a “top” market segment; the industries that process leather absolutely want a high- performance and safe product, with the certainty of no downtime. Hundreds of hides are processed in our machines for each load, so it is essential to give the highest guarantees with top construction and components out of the desire to sell more and more reliable machines.”

“I arrived at a turning point,” Astrid points out, “in 2018 there was a sharp increase in sales, and the dynamics of the company changed rapidly. I previously worked in sales, and once I got here, I started following various areas, including purchasing. At first, I was part of a team with a colleague from sales and one from the technical department, dealing with various aspects, which gave me a better understanding of the internal organization. Now I interact not only with the ownership but also with the commercial, technical and administrative departments. Given my role, I have continuous contact with the managers; I receive input from them for the purchase of the necessary materials. In the beginning it was not easy as these are very technical products, I had to learn a lot in relation to technological components. All purchases are aimed at sourcing materials that can guarantee total reliability and added value. In my daily work I also have the task of maintaining relations with material suppliers and carpentry managers.”
In an ever-changing reality, with continuous updates from a technological point of view, attention to the smallest details is also of considerable importance. “I have the good fortune,” she concludes, “to work in a recently established company formed by a young and motivated group, in which I get along very well and with the ownership that trusts me and gives me autonomy. In a vast market, ours the purchasing department has a difficult task: to choose in the best in the world at the correct cost.”