At Simac Tanning Tech, the Varese-based industry leader, renowned for its high-tech machinery for buffing leather, synthetic materials and fabrics, which are also appreciated and sought-after in other sectors, once again focused on its most successful model, showcasing it at the fair with further improvements
Aletti Giovanni & Figli of Varese once again took center stage at Simac Tanning Tech, held at the Milan fairgrounds from September 17th to 19th. This specialized company in the tanning sector, a global leader with its high-tech machinery, also appreciated and highly sought-after in the textile, microfiber, rubber, cork and synthetic products sectors, confirms its position as one of the long-established companies participating in the trade fair thanks to its 77 years of experience (founded in 1947) and a long history of overcoming challenges and global industrial crises that have characterized the latter half of the 20th century and the 21st century.
“For this edition of the show,” explained engineers Ezio and Marco Aletti, “we once again focused on our most in-demand product, the through feed buffing machine, which offers superior performance. Two years ago, also at the Milan fair, we celebrated our 75th anniversary with this highly evolved machine, featuring several innovations. Over the past two years, we have continued our research and development work, ensuring further improvements that have yielded satisfying results. The through feed buffing machine, developed in various models based on size, has been sold to major tannery groups, and all have appreciated the advancements made. From the outset, our company strategy has been to improve technological aspects, often anticipating what would later become market demands. In Santa Croce, where very sophisticated finishes are created, we are the leaders in band scouring machines, but we also have a strong presence in the Arzignano district.”
However, above all, exports represent the strength of this company based in Lombardy. “The foreign market has always been crucial for us. Being located in Varese, close to the border, gives us privileged access to Northern Europe. A few years ago, we reached a 98% export share (a record featured on the front page of the Il Sole 24 Ore newspaper). This year too, the majority of our revenue was generated abroad, even though it is objectively very demanding, as each country requires a different approach. As for future prospects, the market is now global; every corner has been explored. When we started in the 1980s, there were still countries to break into. Any future growth margins may be linked to geopolitical choices or, for example, to tariffs that could shift certain production from one region to another.”
Aletti Giovanni & Figli is preparing to close 2024 with a satisfactory balance sheet. “Despite a slowdown in the overall economy,” conclude engineers Ezio and Marco, “we will close the year with a positive balance, which is no small feat considering the current climate. By working in the leather sector but also in other sectors, Aletti can offset any declines in one sector, such as the tanning sector, by increasing business with the others. However, the market situation, not only in Europe but globally, is complex for a whole host of reasons; extra-economic factors such as the ongoing wars do not help matters. It must also be said that this situation has been dragging on for some time now; perhaps some are beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. During the fair, at least at first glance, there seemed to be a good turnout, even if many people came just ‘to test the waters’. Representatives of major groups and key clients, full of good intentions, have visited our stand, though the real results will only be apparent once they return home. It is a year of uncertainty, also with regard to future prospects, but our company has successfully navigated difficult periods in the past.”