ALPA and REPICO, prominent companies in the field of tanning chemistry, signed a deal encompassing all corporate levels.
Unity is strength. This slogan can be easily applied to ALPA and REPICO, that, last fall, signed a global collaboration agreement that involves all corporate structures. The two companies based in Milan province, world’s prominent enterprises in the field of tanning chemistry, are carrying out a strategy aimed at strengthening the technical and business positions internationally, an operation that will result in the adjustment of the products and services provided to tanneries. Bent on repositioning the territorial structures on a global scale, so as to gain a stronger foothold in the tanning market, the two Italian players have already started to foster research activities – the goal is to optimize the current range of products, that will be integrated through the development of a new generation of articles featuring top-notch properties when it comes to eco-sustainability. Besides research, manufacturing and distribution as well, thanks to logistical upgrades, will be able to guarantee a better service to tanners, thus providing an all-encompassing support to the branch offices and “just in time” responses to the customers’ needs.
Gloria Gualtieri Alpa e Edoardo Ferrari Repico
The first event featuring the joined participation (the stand was clearly named ALPA REPICO) was the latest edition of ProssimaPelle, held in Arzignano in late November, where we met Gloria Gualtieri and Edoardo Ferrari. The same will happen in February 19th to 21st, 2020, on the occasion of the upcoming Tanning Tech exhibition in Milan.
“We will take part in the trade show,” confirmed the two owners, “with a single stand: we have already chosen the products to be displayed, for both the domestic and the foreign market.” “REPICO’s flagship articles,” explained Edoardo Ferrari, “are undoubtedly wetend dyestuffs, as confirmed by the fact that it has been dealing with this type of solutions for over seventy years, since its foundation. Therefore, we believe we are thoroughly qualified.” “ALPA has developed a comprehensive range of products, from the wet-end phase to finishing,” explained in turn Gloria Gualtieri. “Right now, we are launching new, top-notch dyestuffs that will integrate the corporate catalogue and contribute to REPICO’s global leadership.”
Let’s take a step back to better understand the goals set by this agreement. “Since they are historic companies,” stated Gualtieri and Ferrari, “and, in acknowledgement of what is happening in our sector, where significant funds are invested in the enterprises and, at the same time, where few projects have been carried on, we have decided to merge these two firms, while keeping intact each one’s core identity and roots. We have waited a few months to make sure that the “system could get off to a good start”. The expectations are very good, we have growth ambitions and there is a chance that, maybe, in the future, the two firms might merge together, never say never. Together, we will strengthen our market position, thus providing top-quality solutions for the whole processing cycle, from the tanning phase to the end product, including wet-end and finishing dyestuffs. The respective headquarters will remain the same, while the first unified facility is based in Solofra and the second one might be located in Santa Croce. However, we keep working hard in the Veneto-based district as well, therefore, we do not rule out the possibility of opening a branch office in Arzignano, so as to gain a strong foothold in the most strategic areas.”
As far as ALPA is concerned (its export share accounts for 60 to 70% of the turnover), the most important markets are India, China and Bangladesh – therefore, the Asian continent -, while, with regard to REPICO (exports amounting to a 30- 35% share of the corporate revenues), the main countries are China, Ethiopia, Thailand and Turkey. “Together, we stand stronger and we will be even more so in the years to come,” proudly stated the two entrepreneurs, who then proceeded to explain the agreement’s key points. “The customers of the two companies, both domestic and foreign ones, will be merged, even though the current deals are still kept in place. Those who purchase REPICO products, will be able to buy ALPA-branded articles as well. And vice versa. This strategy has already made its debut, but we have to further improve it so as to widen the offer and manage to break into other markets. Regarding 2020, we aim at increasing the turnover of both enterprises, but this partnership’s ultimate goal is to guarantee, with the support of our technicians and research laboratories, comprehensive assistance and customer care services as well as top-notch problem-solving skills.”
Special attention is also paid to sustainability and environmental safeguard, acknowledged as pivotal values lying at the core of this shared strategy. “The whole tanning processing cycle,” explained Gloria Gualtieri and Edoardo Ferrari, “will be fully compliant with the REACH protocol and with current regulations, abreast of the specifications required by the market. Now more than ever, it is deemed imperative to carry on eco-sustainability-oriented R&D programmes. Right now, leather is steadily under attack, since many sources, often misinformed, claim to prefer the so-called “faux leather”, conveniently forgetting that it is an oilderived product, therefore incredibly polluting. Furthermore, leather is a by-product of food industry (no animal is slaughtered just for its skin), skillfully enhanced by tanners. This sustainability-driven strategy has been carried out for years by ALPA and REPICO, as we strongly believe in it: we can provide “metal-free” articles, showcased at the latest edition of ProssimaPelle held in Arzignano and that we will put on display in the upcoming international trade shows, together with other eco-friendly solutions. The decision to focus on this type of products is no longer a mere trend, but a judgement call for everyone, pursued with enthusiasm by ALPA and REPICO as well.” www.alpachem.com – www.repico.it
CORPORATE HISTORY AND FACILITIES ALPA and REPICO, the two renowned brands protagonists of the innovative agreement, boast more than sixty years of history and experience. Both companies’ headquarters are based in Milan province: ALPA is located in Pregnana Milanese, in via Castellazzo 58, with branch facilities in Chiampo (Vincenza province) and Santa Croce sull’Arno (Pisa province), while REPICO is in Cinisello Balsamo, via Aquileia 41/B. It can also rely on premises based in Arzignano, Santa Croce sull’Arno and Solofra (Avellino province). ALPA was founded in Milan in 1957 by the engineer Gualtiero Gualtieri and it is now led by his daughter Gloria, acting as managing director; REPICO was established in the early Post-War years, in 1948, by Orazio Annunziata and it is now at the third generation: after the founder, the helm of the company has been taken by his daughter Stefania, currently supported by her son Edoardo Ferrari.
