The successes and acclaim achieved by Gusbi plants around the world testify to the validity of a technology that always looks to the future
Polyurethane is the beating heart of Gusbi. The company, founded in 1946 in Vigevano and now in its third generation, is a leader in the production of turnkey metal mechanical plants for PU moulding of soles, boots, sports and safety shoes. Irene Bianchi, Sales Department manager, explains the latest news for the next edition of Simac Tanning Tech.
Irene Bianchi, what new products will you be presenting at Simac?
At the time of this interview we cannot comment. We have something new in the pipeline in the footwear sector, but we are still in the testing phase. As soon as the green light goes on, you will be the first to know what it is.
So let’s take a step back. How is the market doing?
Overseas has given a major boost in these years of crisis, but thanks to the Budget Law 2022, which extended a series of loans and incentives dedicated to companies in order to boost production, many Italian customers have decided to invest in new machinery. The subsidies have been the lever to overcome uncertainty. Recently, the turnover for domestic sales has grown a lot compared to previous years.
The excellence of work safety is in Italy. Before it was mainly PVC boots, in recent years people have started to consider polyurethane boots. Why in your opinion?
First and foremost because of the characteristics devoted to the comfort of those who work, for example, on building sites and in open spaces at low temperatures: in general, this material is particularly suitable in all those cases where ruggedness is required, but also ergonomics, mechanical resistance and thermal insulation. Polyurethane foam, depending on whether it is flexible or compact/rigid, is combined with freedom of design and planning, offering great versatility in the realisation of particular and complex shapes, with different dimensions and finishes. In short, it allows the various parts of the footwear to be modulated according to safety and comfort requirements.
In my opinion, the most positive aspect of polyurethane is that it is a material that can always be improved, for example in terms of lightness, colour fastness to exposure to ultraviolet rays, etc..
The start-up of a polyurethane boot production requires heavy investments for the company, first and foremost because of the high cost of machinery. What initiatives have you taken to boost the growth and development of this new polyurethane culture?
We opted for a rental service for both direct injection on uppers and boots. We have an eight-station plant ready for delivery that our customers can rent to start production, thus avoiding the waiting times of up to five to six months required for the delivery of a new machine. One example for instance: a few years ago, our US client was able to start production of boots thanks to the use of a rented machine with the support of our highly specialised technicians. Once the product was introduced to the market, the company started receiving orders and, as a result, was able to confirm the purchase of a customised plant to suit its needs. Gusbi does not only mean advanced machinery, but also qualified and continuous technical and commercial assistance, and constant development of new production technologies.
Irene Bianchi, Head of Sales Department at Gusbi SpA
The Gusbi factory in Vigevano. The organisation has, among other things, a modern workshop, a testing room for moulds and PU materials and a well-stocked spare parts warehouse