Gusbi, a success story in the mechanical engineering industry since 1946

Under the Vigevano sky, in the landscape that cradles the Italian footwear craftsmanship tradition, stands a company that has written its own history in the pursuit of mechanical excellence:
Gusbi, Officina Meccanica S.p.A. Founded in 1946, the company has established itself over the years as a point of reference in the sector, leaving an unforgettable mark on the industrial panorama. Gusbi is synonymous with passion, expertise and constant innovation. From its very beginnings, the company has shown a distinct inclination for craftsmanship excellence, combining artisan expertise with ground-breaking technology. This winning approach has enabled the Vigevano company to gain a prestigious reputation, both nationally and internationally. Its soul lies in its dedication to quality and attention to detail. Every product that leaves its workshops is the result of meticulous craftsmanship, based on state-of-the-art production processes and on the constant updating of the skills of its employees. The company focuses on customer satisfaction, providing tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each one. Over the years, this innovative firm has been able to expand its target market, winning over important industrial sectors such as automotive, footwear, furniture and many others. Its global presence is testified by several partnerships with leading international companies, which have recognized the quality and reliability of Gusbi products. However, its evolution and success do not stop at the present. The company unceasingly invests in R&D activities, forecasting market needs and developing innovative solutions. Constant attention to eco-sustainability has also led it to adopt increasingly efficient and environmentally friendly production processes, thus showing great care for the future. Today, Gusbi is an Italian excellence that stands out for its ability to adjust to changes in the global market, while keeping its craftsmanship roots firmly intact. In a world where technology is advancing at a frenetic pace, it makes its way with its timeless philosophy: at the center of everything it does, there is man, with his craftsmanship and passion. A company that looks to the future, without forgetting its roots, because true greatness is measured by the ability to evolve without ever losing the essence that makes it unique. An example of how tradition and innovation can converge to create lasting success, as Irene Bianchi, Head of Commercial Management, explains.
How is innovation and R&D activities pivotal to your strategy?
“Our company is specialized in building customized machines made to order. This approach allows us to offer constant improvements and constant development, as our focus is always on finding new solutions. Since we do not have an inventory of standard machines, we are able to adjust to the specific needs of each customer, listening carefully to their requests and suggestions. We recognize the importance of actively involving our clients in the development process, as they are the end users. This mutual collaboration is crucial for long- term success, as it promotes constant growth for both us and our clients. Our dedication to growth and innovation extends not only to the footwear industry, but also to other sectors in which we operate. We are committed on a daily basis to providing customized, state-of- the-art solutions to meet every specific need and to adapt to market changes and challenges.”
What main areas of innovation are your R&D activities focusing on?
“Actually, there are two points of view to consider. First of all, there is the logistical aspect related to the internal operation of a company, which includes the automation of loading and unloading of finished products. Thanks to our collaboration with Autec, we are able to customize the solutions according to the specific requirements of the client, the space limitations of the warehouse and the available budget. This allows us to offer an endless process of evolution and improvement, both at the level of the machine itself and the related logistics activities. These are two essential aspects that complement each other. On the one hand, we focus on the constant innovation and improvement of our machines. On the other, we implement automated solutions and processes outside the machine itself in order to optimize the efficiency and integration of logistics activities. This synergetic approach allows us to provide complete solutions that go beyond the basic supply of a machine, creating an efficient and customized logistics ecosystem. We are committed to identifying the specific needs of each customer and proposing solutions that allow constant improvement in both machine performance and the associated logistics processes. Ultimately, we focus both on the technological and functional aspect of the machine itself, and on the automation and optimization of logistics processes, in order to offer significant added value to our customers.”
How does the combination of cutting-edge technology and service enable you to offer innovative, high-quality solutions to your clients?
“Because the machines are customized, the sales and service process are focused on listening to the customer. Everything starts with the creation of the initial design, which is then confirmed by the client and finally followed by after-sales service. From the first contact with the client, our aim is to provide a complete service, including design, construction, installation and training. We work on the project according to the needs of the client and their budget, and develop it until it is ready for production. Once the order is confirmed, the construction of the machinery begins, which ends with delivery. It is also important to provide technical training when installing the machinery, especially for new clients, accompanying them until they are able to work independently on our machines. From that moment on, our after-sales service is always at their disposal for any needs. In addition, we provide our clients with a range of additional services, such as maintenance, technical support and consultancy. Our goal is to provide our clients with a positive buying and user experience that can help them improve their productivity and competitiveness.”
How can technological research contribute to solving some of the most pressing challenges in the footwear market?
“The growing awareness of sustainability is leading to an increasing demand for eco-friendly products and services. In the footwear sector, this trend materializes in a growing demand for polyurethane soles made from recycled materials. Gusbi offers a range of technologies that make it possible to incorporate a percentage of recycled material in the sole construction in order to satisfy even the most discerning consumers.”
For Gusbi, how important is this market?
“In the field of polyurethane sole production, sustainability is an increasingly important issue. On the one hand, chemical companies are developing new polyurethane products made from renewable materials. These products have a higher price than traditional ones, but offer several advantages, including a lower environmental impact and greater energy efficiency. On the other hand, sole manufacturers are investing in technologies to reduce the use of materials and resources. For example, thanks to our know-how, it is possible to retrofit a machine for the production of polyurethane soles to allow the use of recycled material. This solution is less expensive than replacing the entire machine, but still requires an initial investment. If, instead, we talk about release agents, we recommend the use of specific robots because they are able to apply the correct amount of material, thereby reducing material waste, lowering emissions and ensuring a healthier environment. This solution is beneficial both environmentally and economically.”
Why choosing Gusbi? In three words.
“Because we have a history. And our experience leads us to the future”.

GUSBI.COM

Irene Bianchi