Strategic leadership and effective management mark the evolution of Mec Man, ensuring an almost unexpected success
Marco Agostini, co-owner of Mec Man, based in Lugo di Vicenza and internationally acknowledged in the sector of vacuum dryers, staking machines and vacuum systems, is a noteworthy entrepreneurial example according to the keys to establish a real business growth: awareness and foresight. Managing a company means making many choices, often difficult and costly, not only in economic terms. Therefore, it is essential to make good decisions and make the right choices. That’s the case of Mec Man which, over time, has been able to differentiate its activities while guaranteeing a complete offer of cutting-edge machinery for the tanning world. Today Mec Man is renowned on the market as a single valid interlocutor to deal with, from the development of a complete drying department to full technical assistance, up to the engineering of processes.
We spoke a few months ago about the launch of Mec Man Engineering. How is the new project evolving, Dr. Agostini?
“Is fantastic. We had to do it before.”
Where does this great enthusiasm arise?
“It cannot be otherwise. We are receiving so much positive feedback from the market that we are really proud of it. We have reached a point where it became necessary to hire new employees. We are just proceeding with the training of new staff so that they can enter the company dynamics as quickly as possible and acquire the necessary skills to operate at the highest level. I am fortunate to work with wonderful people and I want it to go on like this.”
The latest edition of Lineapelle was a success from many points of view. How did it go for Mec Man?
“For the first time in my, albeit short, working life we sold thanks to the fair. I didn’t think it was possible. We have sold two staking machines, and it is the first year that we showcase them at the stand.”
An outstanding result…
“Considering the type of investment their purchase entails, it was an excellent result. But the best thing, and I believe it will never happen again, was to receive a visit from two tanners who had the opportunity to see our product at a company that works on behalf of third parties. Another company that has trusted us. They were able to touch the quality of our machines firsthand and they came to us and, literally, they told me: «we already know how the machine works: we want it.»”
How were they able to check the quality of the machine?
“They told me about it after we signed the contact. I was curious to know, too. They told me that they sent some leather to that company and they saw a huge difference compared to those processed by far more famous manufacturers. At the end of the visit, they left saying to me: «Keep on working like this! The others do not achieve this result on hides, we need your machine.» I swear, it had never happened to me.”
You are on the right path…
“Maybe it will never happen again but at least I say yes, the choices we are making are perhaps the right ones. We consider everything, even the difficulties, but maybe it’s worth it. We want to continue like this! Surely having been the only ones to have mounted the catenary and the structure of the chain made the difference. We took a risk and it was a success. Finally, everyone has been able to see that Mec Man can build an entire drying department.”
Being able to see a product live still weighs a lot in the final choice of purchase, do you agree?
“Me myself, I want to see what I buy. Aren’t fairs meant for that? This was the year in which everyone would return to Lineapelle and I wanted to show the world what we do but I repeat, even now that I’m telling you, what happened in those days just seems like a dream to me.”
A dream come true…
“I believe that the right choice was to be able to offer a complete, turnkey service. Mec Man is the ideal partner because he is the point of reference to which entrusting everything, including assistance. Our clients trust us and we do not disappoint them in any way.”
Companies want trusted partners and effective problem solvers by their side, correct?
“We are suppliers and consultants at the same time: we are ready to provide all the strategic advice that companies need to help them get the best results even in difficult times. Mec Man is able to work on the complex issues of the everyday life, achieving the top through the use of original logic, techniques and processes and the development of strategic sequential planning. We are respected in our field and receiving compliments also from other manufacturers – another great news – is truly gratifying. People like what we are building and only talk about us positively. We must continue like this.”
One brick at a time a castle is built, do you agree?
“We have said it since the beginning of our journey. We are making many efforts every day. Sometimes some positive feedback is good. From this to say that it is easy, no way! Nothing’s easy. I have a good team to support me, I will always say it, there is no better thing.”
What results are you achieving with the new Mec Man Engineering division?
“I’ll tell you a fairly explanatory anecdote: we went to the notary for the creation of Mec Man Engineering in the morning and, that same afternoon, we signed the first contract with an Arzignano-based tannery, that was just waiting for us to create the company to take advantage of our consultancy in terms of energy saving. To them, we sold the first package part of the project that Mec Man Engineering has developed to reduce energy costs in production processes through systems and technologies developed and produced in-house. As a matter of fact, Mec Man Engineering selfproduces all those elements that make up these packages.”
What exactly does this mean?
“It means that thanks to our partners, IT engineers, we produce, build and, at a later time, also resell the necessary hardware: that is, all the temperature sensors, humidity sensors and all those components useful to improve energy efficiency of machinery.”
So, you offer an additional guarantee, correct?
“Exactly. We meet every need. Can we offer something better than this?!”
Future projects?
“I can’t reveal much at the moment but I can tell you that we are focusing on new patents that will be signed by Mec Man Engineering.”