TFL Global Fashion Center: a meeting point fostering the mutual interaction and dialogue between the various market players in the leather sector.
On May 3 rd , the multinational corporation specialized in the production and distribution of tanning chemicals, inaugurated a cutting-edge R&D structure headquartered in Castelfranco di Sotto (Pisa province) – a modern center that will regularly host institutional events, technical workshops and presentations on chemical innovations related to the world of fashion: TFL’s global centre for footwear and leatherware.
In this new location, an area is entirely dedicated to the design, production and study of new application techniques as well as of innovative products, fully compliant with the current regulations, to be used in the footwear and leatherware branches. Furthermore, two showrooms will host a permanent exhibition of leather collections, that will be constantly updated according to the latest trends; special attention will be also paid to the showcase of accessories’ lines that, from a technical point of view, respond to the most innovative technologies applied to the tanning industry.
From the left, Marika Peretti – Business Support, Henrik Pedersen – CSMO of TFL Group (Sales & Marketing), Roberto Italia – Global Head of Shoes, Uphol – stery & Leathergoods, Anna Osvidi – Italy Overall Executive Assistance
Massimiliano Bachi, Site Manager TFL Castelfranco – Head Manager Finishing Central Italy
“This was just the first inauguration and it will be followed by all-year-long permanent exhibitions taking place around the world, where the latest leather trends will be presented and analyzed,” explained Massimiliano Bachi, Site manager TFL. “A specific team specialized in new technologies will develop cutting-edge solutions and carry on research projects right here, in the laboratory based in Castelfranco.” As a matter of fact, Massimiliano Bachi, Site Manager TFL Castelfranco – Head Manager the location of this innovative facility was not chosen by chance, but it was in line with TFL’s desire to support Finishing Central Italy craftsmanship and the quality of Italian manufacturing.
“We have picked out Tuscany because it is still one of the world’s most important districts for the leather sector, a territory standing out for its creativity and well-established know-how. Thanks to this project, we aim at arousing the interest of foreign tanneries so as to convince them to invest in this area,” stated Massimiliano Bachi. The inauguration of the Center, which was attended by tanning entrepreneurs from all over the world, was scheduled concurrently with the first edition of the TFL Global Leather Forum, focused on new forms of visibility and opportunities offered by online commerce to the leather production chain – an annual event that will aims at bringing together industry professionals from all over the world, providing them with the right environment where to exchange opinions and insights concerning the most topical issues. “From now on, we are going to hold the Forum once a year: the maiden edition dealt with leather e-commerce. Some of the most important newspapers such as Sole 24 Ore have already promoted the initiative.
The event was also attended by the most renowned Italian tanneries – Gruppo Mastrotto, Gruppo Dani, Antiba, BCN – as well as by prominent figures such as UNIC President and the mayors of Castelfranco, San Miniato and Santa Croce,” confirmed Banchi. TFL is a multinational corporation operating on a global scale and providing chemicals specifically conceived for the tanning industry: it is the only company of such size in the world exclusively focused on the leather sector. A turnover amounting to approximately 350 million euros, out of which 80 million earned in Italy, subsidiaries located in three continents, more than 900 employees and a global sales network: TFL is the ideal partner for tanneries worldwide, specialized in the development, production and sales of a wide range of articles, including tanning agents and dyestuffs; in addition, it supports its clientele with tailor-made solution for the whole leather processing cycle – from the beamhouse to finishing. www.tfl.com
Among the attendees, some of the most important players of the leather sector: Fulvia Bacchi, Giovanni Russo di Casandrino, Mario Serrini, Rino e Santo Mastrotto, Graziano Balducci
