Special Top Italian companies focused on export

LAND OF DIFFERENT SPEEDS

Interview with Renza Altoè Garbelotto (CEO Parchettificio of Garbelotto and president of the Wooden Floors Group of FederlegnoArredo / EdilegnoArredo)

“Italy and Garbelotto are leading the way in demonstrating how wooden floors have become real pieces of interior design furniture”

As a parquet country, Italy is known as a supplier of high-end wooden floors. An exponent for parquet flooring of the very highest level is Parchettificio Garbelotto. Garbelotto is an historic company with 70 years of experience and tailoring in the wood flooring sector, with wooden floors that are made entirely in the Province of Treviso. As such it is a more than worthy interlocutor to talk both about the company itself and wooden floors in Italy. Floor Forum International interviewed CEO Renza Altoè Garbelotto during Cersaie (Bologna), where Clip Up System® was highlighted. Mrs. Garbelotto speaks both from her function as leader of her own company and as president of the Wooden Floors Group Edilegno/ FederlegnoArredo, National Associations of Wooden Companies.

You are currently presenting a very special product, Clip Up System®. What exactly is this product about?

“Clip Up System® is our patented and exclusive glue-free installation system for wooden floors that allows quick and easy installation with the possibility of replacing even a single board in just a few seconds. It is a revolutionary installation system, which goes beyond glued and floating installation and guarantees a perfect and simple installation with the polymer clips placed on the laying surface where the boards fit together. It is suitable for raised and inspectable floors, because the removal and replacement of a board is very fast, clean and requires only a few tools. Clip Up System® is enjoying great national and international success in the world of architecture, interior design and construction because it is totally eco-sustainable, recyclable and reusable.”

As this is a special about Italy, we would like to know where you situate yourself as a company in the market of wooden floors. How is this market evolving and what kind of special features do you as a company have to take into account to bring the right products to market?

“We are a leader in the Italian market, recognized for quality and reliability in the production of 100% Made in Italy wooden floors. All stages of the production take place entirely in Italy and within our factories.”

“The market leans towards two paths: on the one hand the choice of speculative and competitive products, on the other the quality product. Garbelotto has chosen to guarantee a high quality product, thanks to continuous investments in technology, research and human resources. We are convinced that the wooden floor is no longer considered a simple covering, but has become a real piece of interior design furniture. Our R&D department is constantly looking for technological and innovative solutions to propose new laying geometries and special finishes, making customization a fundamental element of production.”

Mrs. Garbelotto, you are also the president of the Wooden Floors Group di Edilegno/ FederlegnoArredo, National Associations of Wooden Companies. Could you elaborate a little on what this group does and in what direction you are steering its members?

“I was elected in July 2020 as Director in Charge of the Wooden Floors Group of FederlegnoArredo / EdilegnoArredo, the group that follows the specifications of the entire sector from the more technical aspects, such as regulations, problems and prospects of the national market, up to the practical for the enhancement and promotion of wooden floors in the national market with particular attention to the Made in Italy product. I am fortunate to collaborate with an exceptional team, made up of the president of FederlegnoArredo, Claudio Feltrin, the president of EdilegnoArredo, Andrea Bazzichetto, and many other collaborators. We are a proactive team, our mission is to share, enhance and protect the entire wooden flooring sector in Italy and around the world.”

“Europe is setting us the right path, as it is increasingly encouraging the use of wood. It promotes this 100% natural material in new buildings, with the aim of significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. Following the important European directives, the FederlegnoArredo wood flooring group is always at work sharing and disseminating updated reference information materials for the whole market and for professionals, such as the new installation manual: "PARQUET - From the project to the installation”, a reference manual for the whole market.”

Clip Up System® by Garbelotto

A question related to the previous one, but this time more in general directed at Italy as a country: what are the most important directions your country takes in the flooring business? And how does Garbelotto relate to all of this?

“The theme of environmental and social sustainability is certainly the focus on which we are working, given the increasing attention paid to well-being, living comfort and the environment itself. We are emerging from a pandemic that has made us - and is making us - reflect on the importance and healthiness of the environments we frequent with a particular focus on the material component, the warmth and naturalness of wood. The whole wood-furniture supply chain supports the theme of sustainability and the sector of wooden floors certainly plays a fundamental and primary role.”

“Garbelotto is very attentive to all aspects related to sustainability and is FSC certified for the procurement of raw materials from forests, subject to controlled and certified reforestation. We are the first Wooden Floor Company in Italy that is EPD certified (Environmental Product Declaration), a certificate that attests not only the sustainability of the product in all its phases, but also the company in applying sustainable criteria, attentiveness to people and the environment in all its processes.”

Italy has always been known as a top design country. But how is Italy doing as a country on a manufacturing level?

“There is no other added value such as Made in Italy, whose strength is the continuous search for innovative solutions that respect both people and the environment. The availability of the raw material and the Due Diligence are linked to a regulated, traceable and certifiable path, that is an absolute guarantee of the product recognized internationally as an added value.”

“Italy is founded on small, medium and large companies that offer the market customized solutions that others are unlikely to achieve. I am proud, together with my whole family, to lead a company in constant expansion, evolution and perspective. Riding the wave of Industry 4.0, Garbelotto has duplicated its production area, inserting the latest generation machinery without neglecting the historicity and professionalism of our wood masters, who finish and check the high quality of our wooden floors.”

IPERWOOD

Iperwood is the Italian company that, since 2004, studies and produces Novowood, a Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) with multiple uses for the outdoors. The company has considerably grown year by year, expanding on foreign markets and selling its products in more than 32 countries. The research on the material with the University of Ferrara cooperation, an advanced technical department and the production line based in Italy are just few of the characteristics that make Novowood a perfect partner for architects and building companies. A great recognition achieved by the company in 2021 is the ReMade in Italy® certification for its products; this prestigious brand verifies that at least 81,5% of components in Novowood are recycled, putting it on class A, among the producers with the highest value in the Circular Economy chain. +39 (0) 532 732737- info@novowood.it - www.novowood.it - www.iperwood.com

MAZZONETTO WOOD FLOORS

Mazzonetto Wood Floors, based in the historic region of Venice, has been a leading Italian manufacturer of wooden floors for over 40 years. The company specialises in pre-finished engineered wooden floors (two-layer) in a large variety of wood species, customised wood floors patterns, luxury custom wood floors, and wood tiles. All the production is done 100% in Italy. Apart from residential and commercial projects, Mazzonetto is as well very active in the Hospitality, Luxury, Marine and Office Space projects. One big asset in the production is that it combines the benefits of technology with the work of knowledgeable craft professionals. Care for the environment is also central in all that they do. Mazzonetto is present in over 25 countries worldwide and is still looking for new partners who share the same values, passion, and appreciation of this trade; for instance, Japan, Canada, Latin America, USA and many other countries. The company is present on the following platforms: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, and the web site: www.mazzonettoweb.it. +39 (0) 49 945 0488 - info@mazzonettoweb.it

LA SAN MARCO PROFILI

La San Marco Profili is an independent familyrun company founded in 1989. Its headquarter based in Treviso, Italy. With over 30 years of professional experience in developing and manufacturing skirting and outdoor flooring, La San Marco offers a full product portfolio of skirting and outdoor flooring and it serves clients around the globe thanks to its well-recognized products quality and services efficiency. In fact, thanks to our increased flexibility and our large and well-furnished stock, we guarantee optimum quality, offering a vast range of outdoor flooring such as Ipe, Teak, Angelim Amargoso, Iroko, Heat Treated Ash and all sorts of skirting for every need. Furthermore, our company’s FSC certificate guarantees a sustainable forest management. La San Marco’s key words are always excellent quality and excellent service. What distinguishes the company is its particular attention in working with details. Well knowing that small particulars make the difference, we are accustomed to search for perfection in small things that however stand out. Following this thought we created all our line accessories, both veneer and solid, in different woods and colours. La San Marco Profili exports its products to lots of countries above all in Europe, but it is always interested in finding new distributors in different countries all over the world in order to expand its already wide distribution network and fulfil its aim of products international widespread. +39 (0) 438 980106 - export@lasanmarcoprofili.com - www.lasanmarcoprofili.com

PARQUET IN

Parquet In Srl was formed in 1970 and is based in the Italian city of Barletta. The company specialises in the production of exclusive parquet floors, which are ‘Made in Italy’. Years of experience and well trained workers make the difference here. Wood is treasured and processed in accordance with the old processes. Parquet In supplies floors for all styles and interiors. Old traditions from marquetry are raised to new life in multicoloured and versatile variations. With the Elegant Collection, Parquet In combines wood with several marble colours. This is confirmation of the vibrant creativity of Parquet In. Apart from features such as satin gloss, Parquet In also presents for this collection a number of modern colours. Colour is also a central feature in the New Mosaics Collection. These floors give a totally new colour expression with black and white as prominent shades and grey as a mysterious background. Modern and functional! The new mosaic collection presents a huge range of material combinations (e.g. ceramics or glass mosaic). The whole philosophy of Parquet In can be found in the Old Chic Collection, the renaissance of old parquet floors in designs and brushed surfaces. The Old Chic Collection is brushed and prefinished with UV oil and is ready for fitting. The latest collection is the Capsule Collection by Samuele Mazza. Apart from its collections, Parquet In can also supply customised work perfectly well. +39 (0) 88 35 36 726 - info@parquetin.com - www.parquetin.it

CORÀ PARQUET

Corà has been operating on domestic and international markets since 1919, procuring and transforming wood using both manual and industrial processes. Today it is the largest distributor of wooden products in Italy and has the widest range of wood available on the market. The company is at the forefront of environment protection by using renewable energy sources, FSC and PEFC Certifications, factory CO2 emission control system and sustainable forest management programs. Corà Parquet, the wooden floor department started in 1993, features the same green attitude in producing and trading wooden floors, solid wood and composite decking, vinyl floors, engineered veneer. With more than 100 employees and a production capacity of 30.000m² per year, Corà Parquet stands out for its on-going developing range of more than 150 high-quality and design products, that meet all the demands of any building sector, from residential to large-scale contract projects. The main novelty for 2021/22 is the Miraggio Collection designed by Pininfarina, a really revolutionary product, that combines wood and stoneware or marble: through the perfect union of these two materials and floor continuity, Miraggio eliminates the boundary between indoors and out-doors, uniting the spaces in a single design. +39 (0) 444 372711 - info@coralegnami.it - www.coralegnami.it - parquet@coralegnami.it - www.coraparquet.it

IMPERTEK

Impertek was founded in 1985 in the province of Venice as a family business for the laying of PVC sheaths and membrane. Over time it has transformed into a solid production reality specializing its market in two sectors: waterproofing and supports for raised floors. The most important line is Pedestal Line which, thanks also to the recent launch of Balance Pro, offers solutions for any height and a quick and flat installation of any flooring. The same range will soon welcome SteelMart, the new metal support with fire resistance class A1, which also complies with the latest safety regulations. Strengths are the research and evolution of products, the ability to process orders in 24/48 hours for 80% of the items in the catalogue and the attention to the customer provided by 30 collaborators and a network of 50 agents. These characteristics have proved successful also in international scenarios, favouring the growth of turnover and expanding sales to foreign markets such as the USA and Australia. +39 (0) 421 322 525 - info@impertek.com - www.impertek.com

TOVER

Our main goal at Tover – we are a strong, close-knit team, ready for change and the integration of new resources - is to improve and facilitate the work of people who choose our installation, finishing and maintenance systems. Formulated in our laboratory, the products come to life on site, where professionals face concrete issues every day that require safe and efficient solutions. We are constantly listening to their needs and suggestions to seize new development opportunities. The well-established internationalization process has involved great open mindness and flexibility and now allows us to meet the specific demands of new markets, in compliance with the strictest regulations. We focus all our research efforts in order to minimize the environmental impact of our production, using energy from renewable sources, carefully selecting more sustainable raw materials and offering technically innovative solutions that respect our planet. +39 (0) 11 19878476- info@tover.com - www.tover.com

PROGRESS PROFILES

For 36 years Progress Profiles, world leader Italian manufacturer of technical and decorative finishing profiles and fixing/laying systems including membranes for construction and interior design, has being developing and patenting over 15,000 technical & finishing products and 18 systems. With an Headquarter in Asolo (TV) and three branches in the USA, in the UAE and in Spain, it exports to more than 80 countries worldwide. The firm provides job to over 180 people, to a network of 200 employees around the world and has a 30 million m²/l capacity per year. It closed 2020 with increasing revenues (+2%) and with exports accounting for 40% of total turnover. Among the novelties there are Proshower System, Proshelf, Proshelf Design and Proheater, three solutions that make the bathroom warmer, more comfortable, and more functional. +39 (0) 423 950398 - info@progressprofiles.com - www.progressprofiles.com

CARVER

Carver was formed in Milan in 1957. In 60 years, the company has developed into one of the leading companies in the field of products for wooden floors. In the course of the years, the company has extended its sphere of activity to include products for outdoor wood. In November 2015, Carver became part of the French group Blanchon, something which immediately gave Carver a sound international base and solid market support. The company profiles itself as a specialist in products for fitting, finishing, and maintaining wooden floors and all indoor and outdoor wood. The company offers top quality products with special attention to the health of users and respect for the environment. Recently, they have reduced their assortment by omitting all products which could pose a health risk. The top products are Epsilon and Omeg-Art, mono and dual-component waterborne lacquers respectively for wooden floors. As regards oil, Primol Plus is the best seller. In 2020 they have focused on Latin American markets with a number of innovative waterbased products. +39 (0) 29 50 01 71 - info@carver.it - www.carver.it

SKEMA

Skema was formed in 1992 with a view to introducing laminate on the Italian market. Skema has always stood out for its new approach to the world of floor coverings, in particular multilayer floating floor solutions. Today, the company presents new technology combined with a refined taste. That is the result of constant innovations. Skema offers not only products, but also solutions in both floor and wall coverings. Creative design and quality go hand in hand. Moreover, clients can count on an extensive service (training, marketing support, and technical support). Skema employs 50 people. New products include the Outside Marina Real (WPC terrace boards) and Sintesy Star K (new generation LVT). Skema exports to Africa, Asia, and Europe. + 39 (0) 422 85 85 11 - info@skema.eu - www.skema.eu

RAVAIOLI LEGNAMI

Ravaioli Legnami was taken over the Bagnari family in 1985 and, by means of constant innovations, has grown from a small workshop specialising in wooden profiles to one of the most competitive businesses in the industry. Since 2002, they have concentrated on outdoor floors. The machines which were used to make profiles have been used to process tropical wood. Today, the company specialises in outdoor wood for terraces and walls. Quality is a top priority from the selection of the raw materials to a sound after-sales service inclusive. Well trained staff and wood from sustainably managed forests (FCS) ensure that quality. The company is focused on innovation and every years presents new and innovative products, such as RhinowoodTM and Abodo and innovative fastening system such as RemoClip®. +39 (0) 54 59 27 309 - infora@ravaiolilegnami.it - www.ravaiolilegnami.com

KARL PEDROSS

Founded in 1956 by South Tyrolean Master Carpenter Karl Pedross, the company transitioned to skirting boards during the 1970’s and thereby secured stable growth. Today, along with KARL PEDROSS AG, the VICOVER Business Unit, Bürkle Leisten & Profile GmbH and Stucky Holzprofilleisten AG, the companies are among the world’s leading pioneers in the development, manufacture and marketing of flooring accessories and work tirelessly to inspire customers and partners every day. Approximately 230 employees produce 40 million running meters per year. As a full-range supplier, exporting on a global level and continuously tapping into new markets is key for PEDROSS. The group is highly customer-oriented, offering personalised and innovative quality products as well as a 360-degree solution to its customers. +39 (0) 473 722 228 - info@pedross.com - www.pedross.com

ITALPROFILI

Italprofili is innovation and technological research in the accessories for construction industry Resisting over time is our creed, which has guided us since 1976 in the design and manufacture of each product. The whole process takes place in our factory in the province of Venice: design, production, quality control and shipping. Our range guarantees always a first-class service and stable performance during time and it develops into 4 business units: adjustable paving support systems for raised floors, roofing accessories, accessories for foundations, accessories for cementitious waterproofings and liquid membranes. For us, evolving means innovating, through the development of historical patents that we have led to be recognized on the Italian and world market, in which quality and typically Italian skills to improve make the difference. The numbers prove it, with an export share of 80% and the opening to the Asian market in 2021. We have grown as a company also thanks to the increase in visibility, enhancing in the recent years our marketing department and promotion activities which we believe to be a fundamental element in our evolution. The moment that the global markets are going through is not the easiest, but we are optimistic and convinced that the creation of new solutions and investment in research of opportunities will be able to keep our trend constantly growing. Italprofili, resistant to time +39 (0) 49 717110 - info@italprofili.com - www.italprofili.com

STATE OF THE ART PROFILES

LA SAN MARCO PROFILI SRL

Viale Europa 63 - 31010 Soligo, TV - Italy Tel. +39 0438 980106 r.a. - Fax +39 0438 980176 info@lasanmarcoprofili.com - www.lasanmarcoprofili.com

RENZO BORGONOVO & FNT

srl

The companies Renzo Borgonovo (founded 1961) and FNT (founded 1948) have been working side by side till the very start, aiming to offer their customers excellence in special machines and embossing moulds for the finishing of products within the sectors of picture frames, small-to-big size panels, and parquet. The core business and what ties the companies together is the Hot Embossing machines series with the relative embossing rollers, used to distress the panel/parquett with different patterns in order to achieve an ennobled top surface with aged or modern or geometric looks. The two companies employ overall around 35 people and are focused on the customization of their products, in order to meet any customer’s process need. Each year, new patterns are developed and designed, so to expand the range of available existing rollers, from which the customer can choose. Export is focused within the EU and the US markets, but a keen eye is always set also on the rest of the world, especially on the vast Asian and American scenarios. +39 (0) 362 90 13 47 - info@borgonovo.com - www.borgonovo.com +39 (0) 31 621303 - rollers@trabattonistampi.com - www.trabattonistampi.com

www.progressprofiles.com

Professional grade results made easy for all types of outdoor raised flooring systems .

PROSUPPORT TUBE SYSTEM PRORAIL SYSTEM

PATENTED

FIX SIDE

PATENTED

SELF - LEVELING SIDE

PRORAIL PROFILE PRORAIL RET

PRORAIL RING

PRORAIL SPACER 02 PRORAIL RUBBER

PRORAIL SPACER 04

PROSUPPORT SLIM SYSTEM

ANTI-NOISE AND ANTI-SLIP DISK LEVELLER

BASE WITH FLAPS 2 mm BASE WITH FLAPS 4 mm WOOD - RESIN AND RESILIENT FLOORS

EXTRAORDINARY MAINTENANCE

Lack version

Matt version

VELUREX® RE-PAIR

Polyurethane resin-based product suitable for the extraordinary maintenance of particularly damaged and subject to heavy traffi c wood, resin and resilient fl ooring such as LVT, PVC and linoleum. If applied on UV varnished wooden fl oors it is recommended to carry out a preliminary test, and checking the adhesion. VELUREX® Re-Pair grants the treated surface a new look characterized by the following properties:

Surface hardness Toughness Transparency