expertise on tap Paini

ExpErtisE on tap

Italian design combined with innovative solutions are the benefits that customers have come to expect from Italy’s leading manufacturer of taps and fittings for kitchens, bathrooms and showers. Philip Yorke reports on a company that continues to see strong growth though its development of new collections and a programme of strategic partnerships and acquisitions.

Paini was founded 65 years ago, when Marco Paini established an artisan factory at Pagno near Milan in Italy. The company has since grown to become a renowned global player in its field. Paini also became a joint-stock company in 1972 and this was followed by strong growth driven by the global demand for new mixer traps and fittings and single lever taps. Subsequently, a number of strategic acquisitions and joint ventures have propelled the company onto the global stage, making it a market leader not only in Europe but beyond.

Today the Paini Rubinetterie Group employs around 600 people and in 2017 recorded sales of more than €150 million. Its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Pagno, Italy cover almost 100,000 square metres, of which over 70,000 square metres are covered areas. extensive portfolio

As a leading brand that is acknowledged as a premier player worldwide, the company offers customers an unrivalled portfolio of products, including collections designed specifically for the hotel trade. In addition, all Paini’s products are supported by a 5-year guarantee and comply with all the necessary legislation and certifications required in Europe and internationally, including IAPMO standards required respectively by the USA and France.

The company’s Research Centre teams and their test facilities provide analysis and often break-through advances in mechanical, chemical and functional operations. All research and production operations are carried out in-house, utilising a broad range of modern high-tech production disciplines on the latest transfer and multi-spindle machines. Quality testing using advanced, computerised equipment is programmed according to specific evaluation protocols.

In addition, the chromium plating lines are the most advanced in the industry and the thickness and quality of the plating is strictly controlled to meet chromium thickness standards required by the EU and other international legislation. On site the company provides colouring plants using epoxide powder and liquid, and this PVD system has proved highly successful.

Today Paini offers a comprehensive variety of products ranging from spare parts to complete bathroom furniture systems. Its taps use only the highest quality materials and all products are made with respect for the environment.

expanding global reach

While Europe remains the largest geographical market for Paini, representing over 50 per cent of turnover, with 20 per cent coming from the domestic Italian market, over 10 per cent of export sales go to the US where the company has a commercial branch and from which it expects strong growth in the years to come. Other significant growth areas include South America, Asia and Africa.

More than 90 per cent of production takes place at the company’s facilities in Italy with the balance being produced at its manufacturing plants in China. Around four million pieces are manufactured in Italy where consistent growth will soon be enhanced by a further investment in manufacturing capabilities that will boost production by as much as 10 per cent. The two key customer groups served by Paini are the world’s DIY retail chains and wholesalers, which sell its products to construction professionals, such as plumbers.

Strategic acquisition boosts sales

A recent milestone in the history of Paini Rubinetterie SpA was achieved when, along with its joint-venture partner The Swiss Franke Group, it acquired a leading Italian supplier of domestic and industrial bathroom taps: Mamoli Rubinetterie. This key acquisition forms part of the group’s growth strategy initiated several years ago.

Alexander Zschokke, CEO of the Franke Group, commented at the time of the takeover, “With the acquisition of Mamoli, Franke is not only enriching its own portfolio of brands and those of Paini with a prestigious and long-standing Italian company in the bathroom taps industry, but is also taking another important step forward in consolidating its own competence in the bathroom and kitchen taps segment.

“Together with Paini, we intend to invest in its Lacchiarela plant in Milan, and work in close cooperation with the management of Mamoli, which we very much value and with whom we share the same company values and philosophy.”

Mamoli was founded in 1932 and has established itself in the Italian and international markets with a unique product design, owing to research, innovation and extremely high quality standards. Its range of taps for bathrooms and kitchens are made in Italy in its workshops in Lacchiarella (Milan) and are the result of years of dedication and creativity. n For further details of Paini’s latest innovative products and services visit: www.paini.com