Kristalia was born in Prata. Could it have been born in another place?
No, absolutely not. Suppliers are one of Kristalia's strengths. Only in our local territory, can we find the best professionals to do the work we need in order to develop our products. Thanks to our suppliers, we have succeeded in developing new technologies that nobody had tested before.
What is the bond between the company and the territory where it is based?
We are very attached to our territory, since it has always provided us with so much. We like to say that we make beautiful products because we are surrounded by beauty. We are lucky to live in very attractive historic villages close to the most wonderful mountains in the world, and near the sea. Our territory has much to offer culturally and Pordenone, with its history of culture, is a town with plenty to offer in that sense.
Kristalia has recently moved into attractive refurbished headquarters, aiming to contribute to the values of the local community. What is the reason for such a move inspired by the concept of factory-villages?
Luckily, the company is doing well and growing, which has enabled us to invest in our territory. Initially, we developed a project to build the company in another area just outside the town centre. The first project meant that the company would have been lost or camouflaged in the territory because the green area entered it directly.
This, however, would have required us to change the intended use of the land. We looked around in a period when, unfortunately, many well-established companies in the local territory were closing and, consequently, our industrial area has many unused zones. We found this space and we would like to think that we made an environmentally friendly choice. The old space has been entirely reclaimed and we have brought a little bit of green space to a notoriously grey area.
What brand experience do you want to convey to visitors to your company?
We have never sat down at a table to write our values. The values that develop are our values, the ones that are present in our daily life. This space was designed for those who work in it but it is also ready to welcome anyone. It is also true that the values that are natural to us have been lost in the world of work. In the judicial world there is an expression, “The diligence of a good family man”. Perhaps this concept is close to our way of doing things.
What is the company doing in favour of the territory? (not only in terms of its economic contribution to business, employment, etc.)
Setting aside our core business, we can speak of what Kristalia is after business hours, a club. Since the very outset, we thought about developing a headquarters that could welcome people from outside. We have a versatile space that can become a club and host musical concerts, a place where conferences or workshops can be held.
Over the past year, we have hosted 7 jazz concerts and 3 conferences. It is our gift to the local community and we like to think that we can give those who live in the vicinity an opportunity to attend a concert or conference by someone “famous”, who does not usually come to perform in our area.
What is the company receiving from the territory? (in terms of inspiration, expertise, culture, etc.)
Everything. If we had been born elsewhere we would not be what we are now. Our roots speak of people accustomed to doing everything for themselves, with their hands, working hard. Our culture is rich in beautiful things everywhere. When we present ourselves to a prospective customer, we have learned to show where we live because these are things that we take for granted but are part of our DNA.
Our culture speaks of good food, beautiful scenery and charming places to live. When a young person says that Milan offers you so much, we always give this example: How long does it take to commute from one place to another in Milan, 30, 40 or 60 minutes? Here, in 60 minutes you can get to Venice, Trieste, Udine and Treviso… put together all the cultural offers of this area and we have an advantage over Milan.
Design and designers are global. Companies are glocal. Are there any territorial influences in what you are doing?
Half of the designers who design for Kristalia are foreigners but they know Italian very well. It is something that we always like to stress because we Italians are not good at praising ourselves. We want to say that design in the furniture industry is largely still Italian, our touch, our way of doing things is unparalleled.
As in the world of sport, the engines are Italian but the champions that drive them can be found all over the world. Why are we leaders in this sense? I believe there are two reasons: our culture and our suppliers.
Are there any strategic suppliers in this territory? Can you name some of them explaining why they are strategic?
All of them! An example, just because we have documented it more than others, is the Presot tannery. It is a local tannery that processes leather for major fashion brands worldwide. This company has focused on ecology and eco-sustainability, where its processing techniques are the same as a century ago. But there are many other examples of suppliers like them, who work with companies around the globe.
This has been our strength because only thanks to these companies have we succeeded in aiming at ambitious goals. Initially, people thought we were crazy. Now, they bring their innovations to us before anyone else. We like to think that we have allowed them to break with convention and be daring in their workmanship thanks to us.
Which places in this territory do you usually visit and where do you generally love to spend your time?
We are sporty! Most of us go cycling. We live close to the hills and the scenery is fantastic all year round. Those who don't go cycling, run in our local parks, however, we are lucky enough not to have to look for a park because we only need to step out of our home to find green areas. And those who don't go running, go hiking in the mountains.
If, instead, we want to relax, the Adriatic Sea is nearby. If we are looking for culture, Pordenone, Treviso, Udine, Trieste, Venice and Padua are close to us. The strength of our territory is in small villages and towns, each one with its own festival during the year. Therefore, every weekend we can find a variety of events related to history and cuisine, where we are spoiled for choice. We don't like to rank them because we know that we haven't visited them all yet
What is your favourite piece of architecture here (not so far from where you live) and why?
Jesolo Lido Village designed by Richard Meier Architects. Why? Well, have you seen the photos of Kristalia headquarters? :)
What is your favourite bar or restaurant and why?
La Trota Blu. They are Kristalia friends and we have been collaborating with them for some time now. Because of the way they disseminate the Italian tradition with an exotic touch. But above all because they are meticulous in choosing their raw materials, from the vegetables they grow, obviously the fish they produce, to the choice of suppliers who exclusively process food the traditional way without any step that alters the essence of the raw material.
What is your favourite place and why?
Sacile is a town that many of us have chosen to live in. It has plenty to offer in its beautiful historic centre. It is a familiar place where you can feel at ease. Therefore, when we have guests, we choose to organise their stay in the centre of this town so they can have a taste of the slow pace of life away from high society, where the main events are still the market and the evening aperitif that only we Italians know how to serve.
