Assopiuma continues its series of interviews aimed at promoting its network of manufacturers and the processes and values with which all its associates operate. This time, we are sitting down for a chat with MTP, a company which has been producing paddings for furniture since 1976.
“The success of a quality product is first and foremost determined by comfort. An aspect which feathers can only enhance. Another key factor: being able to create a product that responds to the client’s needs. And we can provide that response thanks to our made-to-measure production.”
When was your company founded and what was its original outlook?
We started in 1976 with the goal of launching a business for our family and of introducing more comfort into the world of sofas. In fact, sofas with padded cushions were something quite uncommon at the time. And producing cushions was considered to be a humble craft. A craft which, however, has evolved over the past years thanks to the support of cutting-edge machinery.
Why do you think it is important to invest on feather products as a company?
Feathers cannot be replaced by synthetic materials. It is natural and biodegradable, both aspects that people are strongly aware of today. Also, feathers are long-lasting. Synthetic paddings suffer the signs of time, while feather cushions maintain their features intact over several years.
How has your operating method changed over time?
Our operations have changed radically. In the beginning we were using rudimentary equipment and elementary manufacturing processes. Today, we are producing high-quality products with state-of-the-art machinery. We have invested profusely in research and development and in new technologies, which has allowed us to improve the product both in terms of materials and in terms of construction quality. For instance, we can now perfectly calibrate the filling of the different types of padding. This is a crucial support that completes the manual work performed by our artisan workforce.
A polyurethane plate is inserted to give to the feather cushion greater support: it is removable at the end of life, to ensure total biodegradability
What are your company’s strengths?
Competence, commitment to work, continuously striving for improvement. The heart of all this are our people, with their drive and determination always keep going.
How is your industry currently evolving?
We are moving towards complex and high-quality processing. This is why it is important to invest in technology and research and development today. These are the strategic assets that can ensure a company’s future.
Has there been a particular moment that marked a leap in your company’s evolution?
The inauguration of a second production site with the latest modern equipment and, above all, the transition of the company into the second generation. This transition took place gradually and in the name of continuity; it brought in a fresh perspective and established a new kind of dialogue with our clients.
How does your product distinguish itself from the competition?
The high quality standards required by Assopiuma have led all members to work with highly comparable parameters. This means that substantial differences in terms of quality and sustainability certainly exist among non-members, but not among members of the association.
What are the “key” factors that determine the success of a quality product?
The success of a quality product is first and foremost determined by comfort. An aspect which feathers can only enhance. Another key factor: being able to create a product that responds to the client’s needs. And we can provide that response thanks to our made-to-measure production.
Who are your clients in Italy and abroad?
Our clients are the most important companies in the paddings and furniture industry – all the high-end design brands.
What advantages do you think there are in being a company associated to Assopiuma?
Being members of Assopiuma guarantees clients high quality standards and is important for traceability. In fact, the label has a number that identifies the company that produced the cushion, which makes it possible to trace every batch. Also the documentation concerning the hygiene certificate is highly important. We carry out periodical tests on the feathers we process.
Why do you think it is so important to invest and make Assopiuma grow?
From hygiene tests to product quality control, no other entity apart from Assopiuma guarantees compliance with existing regulations in Italy. Investing in Assopiuma, therefore, means offering consumers a quality guarantee and contributing to the growth of all its members.
Family portrait © Luca Casonato
Production images © IKB foto