Vendors: La Guglia

The 50th anniversary was celebrated by partners, directors, office staff and all skilled workers with at least 15 or more years company service. After the welcome address and presentation of the evening programme schedule by President Adalberto Grossi, the event was hosted by Mr Leo Barbolini, who started his career in ceramics in 1955, when construction on the factory also began. He recalled that at that time, 14 ceramics companies existed within the Scandiano-Sassuolo-Castelvetro area (later to become synonymous with the ceramics industry) and he went on to name them. Despite the subsequent growth of this sector, less than a third of those companies mentioned in his roll call are still in existence today! This is a source of pride and satisfaction for all those who have worked with and alongside the company, which is now as historic as the obelisk and fountain symbolising Sassuolo in the Piazza Grande.

The company has evolved steadily over the years, all the while endeavouring to keep costs to a minimum. The Eighties saw a difficult period of transformation, both in terms of production and company structure. It was at this point that Leo Barbolini came onto the scene, taking a majority share in the company. The storm of those difficult years was successfully weathered with commendable dignity and dedication by the new company organisation. Above all, it was a period marked by many sacrifices, not to mention the spirited collaboration of the great majority of production workers, who showed unfailing belief in the company.

The experience and financial backing brought by Leo Barbolini to La Guglia was decisive. His departure from the company brought to a close an intense and eminent career which included notable success in the Gardenia and Rex ceramics firms, as well as in the Ricchetti Group, where he was a partner and Managing Director.

The various cyclical crises which have rocked the sector these last 50 years have become all part of the make-up of La Guglia, which of course is once more gearing up to face the most difficult period in its history, the threat of downscaled production due to the incredible manufacturing growth of emerging countries, with much lower costs than those in Italy. There is no magical formula for escaping this serious situation. Nevertheless there is still room for La Guglia, in accordance with the strategy which has seen it through these last 20 years. As such, the management team and skilled workers must pull together with political and union powers, who themselves are becoming aware of the serious situation. The whole team will continue to roll up its sleeves, working harder and smarter to stay ahead of the competition, all the while ensuring that Italy remains the hallmark of superior quality.

The event drew to a close with everyone eagerly awaiting the next joint celebration of La Guglia-C.B.S. Group Spa , which remains steadfast as always, like the historic obelisk of Sassuolo.