DEVELOPMENT

Valle del Chiampo

In the area to the north of Vicenza, where Gruppo Mastrotto has concentrated its industrial facilities, tanning is an ancient craft encouraged by the abundant water supply and by a traditionally industrious workforce. This zone, known as "the triangle of leather" for its geographical shape and its status as the world centre for tanning, is now responsible for 40% of Italy’s leather output and 70% of all European production. It is a remarkable hive of industry comprising factories of all sizes, some equipped for the entire production cycle, while others specialise in tanning, dyeing or finishing. According to the latest figures, there are 764 companies operating in the leather industry in the Vicenza area, employing 10,720 people. Their annual turnover is around 3,400 million euros, with 2,000 million of this being destined for export. This industry is a major contributor to the national economy, and it owes its success to a mix of quality, technology, research, innovation and care for the environment, courtesy of the water- and air-purification systems used.

Of equal importance, of course, is training; it is crucial for this kind of work, which blends hard work and craftsmanship, and involves major investment in the younger generation. This is where the "Galilei" Industrial Technical Institute for Tanning Chemistry comes in.Based in Arzignano, the main district in the area, it has been active for over four decades and is the only facility of its kind in Italy, producing around fifty qualified leather experts each year.

And in parallel with the leather industry, courtesy of the long local tradition in electromechanics, automation and electronics, some of the most important manufacturers of leather production machinery have also grown up in the area. It is an excellent example of synergy between different sectors.