Sept. 12 – In Istanbul, they selected the ancient manuscripts of the Süleymaniye Mosque, while they also scouted other libraries, museums and archives across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and, of course, Italy. Nothing happens by chance, and the success behind Cles’ compactable shelves has become global. Thanks to over forty years of experience, the La Tecnica company developed new techniques in the field of archiving. And in 1968, Vigilio Preti’s dedication to innovation led to research and investments on fire retardant and automated products, great attention to design, and the establishment of a new production line set up next to the old location. These factors helped keep away the ghosts of the crisis. A small company, with 30 employees, its half year turnover increased, with plans to reach the €6 million mark by the end of 2014. A year ago, in the summer of 2012, the company signed with the Trentino Sviluppo a leaseback transaction that enables the company to double its production capacity, reduce costs and enhance commercial actions in emerging markets. “Two years ago we found ourselves at a crossroads: continue in production with our historic machinery, and risk being penalized by an increasingly competitive and global market, or invest to contain costs and improve the quality of our products. We have embarked on the second road and we are already seeing positive results,” say Giorgio and Luisa Marta Preti of the family business, in which brothers Giancarlo and Giuseppe are also members. Investing in the new production line required €1.3 million, not a readily available sum for a small company, and so the Autonomous Province of Trento in July 2012, with Trentino Sviluppo, bought the new building for €1.3 million, and leased it to the company, which committed to pay the rent.
