Miperval, the tailoring of metal

Founded in 1963, Miperval, based in the province of Varese, has built a solid reputation as a supplier of excellence of high-quality small metal parts, offering consultancy, design, development and production services to a wide range of sectors, including fashion, work&safety and pets, boasting a particular specialization in the production of articles for leather goods, luggage, belts, footwear and clothing.
The history of Miperval is a testament to its unwavering commitment to creativity, innovation and service. Since its beginnings, the company has demonstrated a relentless dedication to meeting the needs of its clients and its ability to adapt to the evolving challenges of the increasingly competitive market. With a progressive vision and an eye to the future, the company has always invested in research and development to stay in line with the latest fashion trends. It has been able to embrace the opportunities offered by the digital era and has unceasingly innovated its production processes to guarantee stylish products and customized solutions. Creativity is indeed a key element in the philosophy of Miperval, which is committed to fostering a working environment that encourages innovation and the exploration of new ideas through the encouragement of free expression and out-of-the-box thinking. The company nurtures fertile ground for unique and visionary solutions to emerge, and the creative minds working within the company are constantly motivated to push conventional boundaries and develop ideas that stand out for their originality and functionality. However, creativity alone is not enough.
Miperval is aware that quality and service are the keys to remaining competitive in an ever- evolving market. The company has adapted to new technologies and changing client needs, anticipating industry trends and providing fast and customized solutions. Constant research into new materials, processes and technologies has enabled the development of products that meet the ever- increasing demands of the market. Passion and technology are the driving force behind the company, which constantly invests in state-of-the-art equipment and production tools, guaranteeing superior quality and greater efficiency in the production process. Miperval values the use of digital technology and automation to improve the precision of execution, speed of delivery and quality of its articles. Constant technological evolution and customer focus are what has allowed it to remain a leader in the sector and meet the most particular needs. At the center of the mission of Miperval is in fact customer service. The company is committed to offering a high level of experience, based on open and transparent communication, fast delivery times and a prompt response to requests. Everyone in the company believes that success is closely linked to customer satisfaction and works tirelessly to exceed expectations, building strong and lasting relationships with its business partners. The secret for Miperval resides in the combination of creativity, innovation, technology and service. Able to offer customized solutions that perfectly match the needs of the most demanding clients, thanks to its extensive experience and expertise in the sector, Miperval also provides technical advice and support throughout the entire process, from conception to production and beyond. Looking to the future, Miperval continues to invest in the research and development of innovative solutions and in the new generations that represent the future. Aware that innovation is an unceasing process, the company is committed to keeping up with the evolution of the market by working with strategic partners, being open to new ideas and listening to the needs of clients, and is ready to face the challenges of the future and head for new horizons.
Miperval has also embraced sustainability as an integral part of its business strategy and is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its operations by adopting zero-waste processes and recycling practices. The company is aware of the importance of preserving the environment for future generations and is committed to being a leader in this as well. During our visit to the company, we had the opportunity to learn in detail about this beautiful family and entrepreneurial story from several figures who carry out their work with passion and dedication, first and foremost Giancarlo Mazzucchelli, Sole Director, who has been working in the company since he was a teenager.
Your story is important, it began sixty years ago. Would you tell us about it?
“Actually, our story started even further back because my father started in the 1950s. At that time, the city was an important industrial center for this sector, with around 150 active companies, including luggage and shoe factories. My parents, Carla and Dino Mazzucchelli, founded it in 1963 under the acronym MInuteria PER VALigeria (metal parts for luggage, ed.). My father then decided to set up his own business, capitalizing on the work experience he had acquired since 1950, a period in which he ran the business in the same sector. Ten years after the foundation, they built the first part of the current warehouse, giving birth to this company, which still carries on their work today. I started working in the company as an apprentice, at the age of 13. I learnt the job from my father and my brother, who joined us a few years later. After my military service, I returned and continued working here: the company had meanwhile gone under the management of the whole family. We worked together for many years, with passion and determination, and built a solid and successful business. Three years ago, my brother decided to retire from the company and I took over its leadership. I am proud to carry on the family tradition and lead the company into the future.”
What do you see in the future of Miperval?
“I am looking forward to the return of my daughter from England. For a few years now, she has been living and working in London, where she had found an excellent professional opportunity. However, I managed to convince her to return home and join the family business. I am convinced that her skills and experience will be an added value for the company. The involvement of the younger generation is crucial for the future of a company, as it brings new ideas, skills and perspectives.”
Can you tell us how the way of working in the fashion, accessories and metal industry has changed over the years? “The way of working in this sector has changed radically over the last ten years. In the past, everything was done by hand, with rudimentary equipment. There weren’t even forklifts to load the rolls of iron. With the introduction of automation, we were able to increase productivity and the quality of our products. About seven years ago, we purchased our first two machining centers for brass machining. Subsequently, we acquired another machining center for mold production. Today, we are able to offer a very wide range of products, including centrifuge cast zamak, die-cast zamak, sheared or wire iron and molded, wire aluminum, sheared or wire brass and wire stainless steel. We are able to meet the needs of all our customers, even in terms of price ranges.”
What are your strengths?
“Our company is distinguished by its ability to meet the needs of all clients, both in terms of quantity and price, especially through innovation. Thanks to an always well-stocked warehouse of iron and brass, we are able to fulfill even small orders quickly. As far as die-casting is concerned, we have a stock of unfinished parts that allows us to meet even last-minute requests. Moreover, we offer a wide range of products, with over 50,000 items in our catalogue and at least 5 variations for each item, which allows us to satisfy any requirement, even the most particular. Our aim is to provide our clients with impeccable service, solving their problems and satisfying their questions: satisfying our clients’ needs effectively and quickly is an important element of our success in an increasingly demanding market. Over the past two years, we have grown precisely because of this ability; in particular, we have seen an increase in requests for small orders, which require greater flexibility and speed of execution. In order to respond to this type of order, we always keep our stock of raw material high, which allows us to always have what is needed to meet even the most urgent requests. In addition, we have strengthened our design and production team to ensure maximum flexibility and quality of our products.”
What is the biggest challenge for you today?
“The challenge is to be able to move forward, without ever stopping. The world of work is constantly evolving, and we have to be able to adapt to these changes. We have to be able to innovate, to find new solutions, to anticipate market trends. Only in this way can we remain competitive and continue to grow. For this reason, we are constantly investing in our staff. We want them to be able to give their best, and to contribute to the success of the company by feeling part of the family.”
Craftsmanship, creativity and technology, do they go hand in hand? How do you manage to integrate these things into your production?
“Our experience allows us to provide a highly qualified consultancy service to our clients. When a client presents us with a request, we don’t just carry out the work, we carefully analyze their needs. We consider quantities, timing, product characteristics, and the client’s expectations. Based on this information, we decide on the best technique to apply, in order to ensure utmost quality and efficiency. Our consultancy service is highly appreciated by our clients because it saves them time and money. It also contributes to reducing environmental impact, as it limits material and energy wastage.”

www.miperval.it

Giancarlo Mazzucchelli

Dino Mazzucchelli, father of the current owner Giancarlo

The poster celebrating Miperval’s 60 years of business

Like a big family

Within the offices of Miperval in varese, a team of qualified people work to ensure that ‘everything works’ at its best, just like in a big family. among them, we met Maria Obiso, the wife of the owner and quality control manager, Lorella Bassoli, who has been with the company for more than thirty years and whose role goes far beyond that of a mere administrative manager, covering multiple aspects of production and internal bureaucracy, and Boris Pavan, sales manager who joined miperval only a short time ago, but who can already count many successes in terms of sales and company promotion.

MARIA OBISO, QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER

Quality control is a key stage, in how many phases is it carried out?
“Our focus on quality extends to all stages of the production process. The machines are inspected periodically to ensure that they are always in perfect working order. The parts are checked at four stages: after die-casting or rubber casting, after tumbling, after electroplating and before shipping. At each stage, a team of experts check the conformity of the products to the technical specifications required by the client. In case of non- conformity, products are rejected without hesitation. Our aim is to provide our clients with top-quality products that always meet their requirements.”
There is a lot of talk about sustainability, ecology and green materials. How much does all this demand actually weigh on a product like yours?
“Process sustainability is a key element in the environmental impact of a company: in our case, we have taken a number of measures to make our processes as sustainable as possible. First of all, we have optimized production, so as to reduce material and energy waste, and achieve ‘zero waste’ policy: everything that is ‘left over’ from production is put back into the circle. The only real waste comes from tumbling, which produces sludge, that is then disposed of in special landfills. We have also obtained the REACH Certificate of Conformity, attesting that our products are in line with European laws on the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals. Finally, we have installed photovoltaic panels that cover a considerable amount of the energy needs of our company. This measure allows us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save on energy costs. Process sustainability is a worthwhile investment. It offers numerous advantages, both environmental and economic.”

LORELLA BASSOLI, ADMINISTRATION MANAGER

Does the Italian market represent approximately as much as the foreign market in terms of percentage?
“The small metal parts market is a global market, with a significant presence all over the world. Italy is an important producer of these items, with a global market share of around 10 per cent. Our company has a 35% foreign market share, exporting its products throughout Europe, to the United States, Canada and Mexico. The rest is all the Italian market. This sector is constantly evolving due to a number of factors, including globalization, technological innovation and new consumer trends. However, we have been able to adapt to these changes and grow steadily. Thanks to our experience, flexibility and focus on quality, we have been able to gain a leading position in the Italian market and develop our presence in foreign ones. Through these efforts, we are confident that we will continue to grow and consolidate our position.”
The next goal?
“Our aim is to keep on carrying on our history, including the new generations. For this, we are already investing in the training and development of young talents, who are willing to learn this trade and contribute to the company’s success. Our policy is to create a calm and stimulating working environment, where young people can express their talent and grow professionally. We believe it is important to recognize and value the work of everyone, especially those who put their heart into it.”

BORIS PAVAN, SALES MANAGER

What are the most interesting aspects of your job?
“In addition to the commercial side, I also deal with product research and development. The leather goods sector, and the fashion sector in general, is in constant evolution. Trends change rapidly and in order to be competitive, it is necessary to keep up with the times. For this reason, it is important to invest in research and development. The secret is to be curious and attentive to everything around us. We have to observe people, places, trends. We must always be ready to seize new ideas and inspiration.”
Does inspiration also come from elsewhere?
“Client requests are an essential source of inspiration for our work. Sometimes they come to us directly, for example from companies that have an in-house designer or have seen something they like. In other cases, we have to help clients find the right solution. This is because the making of a product is not always as simple as it seems and there can be technical problems to solve. For this reason, our in-house team is always ready to find the best solutions for our clients. In recent years, in the leather goods sector, I have noticed that the companies that have been successful are those that stood out by offering unique and innovative products. This is because the market is increasingly competitive and consumers are more and more demanding. In Italy, there are many companies that produce high-quality leather goods, but there are few that manage to pull against the stream and offer unique products. I believe that the future of the Italian leather goods market is in the hands of those companies that will be able to stand out by offering quality and original items.”
Are there signs of recovery?
“The leather goods sector is always lively, but then you come up against reality. In recent years, above all, companies have been playing by ear, they had no plans. We have noticed that the door-to-door practice is still the strategy that works best: creating a relationship with the client is essential, in particular after two years of pandemic. Italy is a very relational country.”
What are the sectors in which your company operates?
“Our main sector is fashion, but recently we have started collaborating with companies that make accessories for animals. We are also studying items for technical and safety footwear, and produce items for lorries.”

The workshop: a sense of cooperation and sharing

Our journey inside Miperval goes on in the production departments, where a team of experts of all ages and genders skillfully maneuvers not only traditional, although still modern and functional equipment, but also state-of- the-art 4.0 machinery, capable of adding value to every item made here, reducing waste and optimizing production.

EMANUELE PASSAMANI, TECHNICAL MANAGER DIE CASTING

What types of machinery are used in the company?
“There are several machines in production that rely on a very similar process. They are all equipped with a furnace and a melting chamber, into which the zamak is inserted, which is then casted. The liquid zamak is then injected under pressure into the closed mold. This is the standard process for all the machines used in my department. One machine, installed a year ago, is equipped with more advanced technology than the others, as it has a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) control system, which allows it to be operated remotely. In this way, it is possible to control all stages of production, the material used, the quality of the printed item and the management of orders. Orders are received directly from the office and then sent to the PLC, which processes them and sends them to the machine for production.”
What advantages does this new technology bring you?
“Thanks to 4.0 technology, the adjustment work on the machine is more precise and accurate. This is because all production parameters are constantly monitored and controlled. In particular, with older machines, some adjustments have to be made manually, for example by opening and closing valves and taps or increasing pressures. With the new machines, on the other hand, all adjustments can be made remotely, by a simple touch on the screen. This increased automation improves product quality, reduces waste and optimizes production. In addition, the collection and analysis of machine-generated data enables predictive maintenance, which reduces the risk of breakdowns and downtimes. The data collected by the machine are a fundamental asset for the company: not only do they make up a very important archive, but they also allow us to analyze the work done and all its components, so as to avoid repeating errors or problems in the future.”
How did you come to Miperval?
“I have a background in mechanics. My father has a car body shop and I started working there with him. However, I always had a passion for this subject and, after a few years, I decided to move to Switzerland to work as a car mechanic. Once I had decided to return home, I came to MIperval to work as a warehouse worker, but after a short time, I was offered the opportunity to take a vacancy and work in production, in close contact with state-of-the-art machinery. At first it was a bit difficult to approach such sophisticated machines, because they also require a certain digital competence. However, thanks to willingness and commitment, I quickly became familiar with them and managed to master them.”

MASSIMO ZACCARIA, TOOLMAKER

What exactly is your role within the company?
“I am a toolmaker and, in my department, I am in charge of making molds for industrial production. Most of the molds we produce are made in-house, because we follow all the production phases, from the raw material to the finished product. The process starts with receiving the material, which is cut and squared according to project specifications. Next, we proceed with the necessary treatment, which can be erosion or CNC. At this point, the mold is hardened to increase its strength, ground to improve its precision and tested to verify that it meets all requirements. Tooling is a key department in mold making, as it allows modifications or repairs to be made if necessary.”
Does your role also include the industrialization and optimization of client projects, assessing their technical and production feasibility?
“Absolutely. We work as a team to find the best solution, always considering the next steps to prevent any problems. The production of a mold takes about two to three weeks, so it is important to always be one step ahead. In general, we already have a basis on which to start, as we have molds with standard sizes. For example, we know that a fiber has to be within a certain size range, and from this we start to set the design. However, not all molds are the same, and special care must be taken to avoid the formation of air pockets during die-casting. For this reason, drain channels are made, which allow excess material to be removed without compromising the quality of the product. The construction of a mold requires a certain sensitivity and experience, as it is necessary to carefully evaluate the different factors involved in order to ensure its correct functionality. Furthermore, it is important to respect production allowances, also taking into account the joining lines of the two halves of the mold.”
What do you like most about this job?
“Our work is constantly changing, because we never get to the point where we can say ‘we have done everything’. It is always aimed at improvement, both in terms of product quality and efficiency of production processes. Working techniques are constantly changing, due to technological evolution and new market requirements. I have been working at Miperval for 32 years, and I have seen how things have changed radically. My professional evolution has gone hand in hand with technological development. I have always been at the forefront of adopting new technologies, and this has allowed me to improve my skills and productivity. Furthermore, I have been fortunate to work with a company that has always given me the opportunity to grow without pressure. This has allowed me to develop my autonomy and motivation. I am proud to work in this team, where there is an atmosphere of cooperation and sharing. We all work towards one goal: to make high-quality products that meet the needs of our clients.”

ALESSIO QUARTESAN, QUALITY CONTROL AND WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT OFFICER

What brought you to work at Miperval?
“I attended ITET Daverio Casula, in Varese, where I graduated in Administration, Finance and Marketing. Afterwards, I went to university to study economics, but I soon realized that it was not my path. Thanks to an internship in a company, I had the chance to get to know the industrial production sector at first hand. This made me understand that this could be my future. After two months of internship, I was offered the opportunity to join the company as a quality control and warehouse manager. I was excited to accept, and since then I have been responsible for ensuring product quality and optimizing material management. Recently, the company purchased a new laser machine, which allows us to expand our range of articles and customize them according to client specifications. This represents a great opportunity for the company and for me, which gives me the chance to grow professionally and contribute to the success of the company.”
What do you like about this new activity you are following?
“The customization phase is purely graphic. At the moment, I am learning how to use the programmes as best I can, so that I can be more creative while still respecting the standards of the client. The process starts with an idea, which is then developed into a sketch. Afterwards, drafts are made, which are submitted to the client for approval. My technical training is essential for the handling of the laser machine, which allows for customized engravings and decorations. We are manufacturers of fashion accessories, but we are not mere fabricators. We are involved in the whole process, from design to production, and provide advice and creativity to the client. It is often necessary to make adjustments to the initial design in order to obtain a perfect product. Customization is a complex process, requiring technical expertise, creativity and listening skills. We at Miperval are proud to offer our clients a complete service, ranging from design to the final product, and guaranteeing unique, high-quality items.”