Gemata pulled out all the stops for the official inauguration of its 18,000m3 headquarters. The ceremony was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Economy and Finance Pier Paolo Barretta, Alessandra Moretti, president of Wide Area Achille Variati, and Mayor David Trissino Faccio.

Founded in 1971 as a mechanical workshop to maintain tanning industry machines, Gemata started constructing its own machines for processing goat and sheepskins.

In time, the company became among the world’s leading manufacturers of machines for leather finishing and currently has 125 employees.

"We called the event ‘Moving’, not just because we have moved to bring us all together in the new office, but because Gemata is always on the move in search of innovative products and solutions that have revolutionised and continue to revolutionise the way leather is refined," says Gemata president Dr Sandra Purgato. "The heart and strength of a company are the employees who provide their knowledge, experience and insight, but that’s not enough. You also need cooperation and constructive dialogue with suppliers and customers. Only with everyone’s contribution can we grow and improve day by day."

Top of the class

Among the many products of the leather industry sold under Gemata, the event highlighted the revolutionary machine Topstar, which finishes hides for upholstery and automotive interiors. Using Topstar to replace the traditional systems of spray finishing has resulted in substantial economic and environmental benefits while improving the quality of the final product (see, ‘The advantages of Topstar’, below).

In addition, the latest innovative machine introduced to the market is the Starclean for the elimination of dust on the surface of the skin before it is finished. The Starclean differs from the existing dedusting machines for the low-energy consumption, and for the high efficiency in removing dust and static electricity of the skins.

The advantages of Topstar

  • 60% saving in chemicals dispersed into the environment compared with traditional systems
  • 75% water saving
  • 80% electricity saving
  • 95% compressed-air saving
  • 100% of cost-savings for the disposal of sludge produced by the chemicals used.