Celebrating its 40th year, and in the run-up to Lineapelle in Milan, tannery machinery producers Erretre, alongside Fratelli Carlessi, revealed a range of innovations in the name of "thinking outside the box" during a press event earlier this week at its nerve centre in Arzignano, outside Verona.

The day after a reception dinner in a wine cellar, lined with varietals of the local Amarone blend, invitees heard talks from − and went on factory walking tours with − Fratelli Carlessi director Giulio Tandura and Erretre director Antonio Galiotto about the years of research and development, and trial and error, that resulted in new intricate methods of drying and finishing systems for their global customer base. The highlight of the tour was the introduction of the new Ambra milling drum, along with the modified INOX Paca automatic unloading drum with a new sealed fan and dust extraction unit to create a cleaner production environment and an immaculate end product.

Tandura also described Fratelli Carlessi’s CRC (Cell Rotary Conditioner) drying system, an innovative toggle-drying technology, which is capable of evenly drying full hides at 40°C.

In addition, Galiotto explained how Erretre created subsidiary IST (Innovative Solutions Technology) to consolidate skills, bolster the R&D process for tannery equipment, as well as provide technical support to Erretre and Carlessi customers.