3' min read
3' min read
Quality and attention to detail. And then the choice of fabrics and constant research, with special attention to new talents and companies operating in the area. More than the 'key to success' is the mantra that has accompanied the management and workers of Pango, the company founded in 1974 from an idea of Gino Scotuzzi and Pietro Marzotto based in Bassano Bresciano, for 50 years. In the factory that provides employment for 38 direct employees, a dozen contract workers and allied industries, nothing is left to chance. Gianfranco Scotuzzi, sole director, proudly reiterates this when he recounts the vicissitudes of the company which, despite an annual turnover of 12 million euro, has had to come to terms with the effects of Covid. "Today the textile industry is suffering and we are trying to resist,' he says. Let's also say that up until before Covid, the company, although it had no incredible profits, had always behaved well, and we were able to cope with the difficulties of the market'. Then Covid and the drama. "We work on the schedule," he says, "and in '20 and '21, 50 per cent of the total turnover of 12 million went away. However, it was the desire to go ahead and continue with the dream started in 1974 by Gino, Gianfranco Scotuzzi's father, and Pietro Marzotto that prevailed. 'The expected turnaround was in 2022 and the recovery in 2023,' he continues. 'For 2024 there is a bit of pain both because in some cases, some large customers have shown financial difficulties and because the market has been affected by the weather conditions. Hence the decision to opt for other paths, 'also trying new lines and exploring new market options'. At the base, then, a real network of companies with which an 'intense collaboration' has been established for some time. "The entire production process," adds the sole director, "takes place through a short supply chain with the use of laboratories no more than 30 kilometres from the Bassano Bresciano headquarters, and this also allows us to have a focus on our territory. Because one of Pango's objectives is also to 'avoid delocalisation'. "With our third-party processing,' he adds, 'albeit with a lower profit margin and greater bargaining, we avoid large companies going to produce abroad. In the premises of the huge warehouse in Bassano, sustainability, which passes through the choice of fabrics and raw materials and also reaches the relationships with the workers, is at home. 'Beyond our ethics,' he adds, 'I remember that when working on behalf of third parties it is necessary to respect standards that are very strict. Furthermore, we are always subject to product, company and laboratory controls. And this, for us, is a further guarantee'. For its 50th anniversary, Pango, whose management is in its third generation with the sons of the partners (Nicola Scatuzzi, son of Gianfranco and Paolo Manenti, and Claudio Manenti), has also launched the Pango 19.40 line, mid-high-end trousers and skirts 'which aims to increase export growth'. Then the other three productions: Gaia Life curvy brand and Pango's first contact with the retail world, "which today contributes about 50% of turnover" and the Ten Ways to Be line "in progressive and fast expansion". Also in the catalogue is the exclusive production 'for the Italian version of the American TV sales channel Qvc with the Extesa and Wita brands, an eco-friendly and inclusive line that has won important awards'. And then another contract with a German agency for the export of medium-high line products.
For the company's 50th anniversary, the 'Gino Scotuzzi Prize--Tradition and Innovation' was established, a contest dedicated to the students of the Its Academy Machina Lonati in Brescia. "Technological stylists, model makers and 3D Fashion Designers are working to come up with new ideas for outfits and accessories from which we will choose a few winners who will be rewarded with a financial award and a training internship within Pango," concludes Gianfranco Scotuzzi.
