Porro's 101: DNA and plurality of markets beat the economy

"Because of its imprinting our company in difficult times does not stop, on the contrary. It is essential to be able to look beyond the complicated contingency'. Lorenzo Porro has no doubts: in an uncertain context, the company must not chase the emergency, but rather remain faithful to its pillars. First and foremost, research and development, then dialogue with different cultures, 'to weave ties across several geographies while maintaining a recognisable language', without forgetting the role of people, inside and outside the company.

Now in its 101st year since its foundation, Porro is experiencing the milestone as a restart, firmly anchored in the founders' legacy thanks to a model defined as 'technological furniture tailoring': a flexible, lean production system that combines industry and craftsmanship, where each product is destined for a customer.

Meanwhile, market diversification is proving to be a particularly shrewd choice. "Despite everything, the Emirates remain an area of strong development," explains Porro, "where we count on valuable partners, on contract projects delivered and others in the pipeline. Korea and China remain dynamic areas 'where we have large ongoing projects in the contract area', while new openings, from Shenzhen to Denver, but also in South-East Asia, mark a growth that does not stop. There is no shortage of critical issues, such as regulatory barriers in India, where the company has opened a few single-brand stores in recent years and where 'the new Bis certification risks becoming a bottleneck', but the approach remains proactive.

At the Salone del Mobile, Porro will present evolutions of its day and night systems, with a focus on the integration of light in living spaces. The collaboration with Japanese designer Nao Tamura is also continuing "for a new aluminium bookcase that is a sculpture, a piece of pure design," explains the entrepreneur, while the upholstered collection is expanded with new chairs designed by studio Dordoni and Yabu Pushelberg. Finally, research into woods from controlled supply chains introduces glossy finishes with a strong aesthetic impact.