Labour-saving devices for the home have greatly eased the burden of housework for modern households but many cleaning jobs still require hands-on effort. Still, there is help to be had in the shape of the cleaning sponges, scrubbers, mops and brushes made by the Italian company Arix S.p.a. in Viadana between Milan and Parma. Next year, the family-owned company celebrates 50 years in the Italian household cleaning sector with brands such as Tonkita brooms, which have become a household name in their domestic market. Although Arix is active worldwide, exports only account for around 13% of turnover. This is its key priority for the future.