Innovation is our daily business
Interview with Federica Sartor, Managing Director of Marcolin Covering s.r.l.
What at first glance sounds like a very specific niche is in reality a highly dynamic and technically demanding market: cover systems for commercial vehicles. Marcolin Covering s.r.l., based in Pordenone in northern Italy, brings over 50 years of experience – and surprises with an enthusiasm for innovation that is unmatched in the industry. With a focus on design, functionality, and environmental sustainability, Marcolin shows how tradition and progress can be united.
Wirtschaftsforum: Dr. Sartor, Marcolin Covering has been on the market for decades. What is behind this constancy?
Federica Sartor: Our history dates back to 1968 – Marcolin was founded by two families who are still closely connected today. I belong to the 2nd generation, along with Antonella Sartor and Luca Marcolin, I manage the company. Each of us holds one third and we truly manage it together. It all started with the production of simple PVC tarpaulins. Today, we develop and produce complex covering systems entirely in-house – mechanics, electronics, assembly, everything under one roof here in Pordenone. The family character still shapes us to this day. Since 2023, we also have a subsidiary in France, and since 2025 there has been a location in Germany. It is important to us not only to supply our customers but also to accompany them in the long term and offer them tailored solutions.
Wirtschaftsforum: The term 'Innovation' is often mentioned in a business context. What does that specifically mean for you?
Federica Sartor: For us, innovation is not just a fancy marketing term, but a daily standard. Our development team works interdisciplinary, with scientific methods, and extensive practical tests. In the last few months alone, we have registered five new patents. We call our innovation center Kawara, inspired by traditional Japanese temple roofs, which stand for longevity and protection. That is exactly what we bring to our systems – for example, with the modular concept 'Archi & Telo Pro' (Arches & Canvas Pro), which is not only innovative in terms of robustness and maintenance-friendliness, but also operates completely self-sufficiently thanks to solar panels. Or with Kitai, a highly ergonomic remote control using Halfduplex technology for bidirectional communication, developed together with ISIA Roma Design. This combination of engineering, design, and real-life practicality is typical for our work.
Wirtschaftsforum: Who are the typical customers of Marcolin Covering?
Federica Sartor: We distinctly serve the professional B2B sector. Our customers are predominantly manufacturers of vehicle bodies, specialized installation companies, or also end users with their own fleets — all unified by their high demands for safety, robustness, longevity, and efficiency in daily use as well as in installation and maintenance work. Our solutions are mainly used in the fields of construction, agriculture, and in the environmental and waste management industries. Germany, France, Austria, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, and Poland are among our most important foreign markets, where we have been strongly represented for years. Overall, our export quota is currently at around 40% — with a clear upward trend.
Wirtschaftsforum: Sustainability is a major issue in most industries. How do you deal with it?
Federica Sartor: Sustainability starts with us right from the product design. We develop materials that are fully recyclable and focus on durable components. Where whole components had to be replaced in the past, today it is often sufficient to exchange individual elements, which saves resources and costs. Additionally, we will introduce our first comprehensive sustainability report in 2025. Another important point: Since 2019, we have been managing our processes via a Lean Management organization, which helps us work more efficiently and conserve resources. Less scrap, less inventory, faster execution, and better predictability - our customers also benefit from this.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you ensure that customers do not have to wait long for spare parts or service?
Federica Sartor: Speed is crucial in service. We have a network of around 300 service stations across Europe and provide a spare parts logistics that can usually deliver within 24 hours – reliably and on schedule. This applies not only to delivery but also to responding to customer inquiries. A product alone is not enough – what's crucial is how quickly and easily we can help when it matters.
Wirtschaftsforum: What is the future direction for Marcolin in the coming years?
Federica Sartor: We want to continue to grow – but organically and thoughtfully. The new German subsidiary plays a key role in this. With it, we offer consulting, service, and co-engineering directly on site. Our product development remains a central element: We aim to bring to market intelligent, robust, and sustainable systems that not only technically excel but also withstand everyday use. Ultimately, we want to be a company that is there where our customers need us – with solutions that truly improve things.