Interview with Marco Vaschieri, CEO of NovaBell S.p.A. Turning nice into stunning with ceramics Trends in interior decor come and go, but ceramics have been a constant feature for many years. Wall and floor tiles may change in style in line with the latest trends, but the love that designers and householders have for ceramics lives on. They are not only highly practical, the right ceramic tiles can tranform a room from a bland nice to absolutely stunning. Italian company NovaBell S.p.A. is a specialist in the field of indoor and outdoor ceramics. NovaBell was established in 1988; however, its founder, Silvio Bellei, already had many years of expe- rience in the field and was considered something of a pioneer in the world of ceramics. “Mr. Bellei founded a number of mats to suit every situation.” While companies in the 1960s which are NovaBell is the main brand, a new still in the market today,” explains brand, Abita, was introduced five CEO Marco Vaschieri. “However, years ago with the aim of reach- he wanted to create something ing a different client segment. where he had complete autonomy The Abita range is narrower and to use his experience and further less articulated in comparison to develop his love of ceramics.” NovaBell. Nevertheless, quality What Mr. Bellei created in Nova- and service are key to the success Bell was a manufacturer of quality of both the NovaBell and Abita ceramic tiles which are both practi- brands. “We use prime materials cal and striking. 90% of its product and very advanced technology,” range is for floors, mostly indoors, underlines Mr. Vaschieri. “We are although NovaBell produces a now implementing Industry 4.0, number of collections for outdoor which for us means efficient pro- Floor tiles, here from the Kingstone range, make up 90% of the portfolio use too. The company manufac- ductivity and quality control. Three in 1988, he immediately modern- tures a broad range of tile formats, characteristics assure our strong ized it, resulting in significant from the traditional 60 x 60 cm ranking in the market: know-how, improvements in production ef- and 30 x 60 cm, considered me- technology and quality.” Marble ficiency and product quality. He dium sized, to the new, larger for- and wood-effect tiles, the Imperial followed a philosophy of prudence mats of 80 x 80 cm, 60 x 120 cm and My Space lines, respectively, and constant growth – gradual evo- and 80 x 160 cm. “Our products are amongst the best sellers, and lution, always making sure the tim- are in the medium to high-quality the company recently presented ing was right. Although Mr. Bellei segment,” says Mr. Vaschieri. “I six new collections at the Cersaie died in 2010, his three daughters believe we have reached a high ceramics exhibition in Bologna. are equally passionate about what level both aesthetically and techni- “We follow market trends but not he created at NovaBell, and they cally in terms of product range and fashion,” Mr. Vaschieri adds. continue to invest in the company, The new Eiche collection was presented at the recent Cersaie exhibition production techniques. Our tiles assuring its long-term future. “We out. “By 2018, we will have three meet the requirements of a broad When Mr. Bellei acquired the have invested in new ovens and cutting and adjustment lines. We clientele. We have colours and for- somewhat old-fashioned firm back pressing plants,” the CEO points were the first company to use a N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 12