Innovations in the manufacturing of architectural products in times of digitalization of business models and greener business practices: an interview with Alessandro Fabris, GM of IALC Serramenti
By Lorenzo Bona
IALC Serramenti ( https://www.ialc.it/en/ ) blends quality, innovation and technology into avant-garde metal envelope systems that are designed and manufactured for projects ranging from luxury residential homes to multi story curtain walls.
Based in Romano d’Ezzelino – less than fifty miles away from Venice, Italy – this Italian manufacturer has more than 50 years history of forward-looking thought and design for the fabrication of top-class metal windows and curtain walls.
During the course of the years, IALC Serramenti’s Founder and President – Mr. Carlo Orso – has been able to also build a cohesive and creative team of more than 120 men and women, whom can easily be seen as one of the main “secret” of the company’s successful business model.
A new strategic addition to the team is Alessandro Fabris, who has recently come on board in a key leadership role bringing with himself strong engineering and managerial skills, a solid international expertise and very acute vision of global markets.
Limestone Economics is proudly linked in a collaboration with IALC Serramenti and its leadership team in favor of their business development plans in the North-American marketplace. Here below an interview with a few questions that I had the pleasure to ask to Alessandro Fabris, General Manager of IALC Serramenti.
Question: In a few words, how could IALC’s 50-plus years in business be summarized?
Answer: The story of IALC Serramenti, in many ways, is very similar to the story of many Italian SMEs created in Italy during the seventies. At that time many forward-looking entrepreneurs – like Carlo Orso, IALC Serramenti’s Founder and President – perceiving the presence of market gaps, created new companies to fill these gaps with new products and services. As part of these entrepreneurial dynamics, IALC Serramenti entered the market about 50 years ago in response to a growing demand of custom-made curtain wall and window systems.
The company is based about 50 miles from Venice, Italy, in a region known worldwide for its manufacturing skills. Thousands of companies producing cutting-edge equipment for the mechanical and building industries can be found in this 30 square mile area. IALC has become successful by investing heavily not only in manufacturing, but also in technical skills and engineering. Investments that resulted in a technical office capable of designing and manufacturing the unique projects envisioned by architects, designers and customers.
Thanks to a culture of continuous improvement and specialization, IALC is today recognized as one of the best companies in the sector. We are currently supplying glass curtain walls, windows and exterior coverings in many sectors, including headquarters of top multinational companies, the new CityLife Shopping District in Milan, contemporary-designed hospitals and more.
Question: The COVID-19 pandemic seems to be easing in many places, and a new phase of recovery and rebuilding appears on the horizon in several economies. How is IALC preparing to this transition?
Answer: Rebuilding at this stage is very strong in Italy as in many other countries. Our focus in this moment is split in two main goals. On the one hand, complete on time many projects that were delayed during Covid. On the other hand, build up new growth paths to capture new channels and opportunities that have emerged during Covid.
The quality and design of both workplaces and residences is now more important than it was two years ago. To meet the challenges created by these new building needs, it is necessary to improve design and project capabilities, and work alongside companies driving the changes.
Question: Digital and green transformations are becoming increasingly relevant in our economies and the way of doing business. What are the main responses that you and your company are adopting in order to optimally adapt to these changes and generate additional advantages for your clients and their projects?
Answer: Green is no longer a choice. It is indispensable and is compelling companies to study and use different materials, different solutions and more open approaches to building in general. All employees need to have a detailed knowledge of green rating systems like LEED and sustainability assessment methods like BREEAM.
The maintenance and the durability of a building and its components will become more and more strategic and this will benefit companies like IALC Serramenti that have created custom solutions for commercial, industrial, residential and public buildings for over 50 years.