A visit to the world of Pedrali

The Coninvest team was once again invited to the Italian company Pedrali, where Mirjam Kertész and Gabriella Bakos-Tóth, head of Coninvest’s interior design division, joined representatives from eight leading Hungarian architectural, interior design, and design firms for a special professional workshop and factory tour.

Our relationship with Pedrali dates back more than twenty years. Today, this collaboration goes far beyond a classic partnership: every single visit reinforces our belief that truly timeless design is always underpinned by consistent thinking, a strong corporate culture, and a long-term perspective.

A region with a strong industrial base

One of the most inspiring parts of the visit was when Monica Pedrali spoke in person about the unique industrial heritage of the region between Bergamo and Brescia. Rivers flowing from the Alps and the region’s mineral resources have shaped the area’s economy and identity for centuries. This is where the famous “metallurgical” heavy industry emerged, which later became one of the cornerstones of Italy’s automotive supply network.

The area is still known worldwide today for its high-quality brake discs, aluminum rims, and advanced plastic injection molding plants, while the rivers’ abundant water flow provided ideal conditions for the development of the textile industry.

These three key industries—metal, plastic, and textiles—form the foundation of Pedrali’s technical expertise. Perhaps this is precisely the reason for the exceptional quality and precision evident in every one of the company’s products. The short supply chain, the concentration of regional expertise, and in-house manufacturing processes create a stable foundation that is now a rarity in Europe.

From a family business to an international design brand

Founded in 1963, Pedrali is now one of Italy’s leading manufacturers of chairs and tables. The company, which employs nearly 380 people, has annual sales of approximately 120 million euros and is still run by the second generation, Giuseppe and Monica Pedrali.

What we find particularly inspiring is that, despite its growth and international success, the company has retained its family-oriented approach and people-centered operations. This attitude is evident in every detail of the factory, from the quality of the work environment to the relationship with employees.

More than twenty years ago, the company integrated a wooden chair manufacturing plant in Udine into its operations, so today nearly all manufacturing processes are carried out in-house. This not only makes quality control exceptionally precise but also enables the flexibility and freedom of development that are among Pedrali’s greatest strengths.

Where innovation meets craftsmanship

During the visit, we were able to tour the company’s modern headquarters and showroom once again, which became the brand’s new home about twenty years ago. The building embodies both the sophistication of Italian design and industrial functionality—precisely the duality that is also reflected in Pedrali’s products.

Monica Pedrali specifically highlighted the legendary Frida chair, designed for the brand by Odoardo Fioravanti. The chair has not only become an iconic design object but also won the prestigious Compasso d’Oro award. This year, the company has three new products among the nominees, which once again demonstrates Pedrali’s ability to constantly reinvent itself.

In addition to the eight new products presented at the Salone del Mobile exhibition, we also gained insight into the latest developments and sustainability efforts. At the plastic injection molding plant, nearly 90% of products are now made from recycled materials, while production operates with an extremely high degree of automation.

Robotization with an Italian spirit

During the factory tour, we visited the automated high-bay warehouse, the metalworking and powder-coating departments, the assembly plant, and the sewing department for the new outdoor collection.

It was impressive to see how robotization, engineering precision, and the Italian artisanal approach can work together. At Pedralina, technology does not replace human expertise but rather supports it. Perhaps this is one of the most important differences between a true design manufacturer and a mass-production company.

More than just a staff cafeteria

One of the most heartwarming and memorable moments of the visit was a tour of the company cafeteria, which perfectly reflects Pedrali’s philosophy. Employees can have lunch for a nominal fee of just 1 euro, with the company covering the remaining cost. The restaurant is operated by a company belonging to the world-famous, three-Michelin-starred Da Vittorio group. The partnership began more than twenty years ago as a pilot project and proved so successful that today they also operate the employee cafeterias for several international luxury brands, including Gucci, Prada, and the workers at Louis Vuitton’s factory in Macerata.

For us, this approach is about much more than just a well-run corporate service. It stems from the fundamental belief that quality is reflected not only in products, but also in human relationships and day-to-day operations.

Why are these trips important?

The workshop and factory tour reaffirmed for us that Pedrali’s success lies not solely in its high-quality design products. Rather, it stems from the people-centered, long-term approach that has defined the partnership between Coninvest and Pedrali for more than twenty years.

It was also a particular pleasure to see just how inspiring it was for the Hungarian designers we invited to experience firsthand the industrial and cultural environment from which these products are born.

Because true design is not merely a matter of form or aesthetics. It is a mindset, a corporate culture, and a commitment to people, materials, and the future alike.