By: Rossana Biancalani
Today, we are going to find out what it really looks like to have been working at Biancalani Textile Machinery for more than twenty years.
This new series of articles full of interviews is meant both to take a look on the inside, where it all becomes possible, and to say how much Biancalani is proud of their big family. Let’s find out more about the technical and purchasing departments with A. and M., two great historical employees.
What is your job and how long have you been working at Biancalani?
A: I’m a senior technical designer and well, I’ve been working at Biancalani for more than twenty years. I had worked for a couple of other mechano-textile companies before being hired by Biancalani.
M: I’m purchasing manager now and I’ve worked at Biancalani for twenty-three years. At the beginning of my career, when I worked for other companies, I couldn’t find my fitting shoe, you know. I was always looking for something different, but now I know it has been worth looking for it. When I was hired by Biancalani, I found that shoe.
You are quite, respectively, the historical memory of the technical department and sales one: what was it like at the very beginning of your experience and what is it like now?
A: I remember that when I started working at Biancalani, the technical department was incredibly well-organized. There were a couple of close-knit senior designers and I remember that I thought: well, I can definitely gain some experience here. It was a dynamic, collaborative but also competitive environment. I think those characteristics are still part of the technical department but now it is even more vibrant and, seems to me, more “fresh”, full of young, lively people. And I’m sort of a common denominator among them.
M: At the very beginning I was employed in the warehouse and I’ve walked the beat, as they say. I’ve become the warehouse manager, production manager, and so on. It worked like that and it’s currently part of my know-how. What I see now is the new generation, or better the so-called generational turnover that is fundamental. I’m always happy to give them some advice, that’s life.
How did and does your contribution make a difference for the company?
A: There has been a specific period when the senior designer and me where the only ones responsible for the technical department. Maybe at that time I’ve started making the difference, even if it was quite tough, but exciting at the same time. In the technical department, it’s all on you, all the projects and you must raise the bar. For example, if there is a non-standard textile machine customized according to the special needs of a client (as it happens more than often) the technical department has a fundamental role working on it, because the other offices will then work relying on your project. Processes have become always more complicated to handle and the connection between the technical department and all other departments is now the key to succeed. I feel the technical office is somehow the heart of the production process and I want it to be totally involved in that process.
M: I always say that my desk is a lightning rod (laughs). It can be a bit frustrating as there are constant interruptions, but it’s very satisfactory. You know, the purchasing department makes the difference for a company, as it takes care of suppliers, orders, production costs, research. “Could you find me this…?” is the question I hear more often and I find the best possible answer. That’s rewarding.
What’s the best part of your job?
A: The design work, the creative part is absolutely the most stimulating and challenging. You must create new projects, new elements or maybe modify something that already exists in order to make it fit perfectly to the client’s needs. Finding the perfect solution is great, I love it. I take maniacal care of every detail because I know that it all must be perfect for others to rely on it. And actually the technical department is called upon for the entire life of machinery. That’s great and I never backed out.
M: I really really don’t know. What I know, is that I love it all. Many times, I’ve been the first getting here in the morning and the last one living at night, and not because I was looking for being promoted, but because time flies while I’m working. I also like to be of help and I get involved in many things I’m not really in charge of. But I feel that’s the best way I can be part of the company.
What is the next challenge?
A: New markets. The textile machinery AQUARIA® is definitely something new and it means new challenges but also new opportunities. Biancalani has always ensured a family environment, but I think that nowadays it is even better than before: we can talk in person about every idea, no intermediaries, no filters. That’s what made the incredible AQUARIA® project possible. Also, I think, and I’m not saying it because is politically correct or something, that to face new challenges a different point of view is necessary i.e. women’s one. Unlike the past, nowadays there are very prepared women who can definitely make a difference in the mechano-textile world.
M: I think that many things have changed lately and the company has ready projects such as AQUARIA® and the complete interconnection of departments. Good things take time, as they say, so the new challenge is working on what we have created thanks to experience and show it to the textile world.
