Vibram CEO confirms the importance of China
Adriano Zuccala, CEO at Italian outdoor sole specialist Vibram claims carefully made decisions have helped it stay afloat during the economic downturn. The company recorded improved financial results in 2009 compared with 2008 and expects to see further sales increases this year.
"The crisis is truly affecting everyone," he says, "but I can say that Vibram has reacted very well. It is not a miracle, but the result of management efforts that take care to preserve brand quality even in times of a general crisis and do not hesitate to diversify by investing in innovative products such as Vibram fivefingers."
Headquartered in Albizzate, the company also has operations in the US and China. According to Mr Zuccala, the Chinese market is increasingly important. "Today, shoes and boots are increasingly made in China, a country where Vibram has been present for 11 years," he says. According to the CEO, Vibram China, based in Guangzhou, is an “impressive asset” for the company. It carries out experiments at the site and tests new sole designs and materials. “China is a major market and represents a significant opportunity,” he says. “We are convinced that we can maintain the technology in the home country and do good research around the world."
The company is currently showcasing its fivefingers concept at Expo 2010, which runs from May to October.
