Italian powerhouse Pedrali, founded in 1963 in Palazzolo sull’Oglio and now based in Mornico al Serio (Bergamo), brings contemporary offerings to residential, hospitality and workspaces alike. We recently caught up with CEO, Monica Pedrali, to find out what a day in the life of running the global firm looks like and why Pedrali continues to produce all its furniture in Italy to this day.
OnOffice: Pedrali prides itself in a ‘100% Made in Italy’ production philosophy. You produce all offerings in the headquarters of Mornico al Serio. Do you find most of your design inspiration in Bergamo?
Monica Pedrali: Our philosophy is an answer to the expression, ‘Think global, act local’. We are a 100% Made in Italy company and have decided to produce everything internally at our production sites in order to assure comprehensive control across the entire production chain. Our vision is international, since our export covers 85%, and we have worked on our collections with international designers now for many years.
However, the manufacturing know-how is one typical of our territory. Metal, plastic materials and upholstered furniture is produced in our factory in Mornico al Serio, in the province of Bergamo, the place where the processing of these materials is well‐established.
Pedrali was founded here, in 1963, with my father Mario who began to produce outdoor furniture of wrought iron seats. Wooden furniture is made in Manzano, in the province of Udine, in the so‐ called ‘chair district’, because the production of wooden furniture was born and strengthened there.
OnOffice: What does a normal work day look like for you?
MP: I like to start my day with breakfast on my terrace on the Arki Table, while sitting on Tribeca chairs. Never, like this year, have I had the opportunity to use Pedrali furniture at my home as a consumer. That’s how you can appreciate details more. Seeing them at your place offers a new perspective. This ritual has now become a daily‐routine, aided by the warm summer weather, to start the working day in the best way possible.
OnOffice: What excites you most about being back in the office?
MP: Obviously, the last months have allowed us to get even closer to the digital channels. Despite the closure of the factory due to the government decree during the lockdown, our offices were operating in smart working. As this formula worked well, we are still making the most of virtual meetings and presentations, especially with the still ongoing limitations on mobility. However, coming back to the office and being able to see and touch the samples of our new products, taking a look at the finishes directly, was a big satisfaction.
OnOffice: What’s on your desk? Are you a minimalist or maximalist?
MP: There are four devices on my desk at the moment: two computers, an iPad and a smartphone. And many papers. In my bookcase I collect books written and gifted by Italian designers, chefs and artists, they are customised with an inscription. I’m fond of them.