Over 1,000 Matteuzzi computer controlled buffers installed globally

The fact that Matteuzzi Srl has always been focused on international markets means that the company has no fear of the current financial crisis. While many Italian companies have pursued internationalisation in recent years as a lifeline out of the difficulties of the internal and European markets, Matteuzzi has been working this way since the early 1970s, making it a key part of its business. Today, with communications even easier thanks to the internet, the Bologna-based company exports 95 per cent of its production and offers customers an English-language website.

“With an open mind, we are always ready to answer any questions that arise from time to time from different markets, questions that are also sometimes unpredictable and surprising, because they may depend on economic and political reasons related to the country,” said Emilio Matteuzzi, co-owner of the company. In fact, the United States and Canada, where according Matteuzzi “the market has never stopped”, are still the main destinations of the machines from Bologna. But today the most exciting prospects are in Eastern Europe, South America and the Far East.

Matteuzzi’s computerised buffing machines are virtually synonymous with the company and there are now more than 1,000 in operation around the world. The company focused on this product more than 20 years ago, perfecting it to become a leader in the international market. But the range of products Matteuzzi offers is much more extensive and can be divided into three main areas: new tyre manufacturing machines, machinery and complete plants for retreading and semi-automatic machines or complete lines for computerised pre-cure tread production. Most of the plants are orientated towards truck tyre retreading, but the company also produces lines dedicated to car, 4×4 and SUV product applications.

The company, which was founded in 1956 and employs 30 at its Bologna base, domestically distributes its products through a network of small, mostly Italian suppliers. Matteuzzi also sells directly, using only a few agents in various countries.

The service Mattuezzi offers is the pride of the company. Rather than simply connecting customers with call centre staff when they have an enquiry, the company offers customers access to the same engineers who actually designed, manufactured and installed the machines. According to Mattuzzi this means that in 99 per cent of cases problems can be solved over the telephone.

Product development is based on the innovative prototypes adapted to the needs of customers. Some of these prototypes remain one-off units due to the proprietary and confidential nature of customer demands. However in other cases prototypes become standard machines and enter the company catalogue.

Finally, with regards to the possibility that the European label will also be applied to retreads soon, Matteuzzi is clear: “Anything that regulates retreaded tyres also benefits them.”