Business Excellence Awards 2020

18 Acquisition International - 2020 Business Excellence Awards ith over 40 years’ experience, Lopigom have grown to establish themselves as a leading producer of high-quality rubber and plastic parts including gaskets, O-Rings, Seals and other customized products. To begin with, Cristian offers more insight into the firm’s specialisms and its typical clientele. “Following the opening of the plastic injection department in 2015, we were able to provide a wide range of products including a rubber sealing of every compounds type, one-component in plastic and thermoplastic compounds but also rubber and plastic assemblies. Typically, we are involved in the automotive, heating & plumbing, household, aerospace, pneumatic and watches markets, aiming to produce the most innovative products for our clients.” Since forming Lopigom have followed the example set by bigger multinational companies when it comes to implementing their own business strategy as Cristian goes on to explain. “Our strategy is to grow more and more with the most successful companies worldwide, offer them our know how, and learn how big multinational companies are structured so we can follow suit.” Prior to conducting any kind of work, it’s important the firm get to know the client as much as possible, so everyone has a good understanding of the process as Cristian goes on to explain. “First and foremost, a meeting should be organised with the client so we can better understand their needs. Our customers will then perform an audit at our factories, and we are proud of the fact in the last 10 years we’ve always had immediately green scores, quality is no discussion and there should be no compromises on things like that.” “Once project development has been completed following the APQP process, each milestone is agreed and communicated to our customer. Moreover, service, communication, quick replies and continuous improvements are the keys to success.” With the automotive industry constantly changing, nobody knows if the future will evolve around electric vehicles or hydrogen powered cars. As Cristian goes on to explain, the firm have got to be prepared to adapt to these changes moving forward. “Every year there are changes in the industry, bringing harder requirements in terms of quality, service and competitiveness. Moreover, if we are going to progress over the next few years and beyond, we must demonstrate our ability to be flexible as these changes occur.” Since joining Lopigom, Cristian argues his biggest challenge has been having to work with OEM’s from the beginning, but as he points Based in Bergamo, Lopigom is the leading Italian manufacturer of rubber and plastic components. Following their success in the Business Excellence Awards 2020, we got in touch with Cristian Bregoli to find out more. Best Rubber & Plastic Components Manufacturer - Italy W out through his endeavours he has managed to rise to this particular challenge. “After starting with the big OEM’s, I drove a little company with unknown customers, to be in 10 years on the top level of the industry market for each of our fields, supplying very big worldwide known brands like Volkswagen Group, Daimler, Miele, Bosch Siemens, Vaillant, Viessmann, Makita and many others.” Although the working environment at Lopigom should remain professional, Cristian points out employees can take a break to discuss non-business topics. “As a team, we spend a lot of time together, so with everybody aware of each other’s interests there will be times when people discuss hobbies and social events etc.” Looking back on his career to date, Cristian argues clear communication has been the key to success wherever he has been. “Whether it’s good news or bad news, communicating with your team members and client’s is vital. Moreover, if you are looking to improve your processes, it’s important people have a positive attitude and a hard-working mentality towards it because inevitably things like that will take time.” Finally, Cristian comments on the future of Lopigom and the plans in place for the coming year and beyond. “Heading forward we would like to continue our growth and establish a global presence of our production: we are thinking production plants in China, Morocco and the US respectively. Over the last four decades, we have made huge strides in the rubber and plastics market, but we cannot rest on our laurels as the competition will inevitably increase.” Contact Name: Cristian Bregoli Telephone Number: +39035927098 Address: Via Gioacchino Rossini, 11, 24060 Credaro, Bergamo, Italy Web Address: www.lopigom.com