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Let's take a look at one of our national achievements – the Carrera company, a clothing manufacturer that started in Verona sixty years ago and today operates all over the world. A journey resulting from a top-level entrepreneurial vision.
Founder of Carrera Jeans in 1965 with his brothers Tito and Domenico
A sixty-year journey, from tailor to industry. How did you get the idea to focus on this sector?
After graduating as a tailor, I opened a tailoring shop in the 1960s. Young people dreamed of jeans as new clothes, and this also motivated me to produce these clothes, so my brothers and I started the Carrera adventure.
As a company, you pay attention to the concept of family and territory. Despite the expansion, you have always maintained a strong connection to the land where you started, right?
Yes, the headquarters always remained in Verona, although many competitors moved to Milan. We know the mentality of the workers in Veneto and Verona, and it seems to suit our view of things and the company.
When did you make the decision to take the big leap? When did you start looking beyond national borders?
Jeans are a versatile product that can be worn everywhere. When you make jeans, it’s natural to push boundaries.
Why Tajikistan? What ideas did you get from this land?
Russia has always been a great customer for Carrera. After the wall collapse, we had the opportunity to see their cotton grown in Tajikistan. The quality was exceptional, and hence the interest in the supply chain was born.
How are activities carried out on site?
The production is a full cycle, from raw cotton to the finished product. It is a very innovative project that involves the production of the yarn, its dyeing, then the production of the fabric itself, sewing, and shipping the jeans to customers. The whole process is quite complex and demanding, but it gives the opportunity to keep everything under control and ultimately guarantee the quality of the product.
Do you have any other plans for cooperation in Eurasia?
We are now partnering with universities to train new technicians, giving them the opportunity to practice in our factories.
Can you inspire other entrepreneurs to believe in countries so far away but so rich in opportunity?
Today, with the funds that we have, far-away restrictions no longer exist: there are changes aimed at creating greater added value to raw materials and reaching a finished project. In our case, excellent cotton is grown in Tajikistan and processed locally, which is a great opportunity for us in Carrera.
