The year we are about to face is shaping up to be a new scenario we have never experienced in the past: we are coming into 2022 characterised on the one hand by a growing market in the ITS (plumbing and heating) sector due to the various incentives, and on the other hand by continuous twists and turns, especially in the second half of the year, with sudden increases in the price of raw materials, lack of availability of material, and unexpected increases in gas and energy costs to unprecedented levels.
In addition, our niche did not benefit from Italian government incentives, so we had a fluctuating 2022, but finally reached a positive close.
In December, we faced the challenge of planning actions and strategies for the coming year in a very uncertain environment: this is when it is important to ask the right questions in order to find the best solutions.
We decided to continue our strategy of investing in the digitisation of the company, i.e. making technological improvements in production and processes. As far as our products are concerned, we continue to focus on water saving, the application of new technologies and continuous development also in design.
Furthermore, we always pay special attention to the environment, to prevent and reduce environmental impact in all its forms through actions aimed at reducing waste and resource consumption. Specifically, the use of special brass, materials with recycling possibilities and FSC-certified cardboard packaging, accompanied by a strong reduction in the use of plastics. In addition, all the lighting fixtures in our factory are low consumption and all LED. Finally, from 2023, the new photovoltaic system will be in operation, which will allow us to produce energy, making us partially autonomous and increasing the sustainability of our production.
2023 will see us very busy: first of all, we will come out with a new catalogue, which will feature many new articles in both design and functionality. One of the most innovative articles will be the electronic mixer for the kitchen for private use, characterised by a simple and clean design, the fruit of designer Luca Papini 's pencil : a very interesting product, easy to use and dual functionality, a real help in the kitchen. This product will be previewed at the ISH fair in Frankfurt (Germany), where we will be present with our stand: it will be an important opportunity to see and touch all the new products with our own hands, such as the new antibacterial taps, the stainless steel electronic taps, the new built-in solutions, and many other novelties (download the brochure with the latest news).
The annual programme is enriched with participation in webinars, training for our sales network and also directly at our customers' points of sale, visits to design studios, and customer visits to our factory with on-site training. Moreover, one of Idral's strengths is its pre- and post-salesassistance, with a technical office available with a toll-free number and a network of service centres throughout Italy. Important support can also be found directly on our website, where you will find all the latest news, BIMs for design and technical data sheets. Also of great help are the technical video tutorials on our YouTube channel.
Idral is your ideal Italian partner for taps and fittings, designed and produced for public spaces and beyond.
by Riccardo Poletti
Sales Director