Manufacturing
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Expo 61: Mighty Mittelstand
They may not be sexy but the small firms that make everything from dog leads to lifting gear are the fuel powering Germany’s economy.
Looks good on paper
Who puts the lead in your pencil? Probably a German firm with a history of making fine writing instruments. Meet the masters of the stationery cupboard fighting back against digital gadgets.
Wood for good
While the woodworking firms and lumber yards of northern Japan have been in decline, wooden-toy brand Mastro Geppetto is thriving.
Renewal process
Having seen its film business nosedive thanks to the digital onslaught, Japan’s Fujifilm has found another lucrative avenue – skincare.
Makers & Shakers
For the second in this month’s special round-table series we talked with four businessmen about craftsmanship, manufacturing and the importance of where things are made.
Material gains
Faribault Woolen Mill Co seemed dead and buried when it was forced to close in 2009. Its renaissance under the guidance of two local businessmen has proven blanket-like: comforting and all-encompassing.
Real corker
Amorim, a cork producer since 1870, is barking up the right tree after a company revamp and now supplies iconic wine estates as well as fashion houses and Nasa.
Design for life
Artisans have embellished everyday utensils with a heavy dose of design without sacrificing performance. Here’s our selection of tools to perk up your quality of life, from Dutch garden tools to Japanese candleholders.
2nd Cycle – collectable castoffs
In 1935 the founders of Artek drew up a manifesto that the Finnish furniture company still lives by. Their "one chair is enough" slogan promoted a philosophy of consuming in an intelligent way. And…
