Manufacturing
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Flag flyers
Poland’s cluster of aviation companies balances local expertise with heavy foreign investment. Monocle flew in to see the collaboration.
The hot ticket
The Ajeto glassmaking factory makes one-off pieces to commission for artists and designers. Glass master and owner Petr Novotný believes this is the way forward for the industry – not mass production.
Handle with care
Rosa Lladró, president of the Spanish porcelain company, tells Monocle how her family firm has ducked a manufacturing downturn in Spain and how to combine family with financial success.
Sheer genius
After faltering in the 1990s, the Australian Merino wool industry is seeing a resurgence. A growing luxury market in China is proving a welcome boost to Brand Australia along the way.
A silver lining
Monocle cracks the mysterious and intriguing world of safes and vaults by paying a visit to family-owned locksmiths Parma Antonio & Figli. Fortuitously the Italian economic situation is working in their favour.
Turning the tables
At China’s International Furniture Expo, Furniture Labo launched its Stellar Works collection. Proud to be made in Shanghai, it’s not only gaining fans abroad but also targeting discerning Chinese clients.
All hail
The iconic London black cab is going global, appearing everywhere from Baku to Rome. It’s been adapted for high-class travel, and it all started with The London Taxi Company in Coventry.
Delta force
While Mississippi Delta towns struggle, Greenwood has been revived by a kitchen appliance firm committed to the town’s economy and culture. The company is Viking Range, and this is its story.
Pure and white
For centuries, German porcelain meant traditional designs. Hering Berlin has brought the old craft into the present with timeless pieces that are as wonderful to touch as they are to look at.
Rugs to riches
The ‘made in Switzerland’ tag is more associated with precise timekeeping than carpets. But one firm in Altbüron is showing that delivering a high-quality product can go a long way.
