Manufacturing
Page 35
Back on the radar
Spanish shipbuilders have weathered the storms. Now, with booming global demand, their order books are full. But as they launch huge new vessels, could the tide turn again for this resurgent industry?
A bicycle made for you
Monocle has tracked down the perfect bespoke bike, with good looks and clever details, lovingly made by a family-run firm.
Building brands
Whether building a city or a bungalow, these companies are in the background. From glass and steel to cement and diggers, it’s time you knew your Holcim from your Asahi.
The man of modem
Thrane & Thrane creates the ultimate communications equipment for everyone from troops in Afghanistan to sailors in the Atlantic. Now information junkies and businessmen are buying its Danish state-of-the-art telecom units.
Beer leader
Heineken and Carlsberg have been buying up Switzerland’s independent breweries. In an Alpine village, a small company dedicated to artisanship and good design is standing firm against the trend.
Signs of the times
You may not know its name, but you use its designs weekly. Italian company Solari revolutionised train and airport information boards in the 1950s and continues to innovate with modern technology.
Sock appeal
More people than ever are keeping their toes warm with Falke’s socks and tights. In a series on fashion workhorses, we look at the German-based hosier, which had an €186m turnover in 2006.
Prime mover
Mitsubishi built Tokyo’s first office block in Marunouchi 114 years ago and is now behind the area’s redevelopment into a major financial centre. Overleaf, we dissect a building site.
Mix in the right circles
Four enthusiastic Swedes believe the future of music doesn't end with the iPod. Their Pacemaker, a palm-sized DJ system, promises musical discovery, pitch-perfect audio quality and instant party epiphany for music lovers.
Tough nut to crack
The European nut market is worth over €8bn but consumption is low. Now Al Rifai, the Lebanese ‘Rolls-Royce of nut companies’, is expanding into this underdeveloped market from a new Swedish HQ.
