UBC, United Brands Company, is a group founded in 2014 in Quinto Vicentino, specialized in developing, producing and distributing sneakers and sporty shoes for various Italian internationally recognized brands. The group has offices in France, Germany and Hong Kong, produces over 10,000 styles and offers 16 new collections per season for prestigious Italian sports and leisure brands including Sergio Tacchini, Carrera Jeans, Gas Jeans, Roberto Cavalli Sport and, starting from 2020, Trussardi.
Paolo Tessarin, president and CEO of UBC, explains here how the group wants to develop.
What are UBC's next aims?
UBC is working with a highly respectful brand portfolio as all its clients, despite belonging to different market segments, are Italian brands. UBC's future aim is to conquer all main worldwide sports chains by offering them Italian brands interested in further expanding internationally.
Is UBC carrying ahead the R&D and design phases? How important is this asset?
It’s the most important asset. The whole R&D phase is carried ahead by our company internally. We count on a significant number of designers who design collections for brands including Carrera, Sergio Tacchini, Gas, Trussardi and Roberto Cavalli Sport, plus another very valuable Italian brand adding up soon. It's a winning asset as our talented designers travel and keep constantly informed about what is happening in the market and can quickly interpret and offer collections that can be commercially very successful. In the fashion and footwear segment time and speed are the most important factors.
Where do you produce your sneakers? Are you considering to eventually also produce footwear in Italy in the future?
Our company has chosen to produce in China where we own a company that employs 50 people. Through it we produce all of our prototypes, experiment with new technical solutions, and manage our whole production. We are based in the Jingjiang sport footwear district, a region surrounded by manufacturers of all the components we need for our products. It is a very stimulating and dynamic area as all the most important brands are produced here. Every day new ideas, new products, new materials and productive techniques are developed in these surroundings. More than ten Italian people involved in production, product, research and design absorb information and create by following Italian style and taste. We produce some niche product in Italy, though Italy's problem is that there are almost no more manufacturers. For this reason Italian manufacturers have to focus on quality but creativity is suffering as a wide commercial offer.
What are your revenues and future objectives?
We will close 2019 registering €39 million and a 25% growth when compared to last year. By working with new brands we aim to register over €50 million within 2023 and reach €100 million by 2026.
Are there any new future plans you want to focus on?
Our clients are worldwide chain stores. Our company is constantly involved in bettering its service, shortening waiting times and delivering in time. We are now involved in developing new sustainable products that can be part of a green and circular economy approach. Our aim to produce shoes that are 100% recyclable. Our company is looking for a brand to acquire. In that case we could also start offering apparel.
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