Italian porcelain producer ABK Group has announced the launch of an investment plan for a total of €30m (£25.56m). Speaking to Il Sore 24 Ore, the leading financial daily newspaper in Italy, the company announced its plans, which include targeted actions in product innovations, strengthening the company’s global presence and building a directional hub.
Roberto Fabbri, president of the ABK Group, said that although the market is difficult for ceramics manufacturers, it is also full of opportunity. The €30m investment will be split between commercial expansion, hiring and acquisitions and follows a more than €100m investment from the company over the last seven years in technology.
Last year, ABK announced the entry of Cleon Capital Advisors as a minority shareholder. The Spanish independent investment and consulting firm has reportedly invested €45m in the company to accelerate and increase its expansion opportunities.
Fabbri highlights Europe and the US as particular areas of interest for the company’s investment, with a goal to focus on innovative technologies and important companies. 2023 saw a drop in commercial performance for the manufacturer, although the group’s president expressed confidence in the continued growth of the American market.
In Italy, the group is reportedly aiming to open the first ABK Studio in Milan in Q1, which will be a material library where designers and architects can view the company’s different products. Fabbri says the company will replicate this same format in other areas of focus abroad, while in Modena, the company is opening a new office hub with a 3000sqm showroom.
www.abk.it/en