Introducing the North Italian Plastic Technology network

North Italian Plastic Technology is a new network created just days ago by Baruffaldi Plastic Technology, Engin Plast and Comav (all based in Ferrara, Italy) with the goal of extending operations to the NAFTA markets (Canada, the United States and Mexico). The objective is to expand their commercial strategies from simple exportation to embrace a more structured internationalization plan.
With the assistance of Unindustria Ferrara, the three companies met to discuss their common objectives and determine how best to pool their resources in developing a joint project for promotion on foreign markets that would allow each to optimize achievement of specific objectives. Generally speaking, it was a question of developing a shared strategy for developing medium- and long-term internationalization policies. This required some shift in modus operandi, allowing them to undertake investments and implement policies that only more complex enterprises are able to afford. The opportunity to develop a concrete project was offered by the Region of Emilia Romagna in a public notice of intent to finance internationalization projects promoted by networked groups of companies.
The network will begin planning the actions envisaged in the NAFTA area development project, which has already been mapped out. The companies will study how best to pool their economic and organizational resources in managing the network. The joint image of the group of companies will bring them enhanced visibility and presence on the target market, and allow them to distribute commercial costs and risks. Their shared resources will allow them to enlist a network manager who will plan and manage the planned project actions and remain focused on coordination and management to assure achievement of objectives.
The three companies will weigh internationalization options that none of them could undertake alone, such as providing a mandate to a network manager in the geographical area in question, to whom a variety of tasks can be delegated: development of new clients; commercial analyses based on pertinent local information, data and studies; drafting of an internationalization plan; creation of optimal commercial development strategies; studies on how and where to establish and expand a sales company; and post-sales service representing the network.
By working together to make inroads into this market - and into international markets generally - the three companies, who will sign a network contract, expect to achieve their objective of reciprocally increasing the ability of each to be innovative and competitive, identify new opportunities, and most effectively penetrate the international market.