May 10, 2005 -- Filanto Looking to Balkans for Market Opportunities.
Tirana Facility will be the Commercial Headquarters for the Region
Tirana, Albania: The Balkan region has had a long history in manufacturing footwear but a famous Italian company is now putting an emphasis on it for a market too. Filanto Albania, part
of the worldwide Gruppo Filanto has established a commercial office at its Tirana, Albania manufacturing operation which will market its products in Albania and the newly emerging
countries which made up the former Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia - Herzegovina, Slovenia, Macedonia, and the Kosovo region).
Mr. Giovanni Pellegrino, General Manager of Filanto Albania, believes there are opportunities in the growing economies of these countries for the products of Filanto's various brands
including: Filograna, BKT, Filanto, and the licensed brand Michael Schumacher. "We will use Filanto's production capabilities worldwide and work with our customer partners to supply them
with the best products for their needs. The product range we offer covers such a wide variety of brands, styles, and price points that dealer acceptance has already been positive and our
experience in merchandising will prove valuable in helping the product sell at retail," said Mr. Pellegrino. "The purchasing power and consumption in this region is rising rapidly and
customers are acquainted with famous brand names from television and fashion magazines. This market is ready for Filanto products."
Gruppo Filanto employs over 6,000 workers around the world and produces over 7.5 million pairs of shoes per year. Further information is available by faxing Filanto Albania at: +355 48
202305