The production area in Cuggiono covers 3,000 m²

Karin was founded in 1991 by Maurizio Moro, who had already gathered many years of experience in the workwear sector and decided the time was right to branch out on his own.

“Bolstered by my experience in the industry and feedback from customers, I felt inspired to develop my own products. I bought a production company and began producing my own designs.” Mr. Moro’s confidence was well founded.

Since its creation, the company has grown rapidly and now has two manufacturing locations in Italy as well as a production plant in Rumania with 120 employees.

Production throughout the company is certified to all the standards required of protective workwear. Research and development is located at its head office in Cuggiono.

Karin specializes in protective clothing for the petrochemical industry

“We manufacture highly technical products that are tailored to the needs of the area in which they will be used,” explains Mr. Moro. “They all share the following characteristics of being comfortable, breathable, anti-static, acid resistant and, if required, flame resistant. In the area of steel and iron working in particular, the workers’ clothing must conform to strict norms regarding heat resistance so that the workers are protected from being burnt.”

It is not just heat that can be a problem in the working environment. Clothing that keeps the wearer warm in below 0° working conditions is equally important.

“We use specially developed yarns and fabrics that perform well under environmental extremes,” says Mr. Moro. “We are a partner of technical yarn manufacturer GORE and have access to the latest technical fabrics.”

Elasticity is another important feature of Karin’s clothing, ensuring a comfortable fit. Karin produces protective clothing for a full range of sectors but is particularly active in the fire-fighting, civil protection, foundry, food, petrochemical and military sectors.

Karin’s work clothing for foundry workers is designed to protect them from the intense heat in the working environment

In addition to undergarments, trousers, jackets and high visibility vests, the company also supplies accessories such as helmets, gloves, goggles, ear protectors and respirators.

Exports account for half of Karin’s 15 million EUR annual turnover. The most important export markets are North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and the oil-producing countries.

“The majority of our clients are globally active, multinational corporations,” says Mr. Moro. “The clothing they buy from us is used to protect their workforce worldwide.” Demand for protective clothing continues to grow and has brought Karin average annual growth of 30% in recent years. The results in the first quarter of 2014 indicate that this trend will continue.

Karin is headquartered in Cuggiono, which is also home to research and development

“Pleasing for us is the fact that this growth is not just from our existing customers but also from new customers, many of whom come to us on the recommendation of another satisfied customer,” says Mr. Moro. “This gives us great confidence for the future.”

The CEO attributes his company’s success to the high product quality it offers, which is matched by its high level of service. Finally, it also guarantees very competitive prices, even on small orders.

“Our ability to manufacture to order and make deliveries at short notice is highly prized by our customers and one of the reasons why we have retained production capacity here in Italy while also benefiting from the lower production costs of our plant in Rumania,” explains Mr. Moro. “Our goal for the future is to continue to grow and serve the market for protective clothing with high quality solutions.”