Posted June 20, 2017

 

(Editor’s note: Following is a Q&A with Matteo Mutti, a 20-year veteran of Italy-based weaving machine provider Itema who moved to the U.S. late last year to assume the position of president of Itema America, Spartanburg, S.C. Questions were submitted by eTC Publisher Devin Steele.)

 

eTC: What were your thoughts when you were asked to move to the U.S. and take over the position of president of Itema America?

 

Mutti: Surprised for sure, since it was completely unexpected. But soon afterwards I realized what a big opportunity it would be, both from a professional and personal standpoint. Then I was surely excited by the challenge and also curious. But I don’t want to hide that there were also some concerns, which now have completely faded away.
 

eTC: Tell me a little about your day-to-day schedule?

 

Mutti: So far I’ve been spending most of my time understanding the company and the market and how the company should reshape itself to become more suitable to the needs of the market. Now I’m in the middle of this transition and I’m introducing new practices with the purpose of having a clear vision of where the company is and where it has to go, as well as keeping all my staff well aware and committed to this path that we are taking all together.

 

Then there is the day-by-day troubleshooting and problem solving, with the aim of helping as much our customers as possible, my staff and the companies that we represent in this market.
 

eTC: What are some of the positive things you see happening in the textile industry in the U.S. and this hemisphere?

 

Mutti: Before coming here, I didn’t know much about American market, since I had been much more involved with the Eastern market. Thus, what impressed me more since the very beginning is the managerial approach that customers have here. They always think in terms of budget, paybacks, investing plans. They care about the best maintenance of their machineries and facilities and this is something pretty unusual in the Far East.

 

Moreover, the accountability here is very good and I like how the U.S. tries always to go simple. Here, it looks like that easier is better and I truly believe that going simple is the most effective way to get to good results most of the time.
 

eTC: What are some of factors that differentiate Itema from your competitors?

 

Mutti: At ITEMA, customers are really the main focus of the company. They are the hub around which our company turns, the sun of our solar system. We are strongly customer oriented and once a customer experiences this “ITEMA way,” they usually can’t do without this approach. You know, we are Italian, and it’s in our nature to treat people at our best. On top of that, we have the Italian creativity and flexibility that is appreciated worldwide, together with our commitment to high quality.
 

eTC: What message do you have for weavers in the North America?

 

Mutti: If you’re looking for a reliable and truly committed partner for your business, Itema is the best choice, because of our long history in textile markets and our huge population of weaving looms. We are the only brand to offer three different filling technologies (projectile, rapier and air-jet) and we are best in class in spare parts, delivery and service, with a strong team here in U.S., with service engineers and shops for mechanical and electronic repairs. Our strong commitment translates into real satisfaction in our customers.

 

eTC: What do you see as impediments for bringing more textile/apparel manufacturing back to this hemisphere? What are the positives the U.S. and this region have going for it in this regard?

 

Mutti: Aging and competences of human resources are the main concerns that I see in manufacturing here. But the U.S. has a huge internal market, high-level logistics and brands and a truly industrial approach, all big assets in terms of competitiveness.
 

eTC: What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in the global textile industry in the last decade or so?

 

Mutti: Nowadays, quickness and flexibility are more and more important compared to the past. Everything is moving faster and faster in our field as well, and we must reshape ourselves accordingly.
 

eTC: How would you describe yourself as a leader?

 

Mutti: I like to understand the environment in which I work and define accordingly the steps to be taken to make my vision real, sharing every decision with my staff in order to be all together and fully committed. I’m human and emphatic. I like to support and help. I see myself at the service of my customers and colleagues.