Company Profile
Arper was established in 1989, springing from a previous, artisanal leather-working business. While exploiting its know-how of leather-seat manufacturing and maintaining the same high quality, Arper soon perceived the necessity of a broader product range, including the use of other materials, in order to meet the demands of a market which was increasing diverse and demanding not only in terms of quality and safety, but above all of style. Arper's growth and development guidelines were immediately clear: market internationalisation; environmental research; and product and research innovation. Thus, from the late 90s onwards, Arper started making significant investments in technological innovation and new-materials research. These were the years of major partnerships with Studio Lievore, Altherr, Molina, which led to Duna, Oasi (2000), Masai, Ston, Catifa 53 (2001), Catifa 46, Palm, Dizzie and Eolo (2004), and Leaf (2005). Corte small armchair was introduced in 2004, the result of a collaborative effort with designer Rodolfo Dordoni. More recent collaborations include those with Jean-Marie Massaud, creator of the Aston collection (2006), and with Simon Pengelly, designer of the Babar stool (2006). In 1997 Arper attained ISO 9001 (quality) certification and, from 2006, ISO 14001 (environmental management). In 2006 Arper became a member of ADI. In 2008 Arper presented Catifa 60 (design by Lievore, Altherr, Molina) and new versions of existing collections by Lievore, Altherr, Molina and by Jean-Marie Massaud. A new product and a number of new versions which reassert Arper's intention of focusing on the contract market but without excluding the residential world. Arper demonstrated in 2008 its firm determination to implement an environmental impact plan through actions covering every aspect of its production chain. In fact in March 2008 Arper was granted EPD certification for Catifa 46 and 53 (version with pedestal base/four-leg version; single- or two-tone). In November 2008 Arper's entire chair production obtained GREENGUARD certification). Today, Arper is well-placed to interpret the requests and trends of the international market (the company exports to over 80 countries) with a varied, comprehensive range of chairs and tables which are equally suited for the residential, contract and office sectors.
