There’s a lot happening at the offices of the Poltrona Frau Group in Italy at the moment, so it was good to be able to meet with brand director, Roberto Archetti, at the Corporate Culture Melbourne showroom during his recent visit. Archetti is on a tight schedule with stopovers in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore to meet with distributors and clients, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Over coffee, we chatted about the recent changes within the venerable Italian company that controls the Poltrona Frau, Cappellini and Cassina brands.

Luft chair in brown leather

Haworth, the US office furniture juggernaut, has purchased a 58 percent share of Poltrona Frau Group and, although both companies will retain their individualism and identity, together they will become a mighty force in the high-end furniture industry.

Luft chair in white leather

In an ever-changing business world, companies need to adapt and transform to survive and thrive. The joining of two well-known entities such as the Poltrona Frau Group and Haworth opens doors to new markets and affords exciting opportunities, while each brings to the union their particular expertise and extends business prospects.

Vanity Fair chair

Having said this, Poltrona Frau is making plans for an exciting showcase of products at the next Salone del Mobile in Milan this April. The elegant Luft chair designed by Walter Maria de Silva will be featured, as will a new iteration of the Grantorino sofa by Jean-Marie Massaud. Poltrona Frau is constantly researching and developing its products, and this year nine different leathers will be launched featuring new colourways and textures to complement the existing ranges.

Grantorino sofa

It’s exciting times ahead for the Poltrona Frau Group and in 2014 the future looks bright. www.poltronafrau.com www.haworth.com