FASS at Marca 2026

FASS confirms its participation in Marca 2026, Italy’s leading trade fair dedicated to the Private Label sector, which will take place in Bologna on January 14–15.
We will be located in Hall 30, Stand E3, where we will preview our new corporate communication.

We invite all partners and industry professionals to visit us and discover more about our company.

We look forward to seeing you at Marca 2026!

Fass Investments: Interview with Gianmarco Niccolai, Head of Administration

Looking ahead to 2025, what have been the most significant results achieved by Fass so far, also in relation to the investments made by the company?

In 2025, Fass continued its strategy of expansive and strategic investments.

For several years, the company has pursued a dual objective: strengthening its digital and technological infrastructure and promoting a solid culture of sustainability.

Clear evidence of this approach includes numerous investments in Industry 4.0 and, more recently, the acquisition of an Industry 5.0 machine, finalized in the first part of the year with the purchase of a new full-electric injection molding press.

At the same time, the company is reinforcing its data infrastructure, increasing both capacity and usage through advanced digital technologies. In this direction, Fass is implementing an energy analysis system aimed at optimizing industrial consumption. The initiative, expected to be completed by the end of the year, will enable comprehensive mapping of energy usage, providing a concrete lever for managerial, production, and strategic improvement.

Moreover, confirming Fass’s ability to embrace and enhance technological innovation, a 3D configurator has been developed. It allows current and potential clients to customize the most requested products—handles and mops—by combining different materials, colours, and designs. It is a simple yet highly innovative tool that strengthens the competitive advantage deriving from the company’s vertical integration.

In terms of economic and financial performance, we expect to close 2025 by consolidating the turnover and profitability achieved in 2024, without significant negative deviations. This is despite a first half influenced by a slowdown in demand—both domestic and international—caused by the combined effect of inflation, geopolitical instability and, more recently, uncertainty related to potential tariffs imposed by the United States. These factors have affected consumption patterns and procurement strategies among our clients, who have maintained lower stock levels compared to previous years.

The second half of the year is showing clear signs of recovery, supported by the consolidation of an important project with one of our main clients and by the strengthening of existing commercial relationships. A positive quarter-on-quarter variation of approximately 15% is expected, confirming the solidity and resilience of Fass’s management model and enabling the company to reach its set objectives.

Fass has demonstrated its ability to respond promptly—strategically, operationally, and financially—while maintaining balance and continuity even in a complex scenario. This solidity is supported by careful internal planning and by a consolidated relationship of trust with financial institutions, which ensures the availability of the resources needed to face potentially less favourable market phases.

Has Fass invested in projects in recent years that support the community or the local territory?

Fass and the Niccolai family have always had a strong sense of belonging to their territory and community. Values such as respect, responsibility, and social commitment are a precious inheritance passed down by the founders, Piero and Romana, our grandparents, and remain at the foundation of our corporate identity.

Support for local sports is one of the clearest expressions of this bond: our grandfather was president of the Larciano football team for many years, and today we continue to support it so it may proudly represent our community. Likewise, we support cycling events, associations, and sports groups in the area, convinced that sport is an essential driver of growth, cohesion, and well-being.

Another area that is fundamental for us is education. We contribute to projects aimed at strengthening the educational offerings of local schools. School–work alternation is another example: every year we host students from lower and upper secondary schools in the province of Pistoia. Our goal is to continue strengthening our connection with the local community by supporting initiatives that create shared value and promote opportunities for growth, especially for younger generations, because without them, companies like ours would not exist.

We are also particularly proud to support organisations engaged in scientific research and social work, such as the Tommasino Bacciotti Foundation, and to have contributed, even modestly, to the creation of the headquarters of the association 365giorni al femminile, which promotes a culture of solidarity and freedom from all forms of discrimination and violence against women.

Can you tell us about the welfare programmes or tools available at Fass?

In recent years, our workforce has grown steadily: from around 80 people in 2021, we now exceed one hundred. This growth reflects the company’s evolution and the consolidation of our development path. At the same time, a larger structure makes it more challenging to maintain a familial approach and direct awareness of every internal dynamic. For this reason, our commitment remains to guarantee a fair and safe work environment based on mutual respect, collaboration, and the enhancement of people, while ensuring economic stability and concrete opportunities for personal fulfilment.

Fass’s true added value has always been its human capital, an intangible asset to be protected and nurtured over time. In this same direction, the HR department has been strengthened, becoming autonomous in recent years and now fully dedicated to promoting a healthy work culture, continuous training, and professional development for our staff.

This commitment has supported the strengthening of a solid ethical and social culture, confirmed by the maintenance of the SA8000 certification, one of the most internationally recognised standards for corporate social responsibility. The renewal obtained in 2025, following audits conducted by independent third-party bodies, attests to Fass’s full compliance with requirements concerning safety, health, equal treatment, and fair remuneration, as well as its continuous improvement efforts.

Looking ahead to 2026, what strategic goals have you set to support growth and innovation?

For 2026, the goal is to maintain the business volumes achieved in the second half of 2025, while consolidating and optimizing the use of new industrial and digital technologies. The intent is to fully leverage installed production capacity while improving efficiency and reducing production costs.

Operating in a highly competitive sector with limited margins, Fass’s competitiveness depends on its ability to contain unit costs through the use of increasingly efficient machinery, the reduction of energy consumption, and more rational resource management.

In this context, we are evaluating the expansion of our photovoltaic system, with the aim of completing the project by the first half of 2026. The investment, totalling around 1 MW of installed capacity, will allow the company to cover up to 25% of its energy needs through self-generation.

At the same time, the company’s digital and technological transformation will continue: between the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, we expect to finalize Industry 5.0 investments worth approximately 500,000 euros, aimed at process innovation and improvements in both production and energy efficiency.

Another strategic focus concerns research and development, with the goal of completing and patenting a new model currently in the engineering phase. This will enable us to keep our product range up to date and to offer new solutions to our clients, in a sector that is unfortunately often static and not very receptive to innovation.

In conclusion, a new certification process is set to begin, aimed at further strengthening quality and safety systems across all production stages, while providing greater protection and assurance to our collaborators.

 

Being a Family-Owned Business: Challenges and Opportunities

Being a Family-Owned Business: Challenges and Opportunities
Generational transition is the process through which the leadership and ownership of a family business are transferred from one generation to another, usually from the founders to their children or other family members. It is a delicate and crucial moment that can determine the continuity or the crisis of the company.

According to Confcommercio – Imprese per l’Italia (Italian General Confederation of Enterprises, Professions, and Self-Employment), family-owned businesses are widespread across the country, representing approximately 84.4% of the commerce sector.

Fass, founded in 1968, has been led by the Niccolai family for over 50 years. During this time, two generations have been working in the company simultaneously. Today, Fass has both the second and third generations working side by side: children and grandchildren united by a shared vision. This is by no means a given: only 30% of Italian family businesses successfully navigate the first generational transition, and just 13% reach the third generation, according to data reported by TCE Magazine.

An Effective Generational Transition
Generational transition is not just a change of roles: it involves a shift in vision and the transfer of responsibilities, ownership, and corporate values. It is also a moment in which it is essential to train the new generation on strategic, operational, and human levels.

A progressive and well-planned mentorship is essential, where generations work side by side, sharing skills and experiences.

Strong Roots to Grow Together
Fass has managed to reach the third generation thanks to a shared commitment: creating lasting value over time. The company has always maintained a strong connection with its territory and has never moved from its original headquarters. This rootedness has facilitated a coherent transmission of the corporate vision, contributing to solid and continuous growth.

When approached correctly with method and vision, generational transition is not only a challenge but also an opportunity to renew the company’s identity, enhance new skills, and strengthen the ties between business and family. Each generation brings something new that enriches the company, while remaining equally connected to its origins.

 

 

Technology and Precision: FASS’s Next-Generation Machinery

In today’s market, companies that choose to invest in private labels need a solid and reliable partner capable of accompanying them throughout the entire process, from the design of the product to its distribution at the retail store. This is exactly the added value that Fass has been offering for over fifty years in the household cleaning products sector.

Planning and design: the first step towards a successful product
The process begins with a design phase, together with the customer, who tells us their product and pricing requirements.
Fass works closely with brands to create products that are not only functional, but also aesthetically recognizable and consistent with their identity: the design study includes innovative materials, shapes, colors, and details. Fass works closely with brands to create products that are not only functional but also aesthetically recognizable and consistent with their identity: the design study includes materials, shapes, colors, and innovative details aimed at making each product unique and easily distinguishable on the market, as well as protected by our industrial design registrations and patents.
This focus on design, combined with an understanding of the specific needs of individual customers and market trends, allows us to develop tailor-made solutions that meet the expectations of the end consumer while striving to safeguard product quality with an approach that is always geared towards sustainability.

Vertical production
One of the aspects that sets Fass apart is the verticalization of its production. Thanks to direct control of all production processes, from the receipt of materials to packaging, the company ensures high quality standards and reliable delivery times. This production autonomy reduces the risk of delays and allows for flexibility in the customizations requested by customers.

Logistics and distribution: punctual and reliable deliveries
Another key element in private label management is logistical efficiency. Fass guarantees punctual and reliable distribution, coordinating shipments to meet the customer’s required deadlines.

A constant commitment to sustainability
From design to consumer, Fass maintains a strong commitment to sustainable practices, offering the possibility of using recycled materials and regenerating production waste. The introduction of the natural green line demonstrates our attention to the environment, an increasingly important value for our business partners who want to stand out in the market.

The importance of reliability in private label production.
Choosing a reliable partner for your private labels means ensuring concrete support throughout all stages of the production cycle, with a single point of contact that puts quality, punctuality, and sustainability at the heart of its work. Fass is committed to guaranteeing all this every day.

Technology and Precision: FASS’s Next-Generation Machinery

At Fass, technological innovation has always been at the core of our production process. This allows us to
remain competitive in the market and achieve increasingly high performance, thereby offering a superior
experience to our clients.
Over the years, we have chosen to invest in automated and cutting-edge machinery, introducing solutions
that have led to significant process innovations. Below are three key examples implemented in our facility.

Three-fiber, five-axis technology: a revolution in broom production
We were among the first companies in Europe to adopt three-fiber, five-axis technology for broom
manufacturing.
This advanced system allows for more precise and flexible operations, thanks to a high level of automation
and optimized raw material management.
The technology enables us to insert up to three different types of fibers into a single broom—each with
specific properties in terms of rigidity, density, and cleaning performance. The result is a more efficient and
durable product, capable of adapting to different surfaces and ensuring a deeper clean.

Full-electric molding: precision and sustainability
We’ve also chosen cutting-edge solutions in our molding department.
Our full-electric presses ensure extremely precise control over the process, providing significant advantages
in terms of finished product quality and energy efficiency.
This technology reduces emissions, minimizes oil usage, and allows for greater repeatability in production
cycles—delivering stable and consistent results even at high volumes.

Mop production: up to 5 materials in a single component
Finally, in the mop production process, we use an automated machine that allows us to combine up to five
different materials in a single production phase. Currently, we work with microfiber, nonwoven fabric,
flock, and spider mesh, in various colors and combinations—but we offer full customization flexibility.
This system enables us to integrate materials with different functions, such as absorbency, durability,
flexibility, and cleaning power, into one component.
This approach not only allows us to customize the technical features of each product to suit our partners’
needs, but also to optimize time and resource use, significantly reducing material waste.

Big Data and automation in order to adapt to every situation.

Technology, data and automation are not the future: they are our present. Here at FASS, we have chosen to integrate them into a single system designed to simplify complexity and adapt precisely to each operational context.

We saw the need for the implementation of our integrated management system in a concrete way at the beginning of the drafting of our sustainability report. The collection and organization of information related to all areas of the company led us to structure a system that could facilitate data retrieval and make cross-process management more efficient. A need that became a concrete opportunity for improvement.

Goodbye paper, welcome structured data

Relying on digital tools and Big Data analytics is no longer an option, but a strategic necessity for those who want to evolve. Moving beyond paper-based management means reducing errors, cutting down unproductive time, helping the environment and increasing internal transparency. Structured data become a concrete resource for making quick and informed decisions in line with business and sustainability goals. In this scenario, digitization is not only efficiency: it is also responsibility.

Our production structure is now supported by an interconnected ecosystem that integrates the main certified standards with digital tools capable of improving both quantitative and qualitative performance. All this with a clear objective: to guarantee our partners flexible, traceable and sustainable solutions.

The configurator

An example of this approach is our digital configurator for handles and mops, developed to respond quickly and accurately to the needs of the international chains and top brands with which we collaborate.

The configurator allows you to:

  • Compose each product according to technical, color or packaging requirements;
  • Simulate production variants in advance;
  • Reduce development steps, avoiding rework and waste.

It is not just a technical tool, but a bridge between the commercial and production phases, capable of ensuring consistency between what is requested and what is made.

Intelligent automation: between control and adaptability

The ability to respond to customized demands finds its strength in a highly verticalized and fully controlled production structure. From handles to molded plastic, from assembly to painting, every stage is connected to a centralized system that constantly processes information, flags anomalies, and optimizes resources.

Big Data and automation help us not only monitor processes but also predict future scenarios, intervening before inefficiencies occur.

In this way, we can quickly adapt production to different batches, markets and distribution needs, while maintaining high quality and environmental standards.

The future of the cleaning industry between new needs and opportunities

In today’s landscape, the hand-cleaning tools industry is undergoing a profound phase of evolution. Increasing attention to hygiene and more conscious consumer choices are shaping new needs, opening up important opportunities for those retail outlets that want to stand out in the market. In this scenario, quality, sustainability and customization become key words to guide the future of household cleaning product offerings.

Growth in the manual cleaning tools market
In recent years, demand for manual cleaning tools has been growing steadily, fueled by increased awareness of home and professional hygiene.
According to Market Research Future data, the “cleaning tools/brushes” segment held a 40.17 percent market share globally in 2023, with a projected annual growth rate of 4.56 percent through 2032.
This expansion is not only quantitative: there is a progressive preference for high-quality, long-lasting products that reduce the need for frequent replacement, thus contributing to a lower environmental impact. Elements such as durable materials, ergonomic design, and sustainability certifications are increasingly a competitive advantage for manufacturers and the brands that offer them.

Private label: an added value for customers
As highlighted by KamCity, an online platform specializing in news and analysis for retail professionals, inflation and an increasing focus on price-quality ratio are driving consumers to choose store own brands with greater confidence. This trend enables brands to achieve higher margins and strengthen customer loyalty.
Developing one’s own product line – relying on reliable and sustainable manufacturing partners – also allows brands to build a strong and differentiated brand identity, offering tailored solutions that meet consumers’ expectations.

Sets: simplicity and completeness of offering
Another increasingly relevant opportunity for brands is to offer complete sets. Offering kits that include matching brooms, mops, and accessories facilitates the shopping experience and intercepts consumers’ need for convenience to have all cleaning tools in one set.
These sets, especially when accompanied by sustainable packaging and green communication, enhance the store image and encourage cross-selling. In addition, they can be modulated according to store positioning: from basic, more affordable versions to premium offerings with telescoping handles, interchangeable systems, and certified materials.

Conclusions
The manual cleaning tool industry is moving toward a future of quality, sustainability and customization. For brands, being able to grasp these trends means not only responding to new market needs, but also building lasting value for their brand.
FASS, with its experience in the production of quality, environmentally friendly household cleaning items, is an ideal partner to accompany its customers in this new market evolution.

FASS for a clean FUTURE: ISO14001 certification

For FASS, sustainability is an essential value, which is why the company is dedicated to daily reducing the environmental impact of its activities. Its commitment to a more responsible future is reflected throughout the entire production cycle: FASS develops green products using recycled materials derived from post-consumer and/or post-production waste, enhances human resources by creating a safe working environment, and optimizes production processes through energy monitoring systems and continuous renewal of its production lines.
An effective environmental management system
To give concrete expression to this commitment, FASS obtained ISO 14001 certification at the end of 2023, operating in a structured manner and in compliance with current regulations. This certification represents an international standard that establishes the requirements for an effective environmental management system, aimed at reducing the impact of corporate activities and promoting continuous improvement of ecological practices.
The certification process began with a preliminary Environmental Analysis, followed by the development of the environmental management system and the related internal Audits. This allowed the identification of critical issues and areas for improvement. After these, the company planned and implemented the necessary actions, which enabled the company to plan and implement the necessary actions, which were completed in a timely and efficient manner. Finally, SGS, an accredited international body, conducted an audit to verify the validity of the implemented system, which was successfully concluded, allowing FASS to obtain the certification.
Through the ISO 14001 standard, all aspects that fall within environmental protection regulations are identified and monitored. Certification supports FASS, attesting to:
waste reduction
emission control and reduction
• containment of environmental impacts related to production activities
• adaptability to change
shared knowledge with all employees
employee involvement and growth
• increased ability to compete and grow
An ongoing commitment
For FASS, the adoption of an environmental management system certified with the ISO 14001 standard not only ensures the effectiveness of corporate operations in compliance with regulations, but also supports the growth and development of the company and its infrastructures, optimizing performance and reducing environmental impacts. This certification is an important milestone, but not a finish line: we are aware that sustainability is an ongoing journey that requires constant commitment and continuous improvement. FASS’s next goal is to draft its first Sustainability Report, scheduled for the coming months, which will allow the company’s environmental, social and economic impact to be reported in a transparent and measurable manner.

FASS e Larciano: A LEGACY OF TRADITION AND INNOVATION

FASS stands as a testament to how local tradition can be seamlessly interwoven with corporate identity and product offerings. For over 50 years, the company has forged a strong collaborative bond with Larciano, maintaining a delicate balance between respect for tradition and openness to innovation.
Roots in Larciano’s Broom-Making Heritage

In the second half of the 19th century and early 20th century, Larciano experienced a remarkable industrial boom centered around broom manufacturing, fueled by the natural resources of the surrounding countryside. In particular, the fertile lands adjacent to the nearby Fucecchio marsh were rich in natural fibers, such as sorghum and millet, which provided the raw material for the production of high-quality brooms, solidifying a manufacturing tradition.

From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Enterprise

Before World War II, Celestino Niccolai, the father of the founder, worked in a sorghum broom factory. After the war, he decided to venture into the business of marketing these brooms. Despite his untimely passing, he instilled in his son Piero a passion for this sector, carrying on the legacy with his wife Romana.
Initially, they dedicated themselves to packaging small cleaning sets for cars and small brooms toys for children in a home office. During the 1960s, a significant industrial district emerged, based on a deep knowledge of the local territory, of which Piero would also become a part, starting with the production of a single broom item through the purchase of a punching machine.

The Birth of FASS: A Commitment to Tradition and Growth

Thus, in 1968, the Piero Niccolai company was born, destined to grow and evolve into FASS, Fabbrica Artigianale Scope e Spazzole (Handicraft Broom and Brush Factory), while maintaining the cornerstone of its connection to Larciano, even during the most significant changes.
A tangible example of this relationship is represented by the expansion of the company’s facilities, which over the years have remained faithfully tied to Larciano. Initially, a first warehouse was built adjacent to Piero’s residence, followed, about thirty years later, by the establishment of FASS 2, a plant for the production of painted handles, located a short distance away. In 1995, with the purchase of an additional building, he founded PLASTIC PRODUCTS, which deals with the molding of plastic components. In the early 2000s, these three entities were united under the FASS S.P.A. brand with the joint construction of a new 32.000 square meter plant, marking a new chapter in the company’s history.

A Deep-Rooted Connection to the Community

Another concrete demonstration of FASS’s attachment to the territory is the intrinsic bond with its community. The company has supported local initiatives to date, ranging from involvement in sporting events to the sponsorship of social projects and initiatives. In addition, stable relationships have been maintained with local Tuscan suppliers, with a significant percentage coming from Larciano. FASS’s workforce has also remained primarily composed of local residents, creating a positive impact not only on the company but also on the community’s well-being.
All of this shows how the company’s growth has remained faithful to its roots, making attachment to the territory one of FASS’s core values.

HOT TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CLEANING PRODUCT FOR EACH SURFACE

When it comes to keeping your home, office, or any other environment clean and tidy, choosing the right cleaning product becomes critical to ensure effective results without damaging surfaces.

Before choosing the right tool, it’s essential to understand the type of surface you want to treat, considering its composition and texture. In this article, we reveal three most common surface cleaning products that can be found in both home and work environments.

For cleaning mirrors and greasy residue on stove tops, we recommend the use of our Super Glass Cloth, consisting of polyurethane on one side and microfiber on the other. It provides deep cleaning on all smooth surfaces, achieving flawless results even with just the use of water. Glass, mirrors and lacquered surfaces will be shining in no time!

When caring for and cleaning wood floors, it is essential to use gentle tools and products that respect the sensitive nature of the wood. The Vive Parquet indoor broom, with beeswax fibers and rubber bumpers, provides a delicate but effective cleaning while keeping the parquet’s finish intact.

Finally, the Soft Touch Laundry Brush, considered a reliable ally for removing lint from clothes, proves equally effective for cleaning textile surfaces such as carpets and rugs. Thanks to its tough yet gentle bristles, it firmly clings to any buildup of dust, dirt or unwanted hair, leaving surfaces fresh and clean with a simple wipe.

To sum up, as you may have noticed, understanding the type of surface to be cleaned and evaluating the characteristics of the different products available is crucial to making the most appropriate choice. So, do not fall into the mistake of using the same product for everything and invest in quality products to make the cleaning process not only effective but also satisfactory.