When, in 1993, Alberto Ghelfi started Sanyleg, together with his wife, he not only wanted to revolutionise the world of preventive and medical stockings with a highly innovative product, but he intended to do it in his own way, following his own rules and, at times, going against the dictates of contemporary entrepreneurship. Realising that this was a well established market niche and capable of yielding good profits even in the short term, Ghelfi thought it was the right time to come up with an idea: to combine the technical aspect with the aesthetic one, the medical qualities of graduated compression, a technology that had already shown its beneficial effects in previous decades, with the quality of a Made in Italy product. Today, Sanyleg is a global leader in the production of medical and sports graduated compression stockings, with a parterre of customers that includes the most important brands in the world and an annual turnover of about 13 million euros, with an ebitda of 30%.
An innovative product
Sanyleg’s success is based on a model that combines high performance and well-being, as demonstrated by its products: graduated compression socks that integrate advanced technology and comfort, designed to meet the needs of the medical, preventive and sports sectors. This achievement is the result of cohesive teamwork and a clear, well-defined corporate vision. “Our mission has always been to create an extremely high-performance product without sacrificing aesthetics”, says the owner of Sanyleg. “The balance after these thirty years I would say is more than positive: our company is firmly positioned at the top of the private label market, with exports covering more than 90% of our production, a factor that makes us an international reference point. Thanks to a complete service, including research and development, production, packaging and shipping, we respond to the different demands of customers all over the world, providing customised solutions with a constant focus on quality and innovation”.
Alberto Ghelfi firmly believes that success lies in the ability to fully satisfy customer needs, enhance the team and respect the environment. This is the beating heart of Sanyleg and drives every activity. “Our commitment is not limited to production”, Ghelfi continues, “but extends to creating a relationship of trust and transparency with our customers, always putting their needs at the centre”.
The entrepreneurial strategy
Sanyleg’s rise has been driven by an unconventional entrepreneurial strategy that has proven successful over time. “From the very beginning, I chose to avoid resorting to financing or bank loans”, says the owner. “In 1993, we started with the limited means we had at our disposal, but with a clear vision: to concentrate on private label production and immediately target foreign markets. Our first targets were Japan, Germany and the Scandinavian countries, markets that allowed us to make Sanyleg products known and appreciated globally. Another cornerstone of the strategy was the refusal to relocate production, a choice that remains a source of great pride for the company. We have always believed, and continue to believe, in the strength of Made in Italy. We value our production processes and the work of our people, who are and will remain at the centre of all our projects”.
The quest for sustainability
Even on the sustainability front, Sanyleg has been able to distinguish itself by anticipating industry trends. “We have always adopted an ethical and productive approach strongly oriented towards environmental sustainability, respect for the territory and for people”, explains Ghelfi. “The practices we follow are perfectly integrated not only in our business plan, but also in those of our employees. This commitment, which has been internalised for years, made it a natural step to present the first Sustainability Report, in support of the ISO certifications that for years have testified to our commitment to standards of excellence and sustainability. For us, it was a matter of formalising an already established path”.
Moreover, in 2021, from the entrepreneurial flair of the founder of Sanyleg, Terre dei Ghelfi was born, a country resort and farm located in the heart of Tuscany, in Castagneto Carducci, immersed in the renowned DOC Bolgheri. Here, sustainability finds its most authentic expression, with high quality oils and wines that, from the very beginning, have followed a precise path towards organic. The resort consists of seven elegant flats, carefully restored to preserve the charm of old Tuscan houses, offering an experience of comfort and exclusivity. Surrounded by a lush garden, the resort blends harmoniously with the estate’s vineyards and olive groves, creating a perfect setting for experiencing the pleasures of the countryside.
Terre dei Ghelfi represents a project that combines the entrepreneurial courage and vision of a man who has written, and continues to write, the history of his industry and of Made in Italy.
Visit www.sanyleg.com and www.terredeighelfi.it to find out more.
