Designers and industrial engineers of the Belarusian footwear manufacturer Marko will undergo on-the-job training at the Italian company Baldinini, Marko Director General Nikolai Martynov told.

In addition, Baldinini will contribute elite footwear designs to Marko’s Autumn/Winter 2010 collection following preliminary agreements the two companies have reached. Nikolai Martynov believes it is the first step on the way to cooperation the two companies are interested in. In his words, the Belarusian specialists will undergo training for a year in Italy. After that the two companies will launch a joint project for manufacturing high quality leather footwear in Belarus. The footwear might be offered for sale using Baldinini brand.

In late October 2009 Baldinini President Jimmy Baldinini got familiar with Marko’s operation, praised the company’s technologies and expressed interest in business contacts.

The Belarusian footwear manufacturer Marko is one of the largest footwear makers in Belarus. In January-September 2009 its output growth rate totaled 112%. Sales increased by 2% in comparison with the same period of last year. The company exports over 50% of the output to Russia. Marko was founded in 1991 and employs over 3,000 people. Apart from footwear Marko offers leather accessories and shoe lasts for Belarusian companies.

Baldinini was founded in the Italian town San Mauro Pascoli in 1910. It offers high-quality leather footwear at medium and top prices for men and women as well as leather accessories. Baldinini products boast an exquisite design and are believed to be some of the most prestigious footwear in Europe and the world. The company’s turnover averages close to €50 million per annum. The company employs over 300 people and exports 80% of the make. It has a monobrand distribution chain in the CIS states and Eastern Europe.

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