The flood which affected Prato district at the beginning of November has caused victims and huge damage both to private citizens and to enterprises – more than 500 million euro have already been estimated. Many textile companies suffered from the floods too, including some companies which exhibit at Filo. However, as Andrea Borelli from Tessitura Italia stated, ‘The citizens of Prato are great workers, and Prato doesn’t stop after this catastrophe.” We have got to Filo’s exhibitors based in Prato district immediately after the flood; despite considerable damage reported, they stated that they are immediately returning to work, confirming their participation in the 61st edition of Filo as exhibitors, as usual.
Here are some of their comments.

Immediately after the flood, the comments of some entrepreneurs belonging to textile industry and exhibiting at Filo are focused on some priorities: re-starting working activities, minimizing delivery delays, and not giving up market shares to international competitors. Andrea Borelli from Tessitura Italia, summarizing the thought of a lot, states: “As entrepreneurs, we did all we could to immediately re-open the factories. We should highlight that those who were not damaged by the flood are helping those who were damaged to complete the work, in order to comply with delivery times as much as possible. Among the actions fostering the immediate recovery of the activities, contractors deserve high attention, since they represent an essential player within the Prato’s production system.” Textura, based in Montemurlo, the epicentre of the flood, declares: “machinery was not damaged, but the warehouse suffered great losses, accounting for about 30.000/40.000 euro”. Spinaker, that suffered huge losses concerning yarns’ stocks, has recovered its working activity after four days from the flood. Also, yarns’ warehouse of Linsieme Filati and Comistra suffered great losses, while Fil-3 adds that: ‘Our factory renovation works carried out thanks to the benefits coming from 110% Ecobonus have been totally lost, anyway we have already re-started working.” Filatura Alma wasn’t damaged, but inconvenience along the roads make provision and deliveries difficult. Manifattura Fratelli Franchi had closed just for two days, since ‘our company is not located within the area which suffered most.” The same applies to Filatura Vangi. No damage for Azeta Filati, Baroni Filati, Elasten and Fil.Pa 1974, that are working as usual.
Filo renews its solidarity and support to all exhibitors affected by the devastating flood.

Biella, November 15 2023