Why We Visit Our Manufacturers’ Factories

With each passing year, our manufacturers continue to wow us with their latest designs. Keeping up with all that is new is really important to the Tangram team as we like to share with our clients products that they perhaps haven’t seen before. But for us, recommending a piece of furniture to our clients goes beyond just witnessing the design on social media, websites or brochures; where possible we try to really get to know the product and see it in the flesh before we propose it. Factory visits are therefore essential to the team as they allow us to try and test new items and even witness how they are made.

With that said, this month, some of the Tangram team found themselves jetting off to sunny Spain as we embarked on a remarkable work trip to the Andreu World Factory and showroom in the vibrant city of Valencia. With us we brought a lovely group of Scottish-based architects and interior designers from various practices, all eager to learn all there is to know about this incredible company.

Today we share with you our awe inspiring two day trip.

Day One: Discovering Valencia: A Blend of Architecture and Culture

After an early flight from Edinburgh to Alicante, where we were met by Andreu World’s North Europe Area Manager, Alejandro Pardo, we then went forth on our journey by private bus to the city centre of Valencia.  After a few hours of travelling, needless to say, the group were delighted to be greeted with traditional Spanish tapas in the hotel terrace where we were staying – one of many mouth-watering meals to come!

Next on the itinerary was an activity the group were very much looking forward to! We met with local architect, Adrián Torres Astaburuaga, for a captivating architectural walking and bike tour around the city. The tour allowed us to immerse ourselves in the city’s history and soak in the beauty of its diverse architectural styles, from medieval to modernist. A feast for the eyes, the city of Valencia did not disappoint!

Day Two: Part One – Factory Tours, A Glimpse into Craftsmanship

One of the highlights of our trip was the visit to Andreu World’s chair and table factories. Whilst this wasn’t Tangram’s first time at the Andreu World factory, the experience was nothing short of outstanding. We witnessed the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into creating the exquisite furniture designs and it was a privilege to see skilled artisans at work, crafting each piece with dedication and precision.

We furthered our knowledge on the careful selection of sustainable materials, the precision of cutting and shaping, and the artistry of hand-finishing. This first-hand experience helped us gain a deeper appreciation for the commitment to quality that Andreu World upholds in every piece they create.

This level of quality is immensely important to Tangram as a company: we’re not ashamed to say that we have high standards. To us this means long-lasting, beautiful and functional furniture, in other words, we want the best for our customers!  It is therefore vital to us that we understand how products are made, because without this knowledge, we cannot be confident when recommending pieces to our customers and be sure that they are what we say there are.

 Day Two: Part Two – Showroom Tour, Designs We Adore

After the factory tours and another exceptional Spanish-style lunch, we were then taken around the new Andreu World showroom. Having just observed the production process, to now view all the finished designs in one place, was a moment of awe. Each piece gleamed with perfection and a new appreciation for their beauty was instilled in all of us.

Here are some of our favourite designs that we spotted.

Andreu World’s Sustainable Efforts: A Game-Changer

One of the most inspiring aspects of our visit was learning more about Andreu World’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. In an age where environmental consciousness is paramount, Andreu World has embraced sustainability as a core value. They have taken significant steps to reduce their carbon footprint, use eco-friendly materials, and implement responsible manufacturing processes.

The company’s dedication to sustainability recently earned them recognition as a B-Corp company. This prestigious certification highlights their commitment to balancing profit with purpose as they continue to consider the environmental and social impacts of their operations. Andreu World’s sustainability initiatives serve as a shining example for the entire furniture industry.

A Wonderful Experience All Round

Tangrams’ journey to the Andreu World Factory and showroom in Valencia was a wonderful experience that left an indelible mark on our team of architects and interior designers. From Valencia’s captivating architecture to the remarkable craftsmanship witnessed at the factories, our visit to Andreu World was more than just a trip; it became a fully immersive encounter and a powerful reminder of why we hold such deep admiration for this esteemed Spanish company.

Andreu World’s dedication to creating exceptional furniture while minimising their environmental impact is commendable and inspiring. We are thrilled to have witnessed their journey towards becoming a B-Corp company, and we’re excited to continue using their designs in our projects.

A huge thank you to the fantastic Andreu World team for making all of this possible!!

If you would like to find out more about our visit to Valencia or have any questions about any of Andreu World’s products, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

0131 556 6551 / [email protected]