100 % FUTURE - ALNO

27
WHAT EVERYONE DREAMS OF
Try and picture this: A house on the sea – you stand in the kitchen and look out at the beautiful vista
with its dunes and waves. This idealistic vision appeals to us all. In such an atmosphere, it becomes
easy to cook with passion. With its soft, rounded shapes and Mediterranean flair, the „Marecucina“
would be the perfect fit in such an environment – but not just there!
The design, which resonates with that ideal lifestyle while remaining truly innovative, started with a
vague idea. Others carried it along, convinced that the idea had a future. ALNO is fortunate to have
people who are ready and willing to risk being different, who think outside the box and go beyond
the norms. With this mindset, they develop products that exceed expectations. Simply put: Their
development team does a great job.
In developing the Marecucina, ALNO involved the professionals at Blum practically right from the
start. We soon realized just how important this was: After approving the basic form, it was clear
that unique, innovative solutions would be called for in overcoming the challenges posed by such
a design. This kitchen was to set new standards. The round contours along the entire length of the
„ship“ presented us with some considerable technical challenges. This shape of course impacted
how fittings, drawers and other details were implemented. Addtionally, the fronts and doors were
considerably wider and heavier than those used in normal kitchens and some of these also needed
to be rounded. Even hinges and drawers had to be adapted to the design.
We often met with the product development team from ALNO during the implementation phase, which
spanned the course of several months. At these meetings we discussed progress, possible improvements
and exchanged new ideas with each other. It was easy to see that ALNO wasn‘t treating us merely
as a supplier, but rather as a strategic partner. They showed great trust in our ability to implement the
specified innovations in a quality manner. That is a good feeling – one that intensifies the relationship.
The Marecucina kitchen is a niche product, and will no doubt remain one, if for no other reason than
the fact that it wouldn‘t fit in most apartment kitchens. But as far as the ALNO name and its image
as a highly innovative kitchen provider are concerned, the Marecucina will likely have a much greater
impact. It connects at an emotional level and has a high recognition value, while offering that special
touch of luxury. And that is exactly what all of us want: Products that allow us to realize our dreams.
The presentation of the Marecucina at the furniture trade shows connected with visitors on this level.
With the booth background portraying an image of the sea, visitors couldn’t help but be drawn into
the kitchen’s nautical world.
—
HUBERT SCHWARz
Managing Director
Blum GmbH Deutschland
gets easily excited
when speaking about
the „Marecucina“ design
concept – after all, there‘s
a little Blum in there.
As a long-standing and
key ALNO supplier, the
Blum team was involved
in the development of
this design at a very
early stage. With about
EUR 1.1 billion in revenue,
Blum is the market leader
in hinges, pull-out systems
and folding systems and
a main supplier of ALNO‘s
fittings.
We have worked very closely with ALNO for about 17 years and have often cooperated with the
company on various innovations throughout this period. We hold ALNO in high regard, especially its
reliability – always meeting or exceeding its end of the deal, even if these were only confirmed by a
handshake. The spoken word is highly valued at this long-standing and accomplished company. And
you gain the same impression from the employees that work there as well – they go the extra mile
for their company, because of its trust in them. It is good to see a product that everyone is proud to
stand behind, a product that was realized in spite of difficulties and setbacks, through the energy and
willpower of people who constantly sought new solutions and spared no efforts in implementing them.