EMME ITALIA: 30 Years of Metal Furniture

A Legacy of craftsmanship and innovation

Founded in 1995, EMME ITALIA was born from Maurizio Barison’s vision to continue the production of technical me-
tal furniture for creative professionals. Drawing from his experience in the Bieffe/Bieffeplast prototype department
in the 1970s and the Zucor technical department in the early 1990s, Barison set a clear goal: to simplify design, opti-
mize production processes, and ensure a future for essential tools and furnishings that were being impacted by the
technological and digital revolution of the late 20th century.

Starting as a small, flexible artisan company, EMME ITALIA combined the customization of niche manufacturing
with the quality standards of large-scale industrial production, providing specialized solutions for schools, offices,
museums, and the broader design industry.

Three decades later, EMME ITALIA has evolved while remaining committed to its core values. In 2025, the company
continues its traditional production of drafting tables and drafting machines, complemented by a specialized ran-
ge for designers and creative professionals, including:

Drafting stools
Adjustable school tables
Grapholux illuminated work surfaces
Draftech large-format drawer units
Metallic bookshelves and storage systems
Desks and tables, including motorized adjustable solutions

From Drafting Tables to CAD: The 1990s Transformation
The 1990s marked a technological revolution in design, with the rapid adoption of computers, printers, plotters,
and CAD software replacing traditional tools like pencils, rulers, and drafting machines. This shift required a new ap-
proach to technical furniture, as operational and educational needs evolved.
EMME ITALIA was founded in 1995 to support designers during this transition and assist institutions in developing
innovative educational furniture. Notable early projects included hybrid workstations that combined manual draf-
ting and CAD, as well as adjustable computer desks for leading national and international institutions.

Large-Format Drawer Units: Preserving the Past
In the early 2000s, EMME ITALIA expanded into large-format document storage. As paper-based drawings and
designs became less common in daily work, their historical and cultural value grew. Industries increasingly focused
on design-driven innovation, while architecture and fashion sectors established corporate archives and material
libraries.During this period, EMME ITALIA introduced the DRAFTECH line of large-format metal drawer units, offering spe-
cialized solutions for schools, offices, museums, and design firms. DRAFTECH units quickly gained recognition,
becoming a staple in architectural and design studios, R&D departments, universities, and prestigious museum
archives worldwide.

Genius Loci: Honoring Industrial Heritage
In the early 2000s, EMME ITALIA relocated to the historic Bieffe/Bieffeplast industrial site in Caselle di Selvazza-
no, near Padua—a strategic move to preserve local craftsmanship and technical expertise. This choice led to the
creation of the Emme Italia Archive in 2020, celebrating the region’s industrial and design legacy.
The archive, developed with the support of the Ferrarese Anselmi family and the 2018 "Frammenti Bieffe" exhibi-
tion, preserves historical materials from Bieffe/Bieffeplast and catalogs from renowned 20th-century technical fur-
niture brands such as Riefler, Elfe, Neolt, Mutoh, Zucor, and Heron Paris. This historical awareness continues to
inspire contemporary innovations at EMME ITALIA.

A Vision for the Future: EMMESYSTEM
In 2009, EMMESYSTEM was established as a dedicated brand for custom contract furniture solutions. The initiati-
ve stemmed from successful collaborations, including furnishing projects for prestigious fashion brands like Giorgio
Armani in Milan. That same year, EMME ITALIA was selected for the DME Awards during the Dutch Design Week
in Eindhoven, earning recognition in the Micro Companies category.
Over the years, EMMESYSTEM expanded from offices and museums into retail, education, and exhibition spaces,
developing expertise across various industries. In 2019, to further refine and enhance its product offerings, EMME-
SYSTEM partnered with designer Simone Bellan. This collaboration emphasized quality-driven innovation, focusing
on functional improvements rather than simply adding new products to the catalog.
In 2024, EMMESYSTEM unveiled its first new-generation designs, which will be formally launched in 2025—a fitting
tribute to EMME ITALIA’s 30th anniversary.