Born in the late sixties by the merger of two small artisan companies, Cristalleria Artistica La Piana (CALP) has asserted itself as leader in the market of industrially produced crystal, with subsidiaries all over the world. The company's products are sold worldwide through a net of distributors but subsidiaries fully owned by CALP are also present in a few key countries such as the United Kingdom, the US, China and Japan. CALP is currently responsible for 90% of the Italian production of crystal and for 15% of the world production. A Transparent Story The fifties was a period of patient progress and courageous steps forward. A time of inventions, both great and small, resulting from Italian ingeniousness and the determination to get ahead. However, it was only in the sixties that we moved on from revival to renaissance.

At last, our product conformed to Italian legislation, and above all, it was commercially strong enough to be defined with one clear and simple word: Crystal. Producing Industrial crystal with a craftsman's care and attention From the sixties onwards, it became necessary to advance technologically. The main aim at that time was to provide the market with more and more products, but with quality not inferior to that of hand fused crystal. What's more, prices had to be competitive. An analysis of the problem led to the solution: A continuous furnace for electrical crystal fusing. This furnace was then used in conjunction with the first automatic production line. The technological advancement which took place in the seventies was so important that we still apply those same principles today with considerable improvements. The technique, which at that time was considered avantgarde, introduced a number of advantages. These included better quality crystal, lower fusing costs and reduced environmental impact. All of this was possible without compromising the quality of the environment or putting our workers' health at risk. Here in Tuscany and especially in Colle Val d'Elsa the workers have always been a prime consideration.

From a famous group,successful Brands Today, in the 21st Century, we are still, you might say, at the cutting edge. Our Colle Val d'Elsa factory is one of the most modern of its kind in the world. Thanks to nearly half a century of experience, CALP® has become an important industrial group. With 75% of its sales coming from exports, CALP® is a worldwide standard+bearer of "Made in Italy". The secret of its success lies, above all, in the value of its Brands RCR® and Da Vinci Crystal®, which have become favourites among consumers both in Italy and abroad. The Brands have different positioning and separate, clearly defined personalities: RCR®, Royal Crystal Rock, is CALP®'s historic Brand and the Italian crystal brand more widespread in the world. It is aimed at consumers who want to enjoy having beautiful objects around them for day to day use. Freelife®, the newest collection, is also mainly designed in-house and industrially produced but targets a young, fashionable market and aims to always be up-to-date with the current trends. A few selected lines from these collections are created in collaboration with famous designers.