The italian entrepreneur, Nerio ALESSANDRI, was only 22 years old when he created the wellness company Technogym. 20 years later the company has become world leader for its products and services in the wellbeing market.
Whilst every product development is a result of in-depth medical research, the Italian company also knows how to spice things up with great designers such as Antonio Citterio. It was therefore a natural step for Technogym to be invited to an increasing number of hotel and spa establishments, including several very prestigious addresses, won over by the fantastic combination of technique and aesthetics. To learn more about this Wellness pioneer, we met Raphaël Palmier, Sales Manager of the Commercial Home & Hospitality division in France.

Raphaël, Technogym has more than 20 years of history now. How would you define the brand’s current international positioning?
Raphaël Palmier: Technogym is a world leader in the manufacturing of fitness equipment for private homes, health clubs, hotels, spas, rehabilitation centres, corporate gyms, universities, sports teams’ gyms and more. Technogym was chosen to be the official supplier of the Olympic Games of London 2012, the Sydney 2000 Olympics and Paralympic Games, the 2004 Athens, 2006 Turin and the Beijing Summer Olympics in 2008. There are also international partnerships such as Formula 1 Ferrari drivers who have been training with Technogym products for years, the Alinghi and America’s Cup Luna Rossa team and Soccer teams like A.C. Milan and Chelsea, who keep in shape with Technogym equipments. 85% of Technogym products are designed and manufactured in Italy and exported to 100 countries. Technogym’s creations are used by nearly 16 million people and equip more than 50,000 health clubs and 20,000 private homes worldwide.  

Since its creation, Technogym has been committed to Wellness, even psychological wellbeing. How does the company honour this commitment?
R.P.: Wellness, the new lifestyle encouraged by Technogym, focuses on improving the quality of life through regular physical activity, healthy diet and a positive mental approach. Since the early 90’s, Technogym has been committed to wellbeing, innovation and corporate social responsibility. This initiative confirms the values that guide Nerio Alessandri’s company, and gave birth, in 2003, to the Wellness Foundation. The Foundation aims to create a new social model promoting wellness, with the support of research, training and communication activities. Moreover, in 2003 Technogym was nominated as a ‘Great Place to Work’, illustrating the quality of the company’s corporate culture and promotion possibilities. At Technogym for instance, we are equipped with a small key, which can be worn on a belt for example, that actually measures our physical activity defined as “Move”. This key, called “My Wellness Key” is a practical Wellness solution.

Tell us about Technogym’s organisation, and most of all about the “Home & Hospitality” department that our readers are particularly interested in?
R.P.: Technogym’s Home & Hospitality department has recorded 32% annual growth over the last 2 years. This department currently represents 25% of the company’s French subsidiary’s activity. Our products match our clients’ expectations and the development of the “Hospitality” market. The years to come are full of opportunity to grow in this ever-expanding market. For the moment, our turnover in the private sector is higher than in the hotel industry, and it is up to us to develop our clientele in the latter thriving sector. Apart from client satisfaction, after-sales service remains a top priority for us.

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