habigman Posted February 5, 2016 Report Share Posted February 5, 2016 First off I would like to thank Daniele from the FL for setting up an amazing tour of the Borsalino factory! It was such a fantastic experience / privilege to see the inner workings of such a historic hat company. I would also like to thank our host Eva from Borsalino. She answered all our questions and couldn't have been more accommodating. I will start with a visual tour of the Borsalino factory and make a separate post for the Borsalino Factory Showroom (housing the recently released Fall / Winter 2016 collection and company artifacts). Daniele will provide additional content. Felt Body and Felt Hat Production Unfortunately I didn't ask if it was possible to take photos until we passed by the felt production sections. Forming Felt Bodies, Fulling Proces (a look back) Dye Department Steam Blocking Wood & Metal Blocks, Presses Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted February 6, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2016 Continued. Wooden Flanges and Application Hat Racks for old factory, Assorted Wooden Flanges in the background Inspection prior to Automatic Hat Pressing Automatic Hat Presses Manual Hat Presses Hat Forms & Hat Racks from old factory Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted February 6, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2016 Continued. Pouncing Automatic Pouncing Machine, Doran Danbury Final Pouncing Brim Cutting Automatic Brim Edge Curling Machine Hat Dressing, Ribbon/Bows, Brim Binding, Liners, Wind Trolleys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted February 6, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2016 Continued. "Borsalino" Color Options (I believe for Wind Cords) Assortment of Hat Liners Sweatband & Liner Stamping & Application Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted February 6, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2016 Continued. Bencraft Hats! Supplies with example of Color types Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted February 6, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2016 Continued. Hats Ready for Shipment Specialty Finish with Fancy Edge Binding Specialty Finish with High Flange Straw Hat Production (New operation, prior sourced from Tesi) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted February 6, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2016 Some brief observations. Most of the machinery at the Borsalino factory was moved (1980s) from the old (Antica Casa) Borsalino factory location. The front end of the Felt production section dates back toaround the start of the 20th century. Borsalino has reduced the number of production processes over the years due to cost factors. Borsalino recently returned to producing their own soft straw hats (Panama, ect) after previously outsourcing to Tesi and possibly other companies. Borsalino is sourcing processed fur from Portugal (Cortadoria Nacional de Pêlo, S.A.) and from a Belgium source(?). Borsalino is sourcing some felts (specialty finishes, exotic fur & wool types) from Portugal (FEPSA-Feltros Portugueses, SA). Borsalino was very open to showing their entire production facility and answering all inquiries. Borsalino remain the iconic dress / fashion hat company! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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