Florence (Italy), May 31,2020 – On May 30th, the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, has appointed twenty-five new “Cavalieri del Lavoro”, a special Order of Merit for Labour. Bearing the title “Knight of Labour”, this appointment recognizes hardworking Italian entrepreneurs who have contributed to the development of ‘Made in Italy’. An accolade established in 1901, by King Vittorio Emanuele III. Among the list of Knights for this year is Lorenzo Coppini, CEO and majority shareholder of B&C Speakers SpA.
B&C is an original, family-run company that has enjoyed steady sales growth. Advancing to near €60 million in 2019. The company spirit has always been in full compliance with fair ethical and labor values. Values now recognized by this award.
Mr.Coppini joined the company in 1993, holding roles of increasing responsibility, beginning in the commercial and marketing area. Under his leadership, two sales and distribution branches have been opened in the United States and Brazil, and a in 2008, production was consolidated to a new and automated, 10,500 sqm facility in Bagno a Ripoli, just outside Florence. In 2017 B&C Speakers continued its expansion with the acquisition of Eighteen Sound Srl, a competitor based in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Exporting 90% of its production, B&C now operates two factories with about 170 employees, 10% of which are focused on research and development.
With reference to the Knighthood, Mr.Coppini has asked that the award be dedicated to the founders of B&C Speakers, his uncle Fernando Borrani, and father Roberto Coppini. His thoughts inevitably turn to the particular moment we are experiencing: “The President awarded me the honour of ‘Cavaliere del Lavoro’, while our entire sector is in serious difficulty. For this reason, I want this recognition to ideally belong to all people working in the world of entertainment and live music, the first ones to stop but hopefully not last to start again”.
B&C Speakers is the largest and most respected manufacturer of professional transducers in the world. Founded in 1946, the company now operates out of a nearly 14,000 square meter, state of the art production and R&D facility in Bagno a Ripoli (Florence), Italy. Since 2007 B&C has been publicly traded on Borsa Italiana, and are also a member of the STAR group of exceptionally performing Italian companies. Over 120 employees, 10% of whom work in research and development, meet the needs of the world’s most demanding OEM loudspeaker brands. Products include woofers from 2” to 21”, coaxials from 4” to 15”, compression drivers from 0.5” to 4” voice coil diameter. B&C has recently expanded its product range by adding the Coaxial Compression Driver category.
