Moldova's artisan packaging firm boxes for Dior and Chanel
Chișinău-based company crafts luxury packaging for brands like Christian Dior and Chanel, relying on a labour-intensive manual process.
Global luxury goods are packaged in boxes crafted in Moldova. Nearly 80% of the production process at the Chișinău company, which specializes in manufacturing premium packaging for some of the world's most renowned brands, is manual. The detail-oriented, manual process turns each box into a unique, meticulously crafted piece.
Tatiana Friniuc’s story began more than 20 years ago, in Italy, where she moved immediately after university. The years spent abroad not only provided experience but also the drive to launch a business in Moldova.
In 2014, she started with a small workshop and four employees. Today, the firm employs over 100 staff.
The company has secured investment from Italy and received support through international projects.
"Big brands emphasize quality, and the products made in Moldova deliver exactly that," Tatiana Friniuc stresses.
"I was working as a labourer in a factory. After a few years, the Italians approached me with the idea: 'Why don't we go to Moldova to expand and establish a larger branch?' Obviously, for me, this was a 180-degree change in life. I had given birth to a child and completed my studies there. Naturally, it was very hard for me to return to Moldova, especially since I knew how I had left it in 2004. But I found a very changed Moldova. Today, we have over 100 staff. There was a lot of hard work involved," says the company founder.
"Success also means responsibility," Tatiana Friniuc maintains.
Consequently, the enterprise is constantly audited by international partners who directly check the working conditions and speak with the employees.
"Our company produces packaging—in other words, boxes—but for premium-class products. We frequently produce for Acqua di Parma, my largest client, Christian Dior, Trussardi, Chanel, and Versace. 80% of the technological process is manual, which requires attention to detail, attention to quality, attention to everything we do. Today, you just need to be determined, because there are so many non-reimbursable grants, so many development opportunities—you only need ideas and courage to put them into practice, of course," Tatiana Friniuc pointed out.
Currently, the company reports an annual turnover of over 25 million lei and delivers its production to the European Union. Its next target is the US market.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
