VITRA: From recycling to art

Tlaquepaque, Tonalá and Guadalajara are the main locations where blown crystal is produced in Mexico. In Guatemala, Quetzaltenango has what Quevedo calls "its own crafts industry." In each of the three existing workshops in the area, irregular forms and textures make each hand made item esthetically valuable. There are no two identical items among the vases, chandeliers, glasses and other objects which fill the company's warehouses. The cold weather of Xela, as Quetzaltenango is called, disappears among the workers' warmth and that of the flames from the brick ovens. "There is no doubt that the ability of our people to create is visible, not only through our textiles, but also in clay, forged iron, wood, and an element as malleable as glass. Its qualities have been used to make crafts that reach the border of what can be considered real art," says Quevedo.

During its first years of operations, VITRA benefitted from the Central American Common Market by exporting to El Salvador and Costa Rica. But when the trade agreement ended, the factory faced difficult times trying to enter other international markets. The U.S., Canada and Europe (Germany, Switzerland, France and England) have opened their doors to VITRA's products in combination with forged iron, and record sales have been reached by direct exports and through local representatives. Producing merchandise for export does not preclude the creation of unique pieces ordered exclusively, like special, hand-made windows.

VITRA is a clear example of what comes from adding tradition, technology, and craftmanship. After more than three decades, the combined abilities and business vision of locals and foreigners are still the passionate start of a road that goes from recycling to art.