In order to support SMEs from the Province in their internationalization process, ProCórdoba Agency offers different trade promotion tools aimed at driving companies to conduct their first export or strengthen their foreign trade departments. Casa Capital is now getting ready for growth in the international market, in the wake of their first successful export to Bolivia.

The company has worked on the design and manufacture of high-quality furniture for homes and offices for the past four years. Gastón Luna, one half of the founding partners — the other being Sol Giraudo — told us about the firm:

"We have two business units. One involves custom orders for the design and manufacture of furniture. This includes a comprehensive interior design project to which we bring upholstery and metalwork, design items, etc. The other unit involves standard pieces of furniture sold by catalog. We are constantly striving for a unique product that shows innovation in its design and incorporates technology. This has really boosted our brand and opened many doors."

The firm's work has been widely recognized. They have received awards at Fimar, Expo Estilo Casa and various interior design exhibits for their innovative designs and trailblazing technology. Their products are easily assembled, without the need for tools, and include USB and wireless chargers, as well as hidden speaker-free, vibration bluetooth audio systems. Their Apolo table has recently participated in its first international award and has also been sent in a first shipment to Spain, with real prospects of establishing commercial relations. The product was also showcased in the Salone del Mobile.Milano in 2018. Luna said,

"ProCórdoba assisted our participation in a trade mission to Italy and Spain, which allowed us both to visit the fair and participate in it as exhibitors. There, we were able to learn about new materials and designs, and that led to great results, sales-wise."

A First Export and Projects for the Future

Every year, Casa Capital participates in the Argentine Good Design Stamp business round. It was there that they met the client from Bolivia, to which they sold their first export. Luna further explained,

"The customer's idea is to make one purchase a year, and they are planning a relationship for the future. Their store is not prepared for design furniture, but they're getting there. After the sale, the store hosted the first interior design event in La Paz. They were looking to raise awareness of these products, and train and educate their sellers so that they're able to actually close a sale and defend the highest prices. We were invited to the event and we applied for assistance through ProCórdoba's Specific Assistance Program for Companies, in order to travel there. This helped us strengthen customer loyalty and the relationship with the customer, which now is very good."

Casa Capital's partner shared his thoughts on the future:

"The strategy this year is to apply for the Fund for Export and Internationalization of Cordobese Companies with the aim of strengthening our presence in Uruguay, which offers an important niche. We met new clients at the Good Design Stamp event who expressed a great interest in our products. The first experience with Bolivia taught us a lot and now we're better prepared for the future."

Gastón Luna and Sol Giraudo have big plans for their firm, so they know that their standard product line holds a great potential for foreign trade, which is an actual possibility, because it allows them to work with stock and fixed costs. Referring to ProCórdoba's support, Luna pointed out,

"The assistance provided by the Agency is invaluable. It allows you to be at ease, because you know you can simply make a phone call and you will get help. ProCórdoba offered important contact information and extremely useful technical assistance. And, of course, financial support, without which we would not have been able to do any of this. This is why the Fund for Export and Internationalization of Cordobese Companies seems so important to us for the next steps, now that applications are open all year."

ProCórdoba Agency congratulates Casa Capital on this breakthrough and invites more company to join our work to promote the export offer of the Province.