Osama was founded by entrepreneur Mario Tschang in 1967, with the aim of becoming a point of reference in the design, production and distribution of articles for artistic, scholastic and office use; over time, however, the company has broadened its core business to diversify its offer, integrating the know-how of other companies in the Group and thus becoming structured in three different divisions: Writing, Living and Promoting. Thanks to an innovative vision, aimed at customer-centricity, and a strong vocation for internationalisation, in a short time Osama has experienced rapid growth both in terms of organisational structure (today it has 150 highly qualified employees) and geographical expansion, coming to assert its leadership in both the domestic and international markets, in over 90 countries worldwide. A very important moment in the growth path of Osama, a historic family company now in its third generation, was the recent acquisition of the Padua-based historic company Morocolor Italia. ‘From day one, we have shared with the Moro family a focus on product quality, sustainability, and the growth of people, all of which are invaluable issues for us,’ says Koici Tschang, CEO of OSAMA and Morocolor Italia, in this lengthy interview.
by Roberta Imbimbo
Dr. Koici Tschang, in July 2023, the Osama Group, which has been active in the stationery sector for over 50 years, acquired Morocolor Italia, a historical company from Padua specialising in the production of colours for educational and artistic use. What are the main reasons for this acquisition?
A brief introduction is necessary. Founded in 1933 by Camillo Moro under the name CMP (Camillo Moro Padova), Morocolor Italia is a company with over 90 years of history that has distinguished itself on the market for the production of chalk for blackboards and other stationery items. An all-Italian excellence, now in its fourth generation, which before the acquisition had around 100 employees and exported colours and products for educational and artistic use (both for adults and children), strictly made in Italy, to over 90 countries worldwide. Combining tradition and innovation, the company has always believed in and invested in Italian production, manufacturing innovative products of the highest quality in its in-house laboratory. It is no coincidence that over the years it has become a world ambassador for Italian-made products thanks to the uniqueness, elegance and reliability (Made in Italy production – which few can boast – follows strict eco-friendly standards and guarantees greater control over the entire production chain) of its products, which are able to meet the needs of increasingly demanding consumers. This acquisition therefore represents a significant step for the Osama Group, strengthening its presence in the global stationery market and consolidating its commitment to sustainable production practices.
What strategic goals do you hope to achieve with this acquisition?
The priority objective is certainly to integrate the product portfolio of the two companies, optimising their production capacities. In terms of efficiency and environmental sustainability: since 2010, Morocolor’s production infrastructures have been equipped with photovoltaic systems that integrate well with Osama’s eco-sustainable approach. This acquisition also makes it possible both to develop new innovative products, combining the expertise of both companies, and to broaden the offer: Morocolor, in fact, brings with it a range of specialised products such as tempera paints, chalks and art materials for schools and professionals, which will expand Osama’s offer, enabling the Group to enter new market segments linked to the educational and creative world. By combining skills and resources, the Group is also aiming at increasing its internationalisation, consolidating its position in some strategic markets, such as Europe and Asia, strong with three main brands (Osama, Primo and Primo Hobby&Professional, which we will present to a more adult clientele in February 2025 in a new guise).
From 2025 there will be many new challenges for the group?
Exactly. Starting with the Frankfurt Messe 2025, which is the reference event for our sector, we will introduce important innovations related to the world of art and creativity, with a specific focus on modelling pastes, introducing an innovative item that will fully reflect the values of the Group and its DNA. Our leitmotif, let’s grow together with your creativity, is after all a very inspiring slogan that underlines how quality, innovation, sustainability and customer focus have always been the values that guide our work and our corporate philosophy, and that will enable us to make the difference in an increasingly competitive global market.
