Marcolin USA CEO Fabrizio Gamberini.

NEW YORK— Marcolin USA is completing the final stage of its integration with Viva, since the Viva International Group was acquired from HVHC in December 2013, executives told VMail. As reported, Marcolin USA is investing heavily in the New Jersey offices which will become the company's main distribution center and U.S. headquarters.

In October 2014, Marcolin completed its SAP platform integration, already used through the Marcolin Group. New state-of-the-art machinery and streamlined order-fulfillment solutions, including the newly installed Pick-to-light/Put-to-light (SPL) systems, have been added on for an increase in productivity in the distribution center.

“We are very proud of how well the integration has been going,” said Marcolin USA CEO Fabrizio Gamberini. “After the initial debugging of the first two weeks in October, we have closed the month way ahead of expectation in shipments”

Over the next two months, Marcolin, he said, will focus on the consolidation of its Arizona and New Jersey offices. The current headquarters of Marcolin USA (Scottsdale) will complete its consolidation into the New Jersey operation by year-end, making New Jersey its new headquarters in 2015. Further improvements are underway at the New Jersey facility in order to make available a more functional workplace to the employees.

From a business standpoint, the integration has provided growth in sales, as seen in Marcolin's Canadian and Latin American divisions, as well as its retail sun and optical channels.

Gamberini said the optical channel has evolved into an organization which now covers 62 territories with over 210 directly employed sales consultants. Marcolin has now structured the optical trend channel into three sales divisions, in which each has an anchor brand along with supporting brands. With an increased strength in its sales force, the fashion brands have experienced double-digit growth. “Our sales force is a talented team of individuals who display a true passion and love for our brands, our products and our customers,” stated Gamberini.

Organizational changes were also made on the Optical Channel Trend side to better support Marcolin’s integration, he noted. The changes included recognizing emerging leaders from within the organization, with Jennifer Jackson being named VP of sales for the Western division and Jason Dophide, being named VP of sales for the Central division, both newly promoted.

Bob Dunn continues in his role as the VP of sales for the Eastern division. Promotions from within also included Kara Bodecker, newly appointed regional manager for the North Central area with Dophide’s team and Kevin Lindl, newly appointed regional manager for the Western region with Jackson’s team. Bill Hurst, a former Viva employee, has also joined Marcolin as the new regional director for the Northeast, assisting Dunn.

Brian Fitzsimmons, Kelly O’Grady and Vicki King have moved on to pursue other interests.

The entire Optical Channel Trend Sales Force completed a three-day national sales meeting earlier this month in Hollywood, Calif. with an attendance of over 220 employees.

“Considering the high single-digit growth in the year of our integration, the expectation for next year is very high. We are set-up for success with the right people as a strong leading player in the market,” concluded Gamberini.