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In
the varied productive reality of the Modenese province, the main
featuring element is the
presence of a high number of small artisan businesses. This is
a distinguishing mark that Modena shares with other Italian regions
and provinces. However, what makes the Modenese handicraft special
is the internal organization of this sector and its relations
with the market.
Despite the variety of this sector three types of handcraft industry
can be identified: the traditional handicraft business, the artisan
dependent on a big business, and the independent artisan. Though
all of these three types are present in the productive sector,
Modena can boast of several artisan businesses of the third type,
which is much higher compared to the Italian average.
The small mechanical companies of Modena, or the small textile
companies of Carpi often produce for the final market, delegating
out some stages of the production process to external local companies.
In addition their strategy is not based on low wages, but on quality
and distinguished products.
An important contribution to the development of the small businesses
has occurred in the last few years, thanks to the supporting role
played by local administrators through the formation of so-called
"craft villages":  areas
equipped for the settlement of small and medium businesses.
The companies could take advantage of the location and costs.
The first craft village dates back to 1949 and represented a unique
example at that time in Italy.
Currently the actions of public administration are different.
The aim is, on one hand, to keep low the costs of the available
areas and on the other hand to orient the departemnts to production
qualification, environmentally friendly and availability in service
area. As regards several type of craft businesses, traditional
craft companies as well as artistic laboratories need to be mentioned
separately.
This is a type of business, whose presence on the market is justified
by a more precise demand on typical products and artistic craft
work. In the province typical craft work includes the production
of casks used in the manufacture of balsamic vinegar, gold, silver
and jewellery, the restoration of furniture and works of art and
the production, repair and adjustment of musical instruments.
Craft workshops also exist in the food sector especially for the
production of traditional fresh "pasta all'uovo" or
egg pasta (tagliatelle, tortellini, etc.) and confectionery.
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