Albania Economia
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In this exclusive interview, Albino Angeli, CEO of Xlam Dolomiti, shares the company’s vision and strategic expansion into the Balkans. The Trentino-based firm, part of the Paterno Group, specializes in the production of cross-laminated solid wood panels (Xlam/CLT) and has recently opened its new office in Tirana. With its advanced timber construction technology, Xlam Dolomiti designs and builds safe, sustainable, and energy-efficient buildings that merge innovation, engineering, and Italian craftsmanship. From the Dolomites to major university campuses in Australia, the company is now bringing its expertise and commitment to sustainable development to the Balkans — a market ready for transformation.
From Trentino to the international market: how did Xlam Dolomiti come to life, and what path led you to become a benchmark in timber construction?
Xlam Dolomiti was founded from the vision of the Paterno family to enter the world of timber construction. It began with the acquisition of a company already active in the sector and later with the creation of Italy’s largest Xlam/CLT production facility. Since 2012, when the first CE-marked panel left the production line, Xlam Dolomiti has steadily expanded its market presence. The company has evolved from a simple manufacturer and supplier of structural materials into a fully integrated construction firm specializing in timber structures, as well as hybrid and prefabricated solutions using innovative materials.
Your expansion into Tirana comes at a time when Albania is becoming increasingly attractive to international investors. How much of this decision is tied to the country itself, and how much to its position as a gateway to the Balkans?
We arrived in Albania after gaining experience in several neighboring countries. The Tirana office was the first to have one of our Italian managers on-site to organize and train our local team. The growing attention from foreign investors certainly influenced our decision, but it was only one of many factors we considered. Another key aspect is the high level of technical competence among young Albanian professionals, particularly in the design software we also use in Italy.
The construction market here is dynamic but still deeply rooted in traditional methods. How can your timber-based approach change the rules of the game?
This is one of our main challenges. The local market will not be easy to penetrate, but our goal is to establish a solid reference point in the Balkans. We plan to start local initiatives to identify the right project—one that will allow us to deliver the first shipment of Xlam/CLT panels to the peninsula.
Albania is a seismic country. How can timber construction offer advantages over traditional methods?
As in Italy, this is a major advantage for us. Timber structures are significantly lighter, and thanks to metal connectors, they are able to dissipate seismic energy efficiently through the foundations. From this perspective, we hold a clear competitive advantage.
From Italy’s tallest timber building to large university campuses in Australia, what lessons from your international experience will guide your expansion in the Balkans?
One key lesson is the importance of supporting clients from the earliest design stages. Working closely together allows us to achieve optimized results on every level. Our international projects have strengthened our technical know-how, increased our competitiveness, and shown us that there are truly no limits to what can be achieved.
During the inauguration of your Tirana office, you welcomed the Italian Ambassador to Albania, Marco Alberti, along with local partners. How is your Albanian team taking shape, and what role will it play in strengthening Xlam Dolomiti’s regional presence?
The Tirana office is fundamental. It is first and foremost a new workspace for our young professionals, who experience it daily, but it will also serve as a meeting point for potential clients and investors interested in learning more about our technology. It represents the first and most important step toward establishing a strong presence in this market.
