The mists of Val Trompia not only render the landscape hazy, they also blurs the etymology in this area in which, however, there is no doubt over the hardiness of the people and their spirit, influenced perhaps by the veins of iron that run through the ground below and that, for centuries, attracted men to the depths of the Earth in defiance of silicosis.
So, while the origin of the place name Lumezzane is the subject of debate, that of the metalworking sector and, in particular, tap and handle production, is well documented. 

One of the most well-established companies in the sector, located in Lumezzane, in the province of Brescia, is Becchetti BAL, leader in the manufacture of handles and other complementary elements for doors and windows that, a little like certain accessories on a suit, can change the image with a touch.

The company, which this year celebrates its 140th anniversary and is still run by the founding family, produces all its products in its plant, still relying mainly on artisan methods. The BAL brand has two fundamental strengths; the hot-pressing process that renders solid brass more attractive and durable, and the extensive capacity for personalised finishes. The catalogue offers 25, covering practically all possible demands.

25 people work in the Lumezzane plant, handling both mechanical and technological operations, for example with the robot for polishing, as well as highly artisan methods, such as fitting and painting, or the highly delicate polishing of complementary accessories. Bal offers a wide range of elements including hinges, shutters, handles, latches, faceplates, keyhole covers, plaques, light switch plates and doorstops. There is also an extensive range of items for boating, including hooks, bells, karabiners, oarlocks, portholes, lighting protection grilles and more. Objects designed to enhance boats and to resist salt and the elements. However, the pride of BAL is its production to order, according to design or a model. This capacity is rare, and makes the Lumezzane company a precious ally, for example, in the case of delicate restoration works that require handles identical to the originals.

On the one hand, in the company’s catalogue there are items that date back more than one hundred years, and on the other BAL regularly expands their range with new interpretations that complement the classic items. One example of the latter is the Colonnato handle, designed by art director Stefano Pasotti and inspired by classic architecture. It is a large, heavy item, and is available in a range of finishes; natural brass, burnished, brushed and matte brass, natural polished brass, aged nickel and PVD-coated copper. Crono, like Colonnato, was launched in 2021, this time based on a design from the internal design department. It is a model that combines an essential style and modern finishes with more elegant details. 

The original Becchetti BAL brand has now been joined by Gra Rivadossi, which is celebrating its centenary in 2022, and Mariani, the youngster of the family with its 50 years of history. Acquired between 2012 and 2013, the two brands complete the range with more traditional lines from the first, and more modern designs from the second.
Through the three brands, the company produces tens of thousands of handles every year, exporting more than 70% as one of the international representatives of Italian style. The most florid foreign markets? The USA, north Europe and the Middle East. Becchetti BAL has always worked through hardware stores, who deal with the end customer; both private clients ordering five items or a company looking for contract supplies of several hundreds.

Once recent evolution is the direct relationship with architects and designers, managed by Pasotti and aimed at penetrating the contemporary style market in Italy, particularly with Mariani’s lines.  For example, with Tetris and its geometric, Art Deco lines, or Infinity, with its soft Pop-Art shapes and modern polished chrome, black lacquer or brushed chrome finishes. These are items based on ancient Italian skill that still continue to express genuineness. Ernest, just like a handshake.

Opening photo: the Tessa handle by Mariani is inspired by the Streamline Moderne style. Part of the 2021 collection by the brand now owned by Becchetti BAL, it is available with satin chrome, polished chrome and lacquered black finishes