Luca Pellegrino, Director Global Sales, on global markets, partnerships and prospects

With an eye for market potential and a keen sense of customer needs, Luca Pellegrino is supporting the international growth of Tool-Temp. In this interview, he talks about changes within the company, his role as a bridge builder between markets – and why innovation and customer proximity are more important today than ever before.

 

1. What brought you to Tool-Temp over two years ago, and what excites you about your role as Director of Global Sales?

Marco Pellegrino, our Chief Sales Officer (CSO) and also a good friend, brought Tool-Temp to my attention.

What particularly excites me about my role as Director of Global Sales is the opportunity to actively drive international expansion, open up new markets and strengthen global sales. Being directly involved in Tool-Temp's success and helping to shape the company's growth makes this position particularly exciting for me!
 

2. What were your impressions of Tool-Temp before you started here, and how have they changed since then?

I was already familiar with Tool-Temp from my previous job. The quality of the devices was always highly regarded, but the design and controls were considered rather traditional, and innovations were less noticeable. 

Today, I see a significant change: Tool-Temp has invested heavily in innovation, strong management and professional sales in recent years. In particular, the new IRIS control system of the MATIC product line, combined with proven quality, makes the current devices more than competitive.

3. What is your collaboration with branches and distributors like? What makes these partnerships successful?

My collaboration with branches and distributors is characterised by close communication, trust and a shared vision for the success of Tool-Temp. I support our local partners in strategic decisions, market development and trade fair appearances in order to strengthen our global presence.

What makes these partnerships successful? Open dialogue, mutual support and the common goal of providing our customers with first-class solutions and service. Only by acting as a strong, internationally networked team can we ensure sustainable growth and long-term success!


4. Are there certain markets or regions that you find particularly exciting or challenging – and why?

Definitely! I find the MEA region particularly exciting, especially Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the Maghreb countries. These markets are among the fastest growing in the world and offer enormous potential for our solutions.

The challenges lie primarily in the different business structures, cultural characteristics and regulatory requirements. But that's exactly what makes it so exciting – developing the right strategies, building close partnerships and establishing Tool-Temp in these dynamic markets in a sustainable way.


5. You travel a lot for Tool-Temp and attend many trade fairs. What are the biggest challenges and, at the same time, the biggest advantages of this international work?
 
All the travelling brings challenges – time differences, different markets and cultures require flexibility. The ASICS values help me with this: Anima Sana In Corpore Sano – a healthy mind in a healthy body. An active lifestyle and healthy diet keep me focused. At the same time, direct interaction with customers worldwide is extremely valuable: every trade fair offers the opportunity to deepen partnerships and discover new business opportunities.

6. What has been your biggest highlight in your role at Tool-Temp so far?

My biggest highlight at Tool-Temp has been to use my many years of international experience in sales and business development to tap into new markets and get neglected markets and regions back on track together with new and existing teams.

Thanks to the dedicated cooperation of everyone involved, we have successfully utilised proven but often underestimated sales methods. Through a more intensive personal presence with our customers – whether through increased on-site visits, direct discussions, regular meetings or ‘targeted networking’ at trade fairs – we were able to strengthen and expand valuable relationships. This proximity to the market has noticeably driven our growth, and we are determined to continue on this successful course.


7. What are your goals or visions for Tool-Temp in the coming years?

Over the next few years, I would like to actively contribute to Tool-Temp's continued growth – both in terms of technology and market presence. At the same time, it is important to me to develop personally and professionally, take on new challenges and further expand my experience in international business.


8. What motivates you personally to take on this dynamic and challenging role?

I am motivated by the opportunity to actively contribute to the further development of our company and to create innovative solutions for our customers. I find the dynamic nature of this role particularly motivating – no two days are the same, and I can contribute my skills as well as my experience in international sales and business development.

Tool-Temp AG:

9. If you had to describe Tool-Temp in three words, what would they be – and why?

Quality, efficiency, customer-oriented.

Why quality?
Tool-Temp stands for the highest Swiss quality in temperature control technology. Our products are durable, reliable and precision-engineered to deliver consistent peak performance even under demanding conditions.

Why efficiency?
Our temperature control solutions are designed to optimise processes, save energy and minimise downtime. Thanks to intelligent technology and sophisticated design, our devices contribute to efficient and economical production.

Why customer-oriented?
We understand the individual requirements of our customers and offer tailor-made solutions and first-class service. Our global sales and service network ensures fast support and personalised care – for a long-term partnership.
 

10. Is there a message you would like to convey to Tool-Temp's customers, branches, distributors or colleagues?

Behind the Tool-Temp brand stands a highly passionate and professional ownership team, a very experienced management team and highly motivated employees. Together, we deliver state-of-the-art technology that is ‘truly made in Switzerland’ and reflected in durable, precise and reliable products. High delivery readiness and top service are what set us apart. Thanks to our global, local presence, we understand the market and customer needs precisely and offer efficient and innovative solutions.

Thank you for your trust!

Tool-Temp AG: Luca Pellegrino, Director Global Sales Luca Pellegrino, Director Global Sales