Rubberfil: “METS as a Launch Platform for the New Helm Seats”
AMSTERDAM – Ivan Benvenuti, Chief Operating Officer of Rubberfil, is a METS veteran, but for the Pianezza-based company (Turin), part of the Trinchero Group, this was its first appearance at the Dutch trade show.
The decision was to present new products – specifically 100% Made in Italy helm seats – at the world’s leading exhibition for marine equipment. PressMare interviewed him at the company’s stand.
PressMare – What are the new products Rubberfil presented in Amsterdam, and what is your commercial strategy?
Ivan Benvenuti – The idea was to find the right opportunity to launch both the products and the new brand in the marine sector. The company already existed under the management of Matteo Trinchero and has been operating in the automotive industry for over twenty years, producing soft tops. In 2024, we decided on a rebranding to enter the market for marine pilot seats, and METS was the ideal occasion to launch both the products and the brand.
PM – What kind of products do you offer?
IB – The range is divided into several lines. We have the Compact Line for boats from 36 to 60–70 feet, then the Premium Line, designed for yachts over 60 feet, with more comfort-oriented ergonomics, closer to the concept of an armchair. The Sport Line is inspired by automotive and performance design, while the Modula Line features multi-seat configurations for pilot and co-pilot. Finally, the Exclusive Line is fully custom production, developed either from a client-supplied design or through a co-design process. At METS we launched two seats from the Compact Line and two from the Premium Line.
PM – Coming from another industrial sector such as automotive, where logics and volumes are very different, what are the main challenges in designing products specifically for marine use?
IB – The differences are significant. In cars, the driving position is completely different: you need to comply with the H-point, leg reach to the pedals, seatbelt loads and so on. On board a boat, these constraints do not exist, and marine seats tend to be more upright than automotive ones.
PM – Is this mainly a matter of space, which is generally greater on board?
IB – Partly, yes, but there is also a practical aspect. Most of our seats feature flip-up bolsters for standing operation, armrests, footrests and pedestals for height adjustment. From an aesthetic standpoint, we paid particular attention to concealing all mechanical components, something that owners appreciate: the seat must also function as a furnishing element.
PM – So marine seating requires a stronger design focus?
IB – Yes, but without excess. The seat must remain functional and, above all, integrate with the design language of different shipyards. It should not dominate the helm station but blend into it. For styling development we work in co-design with Francesco Struglia, who has many years of experience as a yacht designer. As for upholstery materials, we source directly from Trinchero’s warehouses to remain competitive, while also partnering with Serge Ferrari for fabrics, Spradling for synthetic leathers and Penelopeoggi for natural leather.
Ambitious Rubberfil inaugurated this year its state-of-the-art production facility in Pianezza, west of Turin, where Benvenuti also serves as plant manager. The company will take part in the upcoming SeaQuip in Milan in March, where it will preview a new seat from the Modula Line.
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