Opificio Zappa

Introducing the local businesses that make up Como’s COMO4COMO Community 

Erba is a picturesque town in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, situated in the heart of Brianza, between the city of Como and Lecco. Nestled at the foot of Monte Bollettone and the Prealps, it offers stunning views over Lake Pusiano and the surrounding countryside. Rich in history and nature, Erba is known for its historic villas, medieval churches, and scenic trails, making it a peaceful yet culturally vibrant retreat just a short distance from Milan. It’s also home to an old window factory that has  become a vibrant coworking space, named Opificio Zappa.

In 1973, Giuseppe Zappa opened up the company FALPE (an acronym for Italian words that stand for wood, plastic, grass, roller, and shutter factory), an organisation that specialised in windows and shading systems, and its factory Opificio Zappa. 

Today, due to FALPE’s strong desire to create a multifunctional space, that same building has been reimagined by Giorgio and Enrico Zappa, Giuseppe’s sons, as a hub for coworking, events, yoga and music studios, and meeting halls. They have preserved the building’s industrial heritage while redefining it as a center for culture, collaboration, and contemporary craftsmanship.

Blending tradition with transformation, Opificio Zappa’s goal was to create an ecosystem where creative minds, from seasoned professionals to emerging talents, could come together and share ideas. Its versatile spaces, designed for everything from private meetings to artisan workshops, allow for individuals with different backgrounds to connect and collaborate.

Opificio Zappa is a reference point for the local Como community. They not only host cultural events, but they also collaborate with schools and associations to provide opportunities for growing individuals and professionals. This deep community connection led to its collaboration with Como 1907, uniting shared values of territorial pride and social responsibility.

Both organisations believe in giving back to the community that continually supports them. As a local business that is part of the COMO4COMO initiative, Opifico Zappa helps boost the local economy by selling Como 1907 products, with 25% of the profits donated to Fondazione Como to support regional development.