Italy’s Acma packaging systems celebrates a century in business
pic: Acma
The globally-focused Italian founded Anonima Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche (ACMA), industry equipment and systems group is continuing some momentous celebrations for its centenary this month, writes Neill Barston.
As the Bologna company noted, since 1924, the company has specialised in the design and production of automatic machines and systems for packaging consumer goods.
Its celebrations began with a key appearance at this year’s ProSweets in Germany, and it has continued to maintain a high profile at industry events around the world.
Daniele Ponzinibbi, CEO of ACMA (pictured main image), asserted that the business, which has gained an international reputation for its packaging systems for multiple sectors including confectionery and snack, remained in a strong position a century after its creation.
He said: “This important anniversary is not only an opportunity to reflect on our journey from a small artisan business to a company that is part of an international industrial group, but it also represents a moment to look at the ACMA of the future, which cutting-edge technologies will drive through continuous experimentation in research and development. As pioneers of the Packaging Valley, we envision a future full of innovative and sustainable solutions, always alongside our customers.”
As the company explained, it was originally incorporated on 31 July 1924, with a capital of 350.000 Lire, ACMA began its journey under the leadership of its first Administrator, Gaetano Barbieri.
Since then, the business has sought to set industry standards, focusing on the design and construction of automatic machines for packaging home and personal care products, confectionery, and food. Among the company’s early successes were the revolutionary powder wrapping and dosing machines, along with innovative solutions for wrapping candies and chocolates.
As the firm noted, it distinguished itself with flourishing growth from the beginning, consistently incorporating new technologies and ideas into its offer.
Reflecting on its history, during the 1920s, ACMA obtained numerous patents for its pioneering inventions, including a powder doser and a rotary machine for printing and folding sheets.
This determined approach allowed ACMA to face the difficult period of World War II with resilience and resoluton, continuing to innovate despite the damage suffered by its factories due to bombings.
In the years immediately following World War II, ACMA initiated a unique “spin-off” process in the industrial landscape. The company’s workshops and technical department were, for decades, a cradle of great talent. From here emerged visionary designers who, in the post-war period, gave rise to numerous companies in the district, which are still thriving today.
After Gaetano Barbieri’s death in 1959, ACMA was acquired by Emhart A.G., subsequently passing under the control of Emhart Industries and, later, Barry-Wehmiller Companies Inc. In 1986, it became part of what would later become Coesia, a group of companies specializing in highly innovative industrial and packaging solutions, operating globally under the leadership of Isabella Seràgnoli.
Today, ACMA remains a benchmark in the packaging sector, with a consolidated reputation for innovation, reliability, and the quality of its products and services.
The drive for technology is still in the company’s DNA. A recent example of this is ACMA’s entry into the e-commerce sector with the E-SWL, a solution to produce shipping bags. ACMA offers a sustainable, flexible, and easy-to-use solution for this sector, which has grown exponentially in recent years. The E-SWL creates customized bags based on the product dimensions and with the customer’s desired print. Compared to standard solutions on the market, it uses less packaging, thus saving material and emphasizing sustainability.
“ACMA Next”, a research and development laboratory within the company, has also recently been inaugurated. Here, thanks to a unique synergy between creativity and technological skills, new frontiers in packaging technologies are explored, aimed at developing increasingly sustainable and cutting-edge products. ACMA Next goes beyond the concept of a laboratory: it is an incubator of ideas that transforms visions into tangible realities. The commitment is also, in this case, aimed at exceeding expectations, consistently placing innovation and responsibility at the center of the work.
