Celebrating 100 years of excellence: the remarkable journey of ACMA
In 2024, ACMA (Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche) reaches a monumental milestone, celebrating a century of innovation, resilience, and excellence in the packaging machinery industry for the consumer goods market. This remarkable journey has been marked by groundbreaking advancements, significant transformations, and an unwavering commitment to quality and pioneering. From its beginning to becoming a key player in the COESIA Group, ACMA's story is a testament to success and visionary thinking, a cornerstone of the Italian Packaging Valley.
The beginnings: a legacy of innovation
On July 31, 1924, ACMA was founded with a capital of 350,000 Lire (approximatively 180 €), embarking on a mission to revolutionize the packaging industry. Under the leadership of its first administrator, Gaetano Barbieri, ACMA specialized in designing and building automatic machines for packaging running through the years from home and personal care products, confectionery, tea, food, chemicals and e-commerce items.
Based in Bologna, Italy, the company quickly earned recognition for its patents and innovative technologies, including those for dosing powder products, and wrapping candies, gums and chocolates. The ACMA 713, used for packaging single-dose sachets of "Idrolitina" - a powder to create sparkling water and produced by Ragionier Gazzoni, who sought to mechanize the production of this product - exemplifies the company's innovative approach to packaging technology. In fact, this machine marked the first automated solution for a process previously done by hand. The ACMA 713 not only became the precursor to all automatic packaging machines in Bologna, but also set the standard for future innovations in the industry.
A pivotal moment in ACMA's early history was the invention of the Z-shaped wheel by engineer Bruto Carpigiani in 1928, an invention that can be considered the most important in the entire industrial sector of automatic machines, having an impact not only in Italy, but globally. This revolutionary device, protected by patent number 274.547, transformed continuous rotating movement into intermittent movement, becoming a cornerstone in the development of automatic machines by reducing production time and enhancing machine performance. This invention exemplifies the pioneering spirit that ACMA would carry forward throughout its history.
Surviving and thriving through challenges
Throughout its chronicle, ACMA has faced numerous challenges, including the devastation of World War II, which left its facilities uninhabitable for a time. Despite these setbacks, the company demonstrated remarkable resilience, innovating and rebuilding itself. The post-war period saw ACMA become a cradle of talent, with many of its designers going on to found thriving companies in the Bologna area, the Italian "Packaging Valley".
Over the decades, ACMA experienced several ownership changes, including acquisitions by Emhart A.G., Emhart Industries, and Barry-Wehmiller Companies Inc. In 1986, ACMA was acquired by the Seràgnoli family. Under Isabella Seràgnoli's leadership, ACMA became part of the COESIA Group, marking a new era of growth and innovation. Each transition brought new opportunities and challenges, and ACMA consistently emerged stronger, adapting to new market demands and technological advancements.
Moreover, ACMA's strategic acquisitions have further strengthened its technological capabilities and market reach. In particular, the acquisition of Corniani significantly enhanced ACMA's expertise in bottle filling technology. Similarly, the acquisition of Tecnomeccanica allowed ACMA to expand its offerings in tea bag packaging technology. These acquisitions not only diversified ACMA's product portfolio, but also reinforced its position as a leader in the packaging industry.
Not to forget that a key factor in ACMA's success is also its Italian heritage. The company's commitment to quality and craftsmanship, hallmark traits of the "Made in Italy" brand, has made it unique in the global market. ACMA's products are not only technologically advanced but also embody the quality and precision associated with Italian engineering. This dedication to excellence has earned ACMA a reputation for reliability and innovation, making it a preferred partner for companies worldwide.
Technological advancements: from digital to present
Over the years, ACMA has continually advanced its technological capabilities, staying at the forefront of packaging innovation. Belonging to the COESIA Group, known for its highly innovative industrial and packaging solutions, has provided ACMA the opportunity to create fundamental synergies to expand its technological capabilities, integrating new technologies and maintaining its competitive edge in the industry. The collaboration between ACMA and COESIA has led to the development of more advanced and efficient packaging solutions, benefiting customers worldwide.
In 2018, ACMA entered the digital realm, introducing new technologies developed in collaboration with the COESIA group. This move marked the beginning of a new phase for the company, embracing digital solutions to enhance its services and boost productivity. The digital transformation at ACMA includes the adoption of Industry 4.0 principles and integrating smart technologies into manufacturing processes. These advancements have improved operational efficiency, reduced machine downtime, and enhanced product quality. By leveraging data analytics and automation, ACMA has positioned itself as a leader in the digital age of packaging.
By 2023, ACMA had ventured into the booming e-commerce sector with the introduction of the ESW-L, a machine designed for sleeve wraps. This innovation reflects ACMA's ability to adapt to market trends and meet the evolving needs of its customers.
Embracing the future with ACMA Next
The technological evolution of the company is marked also by its commitment to innovation and sustainability, aiming to meet the diverse needs of its customers and be a driver of changes. In recent years, ACMA has focused on projecting itself into the future through significant investments in research and development. The recent creation of ACMA Next, an internal R&D laboratory, represents the evolution of this commitment. In fact, ACMA Next is more than a laboratory; it is an incubator of ideas where cutting-edge packaging technologies are developed, with an emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and digitalization.
ACMA Next plays a crucial role in driving the company's future growth. By promoting a culture of innovation, ACMA ensures it stays at the forefront of technological advancements in the packaging industry.
One of ACMA Next's key projects is the Sustainability Lab, dedicated to testing new materials for ACMA's packaging machines. This lab, in collaboration with the Coesia Engineering Centre (CEC), focuses on understanding how to upgrade ACMA machines to handle new sustainable materials. In this way, ACMA supports its customers to introduce new packaging solutions for their products, reducing costs by adapting existing machines rather than buying new ones, and guiding them in the sustainable transition. In addition, ACMA works with material manufacturers who need to test their reels of new materials, creating a synergetic network for the development of a sustainable future.
An essential part of the ACMA Sustainability Lab is the Material Gate. This innovative and patented testing unit is specifically designed to evaluate the performance of materials with twist style, without the need for a complete machine. This means customers do not have to stop a production machine for testing, and packaging manufacturers do not need to purchase a machine solely for testing purposes.
These initiatives are a testament to ACMA's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting a circular economy. The laboratory collaborates with various stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, and academic institutions, to drive innovation in sustainable packaging.
By combining research, development, and practical application, ACMA increasingly emphasizes its continuous improvement and proactive stance in addressing the environmental challenges of the modern world.
A century of success and forward vision
As ACMA celebrates its centennial, it looks back on a century filled with achievements and looks forward to a future filled with potential. The company's unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence will undoubtedly guide it through the challenges and opportunities of the next 100 years. As ACMA continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in packaging technology, it remains a beacon of industry leadership and a symbol of the enduring power of vision and resilience.
Do you want to discover more about ACMA and how we can support your business? Contact us!