100 years of innovation for packaging

ACMA was founded in July 1924. Now the company, which is known for developing and manufacturing automatic machines and systems for packaging consumer goods, is celebrating its 100th anniversary and can look back on a successful history.

Anonima Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche (ACMA), based in Bologna, which belongs to the Coesia Group is 100 years old. Since 1924, the company has specialised in Development and manufacture of automatic machines and systems specialises in the packaging of consumer goods.

ACMA was founded on 31 July 1924 with a capital of 350,000 lire and began its journey under the leadership of its first manager, Gaetano Barbieri. Since then, the company has set industry standards, specialising in the development and construction of automatic machines for the packaging of household and personal care products, confectionery and foodstuffs specialised. The company's first successes included the revolutionary powder packaging and dosing machines as well as innovative solutions for the packaging of sweets and chocolates.

The company was characterised by flourishing growth right from the start and was constantly incorporating new technologies and ideas into its range. In the 1920s, ACMA received numerous patents for its inventions, including a Powder dosing device and a rotary machine for printing and folding sheets. This determination enabled ACMA to survive the difficult period of the Second World War with perseverance and determination and to continue developing innovations despite the damage to the factories caused by the bombing.

In the years immediately after the Second World War, ACMA initiated a „spin-off“ process that was unique in the industrial landscape. For decades, the company's workshops and technical department were a cradle for great talent. It gave rise to visionary designers who, in the post-war period, launched numerous companies in the neighbourhood that are still flourishing today. After the death of Gaetano Barbieri in 1959, ACMA was taken over by Emhart A.G. and later became the property of Emhart Industries and later Barry-Wehmiller Companies Inc. In the year In 1986, the company became part of the later Coesia. Today, ACMA continues to be a reference in the packaging sector and enjoys a good reputation for innovation, reliability and the quality of its products and services.

The pursuit of technology is still anchored 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 for the production of mailing 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 Customised bags based on the product dimensions and with the print requested by the customer. Compared to the standard solutions on the market, less packaging material is used, which saves material and emphasises sustainability.

„ACMA Next“, a research and development laboratory within the company, was also recently inaugurated. Here, thanks to a Synergy between creativity and technological expertise ACMA Next explores new frontiers in packaging technologies to develop ever more sustainable and advanced products. ACMA Next goes beyond the concept of a laboratory: it is an incubator for ideas that transforms visions into tangible realities. The commitment in this case is also aimed at exceeding expectations and consistently placing innovation and responsibility at the centre of its work.

„This important anniversary is not only an opportunity to reflect on our journey from a small craft business to a company that is part of an international industrial group, but it is also a moment to take a look at the ACMA of the future, fuelled by continuous experimentation in research and development of cutting-edge technologies. As pioneers of Packaging Valley, we envision a future full of innovative and sustainable solutions, always alongside our customers.“

Daniele Ponzinibbi, CEO of ACMA

Source: ACMA