Since its establishment in 1991, Marfin Srl has emerged as a leader in the industrial packaging sector, renowned for its innovative solutions, advanced technologies, and commitment to sustainability. Starting with technical support for strapping devices in the ceramics industry, the company has grown to design and manufacture innovative strapping machines, hooders, and shrink ovens.
In this exclusive interview, conducted with the company’s leadership team – Mr. Pietro Zini, CEO, and Mr. Massimiliano Sghedoni, – they share valuable insights into the company’s history, values, and vision for the future. We delve into Marfin Srl’s evolution, its innovative approach to Industry 4.0, strategies driving international growth, and dedication to environmental sustainability. Join us as we explore the story of Marfin Srl and its pivotal role in shaping the future of industrial packaging.
What have been the key moments in the development of Marfin Srl since its founding in 1991?
The key milestones in the development of Marfin Srl since its founding in 1991 include its initial focus on technical support for strapping devices in the ceramics industry. Over the years, Marfin expanded its range of services, going beyond initial technical support, and eventually evolved into a company specializing in the design and production of innovative strapping machines, hooders, and shrink ovens. This transformation marked a qualitative leap that established the company as a reference point in the end-of-line packaging sector.
What values and goals have guided the company since its inception, and how have they evolved over time?
From the beginning, the core values guiding us have been technological innovation, product quality, and customer-centricity. Our initial goal was to design reliable and innovative packaging machinery to help companies optimize their production processes and reduce waste. Over time, we have continued to innovate, introducing advanced technologies to meet new market demands, such as the increasing focus on sustainability and automation. Today, we aim to be strategic partners for our clients, offering customized solutions that enhance productivity while reducing environmental impact.
How would you describe Marfin’s current mission and vision?
Marfin’s mission is to offer state-of-the-art industrial packaging solutions that balance technological innovation and environmental sustainability. The company is committed to meeting and exceeding customer expectations not only in Italy but globally by providing high-quality machinery and services that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in industrial processes. Our vision is to become an international reference partner for innovative and sustainable solutions in the industrial packaging sector, contributing to high standards of excellence while promoting technological progress and sustainable practices to address global challenges.
What led Marfin to focus on end-of-line packaging solutions?
Marfin chose to focus on end-of-line packaging solutions in response to the growing demand for reliable and innovative solutions in this sector. After achieving significant success in the Italian market, designing and installing advanced solutions for the ceramics industry and other sectors, the company expanded its reach to the international market. This development led Marfin to concentrate on strategic sectors such as brick manufacturing and food & beverage, where end-of-line packaging is a crucial phase. With installations worldwide, Marfin has consolidated its reputation by providing solutions tailored to specific customer needs, ensuring reliability and high quality in every project.
How has your offering evolved from the ceramics sector to include industrial packaging machines such as strapping and hooding machines?
Our company initially specialized in designing and manufacturing machinery for the ceramics sector, addressing the needs of a growing market with high standards for precision and reliability. From the early years, we focused on technological innovation, developing solutions to improve production efficiency and product quality. Over time, we realized that many of the skills and technologies developed for the ceramics sector could be successfully applied to other industries. This prompted us to diversify our offering, expanding into the industrial packaging sector. Specifically, we began designing strapping and hooding machines—essential tools to ensure the safety and stability of loads during transport and storage. This evolution was driven by our desire to meet the needs of clients across increasingly diverse industries while maintaining our values of innovation, quality, and sustainability.
How do you address specific customer requests in designing customized solutions? Can you provide an example of a significant project?
We address specific customer requests through a comprehensive approach based on the full customization of our products and services. Every machine is designed and built in close collaboration with the customer, ensuring solutions perfectly match their specific needs. One significant example involves a ceramic client who required a solution to protect tiles during the packaging process. To meet this need, we integrated an anthropomorphic robot directly into the production line—a rare configuration, as such robots are typically positioned outside the process. The robot was designed to cover the load both laterally and from above, ensuring optimal protection of the tiles during handling and transport.
What advanced technologies integrated into your machines enable you to meet the needs of an ever-evolving market?
To meet the demands of a constantly evolving market, we have integrated cutting-edge technologies into our machines, enabling us to provide solutions that are increasingly efficient, reliable, and sustainable. Among the key innovations are advanced automation systems, such as intelligent sensors. These systems allow our machines to continuously monitor performance, detect anomalies, and optimize processes in real-time, ensuring maximum operational efficiency and minimizing downtime.
Are you developing solutions related to digitalization or automation in the context of Industry 4.0?
Absolutely. Our company is actively developing solutions related to digitalization and automation for our machines, in line with the principles of Industry 4.0. We are integrating advanced technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), remote monitoring systems, and real-time data analysis to optimize performance, improve efficiency, and reduce downtime. Additionally, we aim to offer scalable and customizable solutions that allow our clients to maximize the benefits of digital transformation.
How do you ensure the quality of your products throughout all stages, from design to production?
Ensuring the quality of our products throughout all stages—from design to production—is a top priority for our company. We have implemented a rigorous and structured quality management system based on established procedures and advanced tools. Quality begins in the design phase, where we use simulation and 3D modeling software to optimize every component before production. This initiative-taking approach allows us to identify and resolve potential issues early, minimizing the risk of errors.
What strategies have you adopted to expand your presence in international markets, such as the brick and food & beverage sectors?
To expand our presence in international markets, including strategic sectors like bricks and food & beverage, we have adopted targeted strategies. These include developing industry-specific solutions and building a strong network of distributors and local partners in key international markets.
What benefits have you gained from participating in industry events such as Tecna?
Participation in events such as Tecna has proven to be an invaluable opportunity for our company, contributing to our growth and strengthening our position on the global stage. These events allow us to showcase our latest technologies to a diverse audience while connecting with key partners and clients from around the world. Furthermore, industry events provide a platform for exchanging insights with leading players and gaining a deeper understanding of emerging market trends. This knowledge enables us to continuously refine our solutions and remain at the forefront of the industrial packaging sector.
Could you tell us about your collaboration with Keeltek Engineering Solutions and the Kor project? What benefits has this partnership brought?
The partnership between Marfin and Keeltek Engineering Solutions is a significant strategic collaboration that led to the development of Kor, an innovative solution designed to reinforce ceramic slabs.
What initiatives have you undertaken to promote sustainability in your production processes?
Sustainability is a fundamental pillar of our corporate strategy. One concrete example of our commitment is the Kor line, which incorporates advanced technologies designed to significantly reduce environmental impact.
How do you build long-term relationships with your clients and ensure their satisfaction?
Marfin stands out for its commitment to building long-lasting relationships with clients by supporting their success and continuously improving our products and services. Our approach focuses on deeply understanding each client’s unique needs and offering tailored solutions that deliver tangible benefits to their operations. By maintaining regular communication, providing prompt technical support, and offering operator training programs, we foster mutual trust and ensure clients can rely on us at every stage of the collaboration. This dedication has allowed us to develop a strong, loyal customer base worldwide.
What after-sales services do you offer to support clients and ensure optimal machine performance?
We offer comprehensive after-sales services tailored to industrial packaging machinery to ensure their optimal performance throughout the lifecycle. Our services include regular maintenance inspections, emergency repair support, and the supply of original spare parts, guaranteeing durability and reliability. Additionally, our team provides remote monitoring and performance analysis services, enabling clients to quickly identify and address potential issues while optimizing production processes. By offering proactive support, we help our clients achieve maximum efficiency and minimize downtime.
What are Marfin’s main objectives for the coming years, and in which markets do you see the greatest growth opportunities?
Our goal is to further enhance the technology behind our machinery while integrating innovative and alternative solutions to meet evolving market demands. We plan to develop advanced automation and digitalization systems to align with the requirements of Industry 4.0 and ensure our clients benefit from improved efficiency and performance.