TECNA People

Discover the complete interviews of:

• Alberto Galli, CEO of OMS Group
• Riccardo Galli, Innovation Manager Eurovetro
• Omer Saetti, Sales Manager Tecno Diamant
• Paolo Mongardi, Chairman of SACMI
• Maurizio Barbanti, Technical Director Poppi Clementino
• Marco Meggiorin, Sales Manager Italdiamant S.p.A.
• Lucie Roubalova (Weinfurterova), Direttore Vendite Diamorph HOB Certec
• Marco Bertolini, Commercial Director Air Power Group S.r.l.
• Mattia D'Agostini, Sales manager Se.te.c. srl
• Fabrizio Mazzoni, Sales Manager MIE Srl
• Gian Luca Zanoni, Ceo press Inter Ser
• Paolo Marcheluzzo, CEO Marcheluzzo Spa
• Mirco Corbelli, Sales Director LB Officine Meccaniche S.p.a 

1. What are the main market trends in terms of technology and which of these are you devoting most attention to?

Markets are increasingly demanding consultancy on plant design, high machine performance, superior post-sales support, and low purchase costs with an emphasis on reducing the operating one. OMS Group covers the entire end-of-line packaging process, from strapping heads to strapping machines and from hooding machines to wrapping machines. This comprehensive technological coverage, combined with over 70 years of experience, allow us to be flexible and responsive to the diverse needs of different markets while proposing solutions that reduce operating costs rely on sustainability. Our Group focus on all machines and markets, striving to optimize space requirements, reduce operating costs, and offer machines that can adapt to various products while maintaining high productivity.​

2. Which geographical area has been most active in recent months?

No geographical area is more active than another; dynamism characterizes all markets today, although it may be more noticeable in certain sectors and with specific machines. OMS Group, covering all sectors (ceramics, glass, paper, construction…) and the world with 12 subsidiaries, is highly competent and sensitive in addressing the specific needs of each country. The end-of-line packaging market is dynamic almost everywhere, so we haven't noticed significant variations in activity across different areas in recent months, despite the global contraction. Fortunately, packaging remains a very attractive market: more demanding but not too crowded.

3. What are your expectations forTecna 2024?

Our expectations for Tecna are always high, especially after the post-Covid recovery. Together with our subsidiary Marpak, we have been participating in the fair for years. The aim is to reach countries that are not always accessible, allowing people to see and touch our machines, including large formats dedicated to ceramics. Essentially, we want to emphasize that OMS Group is not only in the market but is also present with flexible and technologically advanced solutions. This year, we are bringing three different solutions dedicated to large-format slabs to demonstrate the high level of customization and the virtuous integration between different systems and machines that we can offer.​

1. What are the main market trends in terms of technology and which of these are you devoting most attention to?

The glass industry has long been committed to the ecological transition. Eurovetro specialises in the production of recycled glass, serving longstanding customers in the hollow and flat glass manufacturing sectors. These customers have been integrating significant quantities of recycled glass into their production processes since the post-World War II era. Furthermore, the glass packaging and container industry boasts a recycling rate consistently above 80%. This means that once recycled glass has been processed by companies such as Eurovetro, it becomes the most important raw material used in melting furnaces for new glass production. This practice effectively replaces the need for virgin raw materials such as sand, silica and carbonates.

We aim to replicate this successful model in the ceramic industry, expanding the field of application of techniques that are already adopted in the technical body and glaze sector. This will enable the ceramic industry to significantly increase the use of recycled raw materials in its processes, resulting in considerable CO₂ savings and improving the industry’s environmental impact.

The experience of the glass industry demonstrates that this goal is also perfectly achievable in the ceramic sector. The quality and consistency guaranteed by companies such as Eurovetro plays a crucial role in converting recycled urban waste into high-performance products, enabling the glass industry to achieve significant savings in energy consumption and reductions in CO₂ emissions.

As an example, we can consider the progress made in the industrial flat glass sector (glass sheets, windshields, glass for the building industry, etc.). In collaboration with Stazione Sperimentale del Vetro, Eurovetro conducted a feasibility study for the production of a special type of glass sand from processed sheet glass. This glass sand has characteristics that allow it to be fully and safely recycled, not just in the traditional flat and hollow glass sectors but also in the ceramic industry for the production of ceramic body and glazes. For this purpose, Eurovetro built an innovative plant devoted entirely to this product called Isomix®, which is covered by a European trademark and is already achieving significant results in the ceramic sector. 

2. Which geographical area has been most active in recent months?

Our recycled products are mainly used for glass and ceramic applications in the Italian market.

As for sourcing, Eurovetro is able to recycle and process glass originating from anywhere in Italy or beyond. Alongside traditionally dynamic regions like Lombardy and Triveneto, we have observed a high level of dynamism in areas such as Emilia-Romagna and the Marche. There’s also a lot of momentum in southern regions including Puglia, Campania, Sicily and Sardinia.

3. What are your expectations forTecna 2024?

Eurovetro has traditionally focused on recycling within the sectors of packaging, containers and more recently flat glass. However, our investments in research and technology have enabled us to expand into new areas, including the production of raw materials for construction and specifically ceramics. The chemical and physical properties of glass, when ground to specific particle sizes, make this material ideally suited for use in ceramic compounds and mixtures, as well as in glaze applications. Importantly, our advanced industrial processes guarantee precise colour separation. Eurovetro has already embarked on major collaborations, which we aim to further strengthen and expand in the near future. Our participation in Tecna marks a critical step forward, serving not just as a showcase for our activities but also as an opportunity to build new operational relationships.

1. What are the main market trends in terms of technology and which of these are you devoting most attention to?

Tecno Diamant has always moved with the times by embracing innovation and technology while also adapting to market trends and needs. This year more than ever, we are investing significantly in projects focused on the production of large slabs and large format tiles and on lapping. At the same time, environmental sustainability has become a vitally important value for our company. We will be showcasing the results of these innovations and much more at the exhibition.

2. Which geographical area has been most active in recent months?

Despite the political, social and economic uncertainties of recent times, Tecno Diamant has maintained its global sales presence. We have active markets across North and South America, Turkey, Algeria and Europe. Our products are in particularly strong demand in Southeast Asia, especially in India, Bangladesh and Vietnam, as well as in Europe where Spain and Italy have seen a strong recovery. Italy in particular continues to lead global markets thanks to the adoption of new technologies.

3. What are your expectations forTecna 2024?

We have always taken part in Tecna because it is a very important event, especially in our sector. Over the years, Tecno Diamant has invested significant economic and professional resources in the show, and this year we again plan to unveil new products and ideas. We aim to be a benchmark in our industry and expect to see large numbers of visitors from all over the world, especially from Southeast Asia.

One of our main objectives at the show is to meet new customers and forge new professional relationships. We aim to continue to grow and to meet or even exceed our customers’ expectations.

1. What are the main market trends in terms of technology and which of these are you devoting most attention to?

In line with the principal market trends of digitalisation and sustainability, SACMI is extending its focus to include Industry 5.0.

An example of this is the technologies required for the use of artificial intelligence, such as the new vision systems we are developing under the Italvision brand. These systems act as plant checkpoints that provide real-time data and analysis for each individual process, thereby ensuring maximum product quality and minimal waste.

After presenting the world’s first tile fired in a 100% hydrogen-powered kiln in 2023, we will be introducing a number of other sustainability-related technologies this year.

Another strategic area is the end-of-line stage, where we will be showcasing further new advanced finishing solutions from BMR, as well as the new SacmiCassioli Intralogistics proposal for automating plant intralogistics, covering everything from handling to software management.

2. Which geographical area has been most active in recent months?

Our customers around the world are constantly seeking quality, reliability and efficiency. SACMI is committed to aligning its value proposition with these demands, catering for a global clientele in search of innovation.

3. What are your expectations forTecna 2024?

Our primary aim is to listen. While showcasing our innovative technologies, our main focus will be on seizing new opportunities to connect with customers, to understand their needs and propose solutions. 

1. What are the main market trends in terms of technology and which of these are you devoting most attention to?

The ceramic industry is becoming increasingly attentive to sustainability due to both stricter legislation and the clear economic benefits of reducing the environmental impact of production facilities. This in turn is pushing up demand for our solutions, with numbers of orders divided fairly evenly between filtration, energy recovery and cogeneration systems.

2. Which geographical area has been most active in recent months?

The ceramic market is experiencing a generalised slowdown. Our global presence across major production areas has allowed us to observe that customers are becoming more cautious in their investment decisions, largely due to concerns about the international geopolitical climate. But despite these challenging conditions, our company continues to achieve its strategic goals, buoyed by the positive response from Asian markets.

3. What are your expectations forTecna 2024?

Tecna is one of the most important global events for Poppi Clementino. Our primary aim at the show is to strengthen our market position as a supplier of complete systems for filtration, energy recovery and cogeneration within the ceramic industry. The event is also an opportunity to present our company’s latest innovations and patents to our existing and prospective customers with the aim of distinguishing ourselves among the leading global players in the field of sustainability.

1. What are the main market trends in terms of technology and which of these are you devoting most attention to?

Italdiamant S.p.A.’s range of new diamond tools cater to the fast-growing large-format porcelain slab machining sector.

We are focusing in particular on the following trends:

1. Higher productivity

This is always an important factor. However, while many solutions offer high-speed processing, they often risk compromising the quality of the finish.
With this in mind, we developed the EvoGres series of tools specifically for the ceramic industry to ensure an unprecedented level of quality.

2. Safety and sustainability

We are seeing growing demand for products that not only deliver superior performance but are also produced sustainably.
At the heart of our product development process is a deep commitment to human safety and protection of the environment. We use sustainable materials and adopt eco-friendly production practices. But most importantly of all, we can demonstrate that Italdiamant products are free from substances of very high concern (SVHCs), such as nickel, and we avoid the use of copper.

3. Artificial Intelligence

AI and machine learning algorithms are becoming increasingly widely adopted, helping us to automate and monitor our production processes.

2. Which geographical area has been most active in recent months?

Alongside the slowdown in Europe and steady activity in North America, we have seen a recovery in Asia and renewed interest in Africa in recent months.

3. What are your expectations forTecna 2024?

With our durable, high-quality tools, we aim to position ourselves in the Italian market as a new alternative to existing products. Tecna is an important showcase that will help us achieve this goal. 

1. What are the main market trends in terms of technology and which of these are you devoting most attention to?

For us as a producer of ceramic rollers for the kilns, the most important part of the technology is related to the development of kilns as a part of machinery and to the development of tiles as a final product which is produced and fired in the kilns. The kilns are getting larger and longer, more efficient, so we have to develop the product which will be suitable and able to face the new conditions, as f.e. higher Modulus of elasticity.  In case of tiles, we have to follow up the trend of sizes f.e large slabs, thickness from 6 mm to 20 mm usually with the attention to the dimensional tollerances of our rollers. 
 

2. Which geographical area has been most active in recent months?

Recently there was a huge increase in Middle East area, South America, Mexico and Spain, but now we can feel already a certain slowdown of these areas as well, after the European ceramic markets drop down. 

3. What are your expectations forTecna 2024?

We expect and hope for a slight recover of ceramic industry in last quarter of 2024, huge presence of our clients in exhibition and lot of useful information regarding the current states of markets.

We are keen to see the progress of the technology for ceramics, mainly in the firing process, in order to be able to react and develop the most suitable products for upcoming trends. 

1. What are the main market trends in terms of technology and which of these are you devoting most attention to?

Big slabs continue to represent for Air Power Group an important macro-trend both in the domestic and foreign market.

In fact, sales resulting from the large-format glazing line, which includes transport, accessories and application, have had a strongly positive impact on turnover.

The machinery E-PIC GLAZE is the latest sustainable technology in digital glazing by the Air Power Group. E-PIC GLAZE specialises in full-field glazing: it allows the application of a wide range of product weights on all types of ceramic surfaces. The final application is uniform on smooth and textured surfaces, enhancing the definition of the digital decoration and guaranteeing a product with an excellent aesthetic finishing.

2. Which geographical area has been most active in recent months?

This year we expect the EMEA region to make a significant sales performance for the company.

3. What are your expectations forTecna 2024?

TECNA remains one of the most important trade fairs in the industry, characterised by the presence of customers from five continents.

Everyone brings with them questions, advice and sometimes future solutions.

Expectations are very high for this edition as well.

1. What are the main market trends in terms of technology and which of these are you devoting most attention to?

The majority of requests for innovation in the sanitaryware sector concern energy-intensive machines such as kilns and dryers due to the urgent need to reduce gas consumption. This trend is largely driven by rising energy costs and a growing global awareness of emissions-related issues, making energy efficiency a major concern across Europe and beyond. In response, we have worked hard to reduce the consumption of our kilns and above all have developed new dryers (for both sanitaryware and moulds) with the lowest levels of energy consumption on the market. In the tableware sector, we are seeing a strong shift towards automation in both moulding and glazing processes.

2. Which geographical area has been most active in recent months?

The market trends across different geographical areas are also changing rapidly, fuelled by the economic and political instability in certain regions. We have noted a resurgence in Europe and hope that the coming years will bring a significant recovery for the ceramic sector on our continent.

3. What are your expectations forTecna 2024?

Although fewer investments are anticipated for 2024 than in the previous two years, we believe that Tecna can offer an important opportunity to revive the European market and, of course, to maintain solid relationships with manufacturers on other continents. 

1. What are the main market trends in terms of technology and which of these are you devoting most attention to?

Two years ago, Minerali Industriali Engineering acquired Manfredini and Schianchi, a company with 60 years of experience in the field of milling technology.

The combination of the two companies’ technologies enables MIE to offer processes for soft and hard raw materials.

With a well-equipped laboratory and a group-owned pilot plant, we are able to analyse and process our customers’ non-hazardous minerals to determine whether they can be enhanced using our product enrichment processes.

The biggest demand for our technologies comes from the glass, calcium carbonate, engineered stone and sanitaryware sectors. We also aim to extend our field of operations to the ceramic industry, where we can supply sustainable dry milling processes.

Looking ahead, we anticipate growth in demand for green technologies, which is why we’ve developed REC solutions designed for transforming waste into raw materials:

• REC TILES for the ceramic tile sector
• REC PITCHER for the sanitaryware sector
• REC MUD for the engineered stone sector
• REC GREEN BODY for the large ceramic slab sector
• REC GLASS for the glass sector

2. Which geographical area has been most active in recent months?

That’s a good question. I wouldn’t say there are any particularly active areas at the present time, but if I had to indicae a few I’d say Eastern Europe (Kazakhstan), Egypt and India. We have just installed and tested plants in these countries.

3. What are your expectations forTecna 2024?

We intend to evaluate our various sectors of operation to determine whether they are growing or contracting. This will enable us to decide where and what action we need to take in order to ensure a solid future for our company.

1. What are the main market trends in terms of technology and which of these are you devoting most attention to?

The market is constantly in search of solutions capable of cutting production costs while improving quality and productivity.
The most significant trend continues to be digitalisation and the integration of digital technology into production processes.
This is because digital technology allows for greater control over the production process and consequently improved efficiency and operator performance, in turn resulting in lower production costs.
Another important fact is that more efficient production equates with a lower environmental impact, an aspect that is now crucial for all players in the supply chain.

In recent years, INTER SER has developed a business line devoted specifically to identifying, evaluating and selecting the most promising technologies developed by small and medium-sized companies in the Sassuolo ceramic cluster.

These companies have a high level of expertise but prefer to focus on product innovation rather than investing in a sales force to market their products abroad. By leveraging its market knowledge, INTER SER has developed an approach that allows it to develop successful synergies for all players involved and often results in dedicated partnerships.

INTER SER looks after all aspects of marketing, allowing companies specialising in innovation to focus on developing new solutions. We provide constant feedback from our discussions with leading players in the industry, who are delighted to have access to more effective solutions than those of the major suppliers.

To give you an idea of the scale and depth of this process, each year we meet with around 30 companies in the Sassuolo cluster and organise as many as 100 presentations and follow-up meetings. This enables us to select 5 or 6 significant innovations for the industry, which we then present to over 300 customers in all the countries in which we operate.

2. Which geographical area has been most active in recent months?

After displaying a remarkable level of dynamism for almost three years, almost all global markets have experienced a significant deceleration in recent months, with the exception of a few specific areas.

This slowdown is reflected in capacity saturation rate, which has dropped from an average of 90-95% to around half of that figure.

Although this trend reversal has been quite significant, we had been anticipating a period of slowdown and I believe we will see a market recovery as early as mid-2024.

3. What are your expectations forTecna 2024?

We have high expectations for Tecna 2024 and are working hard to prepare for the event. It is the most important exhibition in the sector, attracting visitors from all over the world and involving the participation of world-leading companies from the Sassuolo ceramic cluster.

We will be present at the event to promote our approach centred on the tireless pursuit of innovation, which involves embracing new developments, fostering collaboration and sharing best practices.

1. What are the main market trends in terms of technology and which of these are you devoting most attention to?

We are seeing an overall upward trend compared to last year. The majority of requests we receive are from companies looking to upgrade specific areas of their plants that are currently less advanced than those of their competitors. These requests typically revolve around energy efficiency or expanding the range of products that can be manufactured on existing production lines.

Our R&D department is working constantly to develop innovative solutions that meet all of our customers’ demands. This involves particular attention to energy saving, where drying and firing are the most critical processes. We are currently exploring new drying processes that reduce drying times and consequently energy requirements. 

2. Which geographical area has been most active in recent months?

As real estate growth in Central Europe experiences a slowdown, Eastern Europe is striving to become self-sufficient in terms of building materials and is undertaking projects of various sizes and types.

South America continues to be one of our most important markets and we have several ongoing projects in the region.

We are also devoting special attention to Southeast Asia, where there is emerging demand for clay roof tiles in the housing sector.

3. What are your expectations forTecna 2024?

Our expectations are the same as ever: to strengthen ties with existing customers and to seek new partnerships with potential future customers. For this purpose, we offer our services backed by the experience we’ve gained over more than 50 years in the industry, during which time we have consistently met our customers’ needs.

1. What are the main market trends in terms of technology and which of these are you devoting most attention to?

We have seen that our customers are mainly focused on two issues:

Sustainability, an area in which LB remains committed to research and development and is continuing to promote HYBRID technology for porcelain body production based on dry milling and micro-granulation. This new technology revolutionises the traditional concept of dry milling and produces a granulate that is very similar or even identical to the product normally used in the forming process.

It reduces the consumption of natural gas for heat generation by about 60% and eliminates the use of water during the milling process. Although water consumption is not a major economic factor for companies, it does have a significant impact on the environment, which today more than ever needs to be protected.

Through-body aesthetic effects, which add value to finished products. For this purpose, LB is offering its new NATURAE Kit for handling, mixing and depositing spray-dried powders, special materials and flakes for the production of slabs with through-body effects. The kit works in conjunction with the tried and tested FREESTILE dry colouring technology. This solution is capable of creating controlled or random just-in-time shades and effects, resulting in unique and highly textured tiles that are clearly differentiated from those produced using other technologies. Finally, the new LB MY PLUS management software allows for rapid and controlled creation of product recipes from digital graphics or, if preferred, free creations

2. Which geographical area has been most active in recent months?

Global markets are seeing a fairly marked and widespread contraction without any geographical area being more active than the others. Nonetheless, we have observed widespread interest across a number of market areas – and amongst some customers in particular – in investing in both new and established technologies that bring added value to finished products.

3. What are your expectations forTecna 2024?

We are expecting to see similar numbers of visitors to Tecna 2022, which for LB was one of the most successful editions of the show in recent years. This level of attendance would be a positive sign for the industry as a whole and confirm that LB has been following the right development trajectory in recent years.