IMA Automation restructures

IMA Automation, the IMA Group division that designs and manufactures plants and complete lines for micro- and macro-assembly, has launched a new hub that will bring together all the group’s companies operating in the field of industrial automation with a view to expanding its range of technological offerings.

The new hub will focus in particular on enhancing digital skills and technologies and will provide numerous short- and long-term benefits for the division. In terms of technology, it will result in a more transversal distribution of skills and know-how, diversify the range of solutions on offer and ensure shorter plant lead times. Broader integration with Ima’s established packaging expertise will also allow for synergies and expand the portfolio of highly customised technical solutions.

Cutting-edge technologies play a crucial role in this new development plan. Already today, robotic solutions are integrated into most production processes. Digital platforms and customised applications, products and services created as part of the Corporate IMA Digital project already make it possible to virtualise factories and plants, speeding up the design and implementation phases of the various solutions. Major investments have been made in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to ensure greater control over production than is currently possible, as well as more accurate product quality control and higher production efficiency.

As part of the IMA Group, IMA Automation can rely on a consolidated production and sales network that will give it a central role as the main contractor in the supply of complete turnkey installations, offering partners and customers global support, improved product engineering and even more advanced services in plant management and maintenance.

“The companies now making up the IMA Automation hub have developed high-level skills, establishing themselves as leaders in the field of specialised technology solutions,” explains Alberto Vacchi, Chairman and CEO of IMA S.p.A. “However, the emergence of new markets such as automotive and electric mobility has led us to reorganise all the Group’s automation and advanced assembly businesses under a single internal structure.”

“The new hub will serve as a channel for implementing two of the IMA Group’s major sustainability projects forming part of the IMA Zero programme,” adds Lorenzo Maldarelli, Director of the IMA AUTOMATION Division. “IMA Automation will focus its efforts on supporting IMA LOW-Impact, a programme devoted to reducing the energy consumption of machines and production processes, and IMA E-Mob, which promotes investment in the research and development of new solutions and technologies for sustainable mobility.”

The new IMA AUTOMATION hub now consists of nine production facilities located in Italy (Bologna, Florence, Alessandria and Vicenza), Switzerland, the USA, China and Malaysia. In particular, the IMA Group is investing in production capacity expansion in the field of e-mobility and electric motors. Two years ago it acquired ATOP, a leading manufacturer of machines and automatic lines for the production of wound stators and rotors based in Barberino Tavarnelle (FI). To increase its penetration of the electric motor market, the Group recently completed the acquisition of an 80% stake in FASP, a Vicenza-based company that develops lines for the production of electric motors with winding and insertion technology.

Ima Automation operates in the automotive, e-mobility, electric motor, medical device, eye care, caps & closures, electromechanical and watchmaking markets and produces around 300 lines a year, generating annual revenue of more than 220 million euros.