An “Ima e Sacmi” chocolate factory, jewels of the Bologna packaging valley: this is a novelty that the two companies intend to build in the municipality of Ozzano dell'Emilia, in the province of Bologna. Once built, it will be the first Italian production hub capable of providing complete, turnkey solutions for the processing and packaging of chocolate, a facility that will employ 400 people.
The idea, explains a note, came about following the partnership signed in 2011 between the two companies and which gave life to CMH, a hub for chocolate packaging. That was the first step in an industrial agreement destined to bear further fruit, including the planned new hub, made up of two production plants that will host the activities of Ima and Cm Fima by Ima and Sacmi (which is part of Cmh ).
The two factories will be characterized by "multi-storey buildings twinned in line" to house the management, the technical-commercial and administrative offices. Connecting the two blocks there will be a bridge to be used for staff services and a canteen, but also meeting rooms. The first of these blocks will be the headquarters of Cm Fima, while the second will host other businesses. The third, smaller block "will be reserved for the properties present in the sector, including the Municipality, due to building rights". Subsequent expansions are not excluded. The new settlement will serve to "create critical mass in terms of turnover and to innovate products and processes thanks to indispensable synergies".
“After three years of success achieved by the joint venture with Sacmi in the chocolate sector – says Alberto Vacchi, president of IMA – we have decided to create a large production facility together. It is a project that will further consolidate our alliance in view of future challenges". For Paolo Mongardi, president of the cooperative giant, Ima and Sacmi “represent manufacturing excellence in their respective business sectors and together, they can carry out new projects with consequent investments and jobs. The 'Packaging valley' has what it takes to compete with the most advanced international states because it has high professional skills in mechatronics thanks to the technical schools and the tradition of the companies present, including artisanal subcontracting”.
