After achieving 50 years in business in 2023, Omag has now reached an annual growth rate of approximately 20% per year, recording  over 150 employees and revenues in the order of €25 million . After a change in the corporate structure that took place in the early 2000s, the company is now owned by a group of shareholders that operate as a board and include Davide Santi  -who has always combined management with machine design, Roberto Filuppucci   who focuses on IT, automation, and software development, and Giovanni Nocita - who handles sales and marketing. Mr Nocita was the board member that talked to us about the company's planned presence at Pharmintech 2025, at which Omag will be exhibiting with a stand of over 100 m², and its co-presence at Ipack Ima.

“Omag designs everything in house” Mr Nocita began, “with over 150 employees working to build the majority of the components in its own facilities, some on a rotating schedule. The company also has an extensive test area, a laboratory equipped with pilot machines available at all times, an engineering department, and an automation department employing   35 mechanical and electronic engineers. The customer service is another area we are constantly enhancing through continuous investments and commitment to providing customers with immediate answers and responses and coordinating the other departments involved."

Omag ready to exhibit technology for all segments

Regarding the Pharmintech 2025 focus, Eng. Nocita explains: “As in the previous edition, we will be exhibiting at both Pharmintech and Ipack Ima.  At Pharmintech, our stand will feature both stick pack technology, the vertical four-seal pouch machine, and the intermittent plate sealing machines. Both solutions can be equipped with any type of metering system, for powders, granules, liquids, pastes, or individual items. Greater configuration flexibility is also offered, with special metered dispenses for pharmaceutical ingredients. As for the new line dedicated to secondary packaging, we plan to showcase an end-of-line solution for either top-loading or pre-glued packs."

Growing in Italy and abroad

Moving on to examine the increasingly fast-changing markets, Omag records its highest revenues from the pharmaceuticals industry, which accounts for 60% of turnover, while the remaining 40% is divided between food, chemicals, and cosmetics. On this note, Mr Nocita continued: “Of that over 60% - which comprises pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals - 20% of the revenues come from Italy, making the domestic market a significant area and focal point for us. The American market also forms a significant part of this segment and is a challenging market distinguished by high numbers that bring great satisfaction. Last but  by no means least in this segment is Europe. In general, these markets are stable and the trends always positive, although we can expect to see new developments emerging from the overall growth of the African market and a decline from the Asian markets. Overall, Omag invoices 80% abroad and 20% in Italy, where we can use the production site and its facilities to showcase our work. Tours of the company, lines that are operational at customers' premises, and a modern, growing factory all help to convey to both Italian and international visitors the value of their investment."

The innovative plant we are constantly expanding

Omag's production space, its pride and joy, is scheduled for further improvements during 2024. “The refurbishment  of an even larger test area is planned for this year” continued Mr Nocita “The extensive area in question will feature controlled temperature and humidity for pharmaceutical simulations, tests, and trials  and will be accompanied by an extension of the existing office space to accommodate the now over 150 employees.”

The technologies offered for primary and secondary packaging

“Omag can now meet today's extensive demand for single-dose sachets” continued Mr Nocita “and we are the only company that covers the entire range of offerings for  single-dose packaging, including continuous motion vertical machines with roller sealing technology or intermittent plate sealing machines. We also offer stick-pack machines, horizontal machines for doypacks -  or standup pouches  -  and various  kinds of end-of-line robotic counting and matching systems. We build, design, assemble, and supply machines for primary and secondary packaging. Not only that, we have had our own line of form-fill-seal  machines for secondary packaging in our catalogue for two or three years now, without this interfering with existing relationships with famous brands we have partnered for over 20 years in order to supply complete systems. The first product in the new line was the top-loading form-fill-seal machine, i.e. a forming machine that works starting from a flat die-cut carton, which is then formed, filled and sealed.. Another new entry for 2024 is our in-house horizontal form-fill-seal machine  for pre-glued packs. With our range complete, Omag is now  the ideal partner for customers in the pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, food, and chemical industry looking for a  manufacturer that can design and produce complete lines for them .”

Customer-centred digitalisation and service

Moving on to digitalisation and service, let's take a look at My-O, the solution created to accompany customers every step of the way, from design to after-sales.

“Last year we launched My-O” commented Mr Nocita “a portal that allows customers to access a private area in which they monitor their machines; the portal even offers 3D browsing and allows users to choose each individual component, add them to their basket and then place the order, as well as to access their paperwork. A direct chat feature lets customers manage emergencies and spare parts and check the maintenance schedules for each machine. With this system, Omag can monitor each step, carrying out check-ups that include a complete analysis of each machine. Customers can also activate a remote control mode in which our experts can observe the machine's behaviour, identify critical issues, and work through any problems. For Omag, customer service is now an indispensable part of our range of offerings and through this customer-oriented approach, we are able to keep on working on innovation, development, and investments.