OCCHIOBELLO (Rovigo) – Entering the IMF plant in Occhiobello, in the province of Rovigo, means getting to know the heart of the Italian company, leader in the sector of roasting machines and coffee roasting plants, and participating in the celebration of its 30th anniversary. It means being part of an entrepreneurial project that is successful and continuously pushing forward.
The celebration that started with a star-studded dinner at the Hotel Ristorante I Portici (1 Star in the Michelin Guide Italy 2024) was an opportunity for everyone, Italians and foreigners alike – some from China, some from London, some from Switzerland, some from Saudi Arabia and Morocco, some from Taiwan and some from Germany – to explore the past, present and future of a sector that continues to be a driving force for made in Italy products.
All the protagonists who have made IMF the successful company it is today were present at the opening of the doors of the production facility
In front row, of course, Alessandro Garbin, partner and CEO (who started his experience at IMF in 2010) accompanied by Roberto Pedini, sales coordinator business development and Dr. Giorgio Maria Mosca, area sales manager of the brand.
IMF: a production that stands the test of time
And you can touch it with your own hands as you walk through the production plant, where everything seems ready to go into operation before the eyes of visitors. From the warehouse to the assembly hall, the production chain works under the eyes of the guests up to the point where the models are tested with the coffee.
With more industrial models (RM30, RM60, RM120, RM240 and RM480) and more artisanal ones (RM6 and RM15), the story of this company, which has grown and evolved over the past year, both in terms of turnover and product offerings (around 16 million as of January 2024), unfolds.
A 2024 that promises further developments, with the purchase of new production space, investment in human resources and corporate welfare with the clear objective in mind: to guarantee maximum customer service.
All this thanks to the strengths of the company in the province of Rovigo: state-of-the-art roasting machines, customisation of the equipment, management of the coffee process – in the same production plant, a Coffee Lab where all the senses can be trained and the raw material can be familiarised with – and support during and after sales.
All made possible by an efficient and professional team of employees who feel they belong to the constantly changing organism that is IMF.
From the production sites to the administrative offices where the percentage of women moves nimbly to support IMF, one breathes participation and involvement, perceived in the voices and testimonies of each member of this company.
Speaking of numbers
The growth since 1994 was commented on by Roberto Pedini, sales coordinator business development with these words ‘The last ten to twelve years have been the most the company has produced as exponential growth’, defining it as ‘almost an entrepreneurial miracle’.
From 2 people employed to 50, from 450 sqm to about 3,500 – which is still not enough, because the prospect is to further expand the space dedicated to production and on which 100 metres of photovoltaic panels have been installed, which today produce 33 kilowatts, a good starting point for moving towards ever greater energy sustainability – from 400 thousand euros in turnover to the 17 million planned for 2024.
From an all-Italian beginning to 60% results abroad, especially in Australia, China and USA
Going into the details of the machine inventory: about 18% of the revenue comes from the sale of small roasters (6-15 kilos), a figure that has seen an interesting development in recent years to the point that a special area has been created just for these models – a sign that the micro roasters are increasing – for a total of 35-40 units per year with the aim of reaching 50-55 shortly.
In these cases, said Vladimiro Boschi, IMF Management Control, the possibility of customising one’s own roaster is an ever increasing demand among customers. And of the classic finishes, colours – one of the most popular customisations – stand out.
IMF’s core business remains industrial machines (30-60-120 kilos) averaging 30-35 units per year, including at least 15 models of 240-480 kilos, often complemented by a complete line of silos, with the aim of further growth
And speaking of equipment, this covers about 30% of the results. Completing the picture is the part related to service and technical intervention: the goal, explains Roberto Pedini, is to expand the current percentage to around 12%, because customer services are as fundamental as the supply offer.
An aspect that can already be noticed during a visit to the company, inside the remote service room with 4 employees always available to provide guidance in the face of any problems reported by customers worldwide.
But the efficiency of the company is obviously and in particular through skilful personnel management, which, as Roberto Pedini specified, is ‘not control over the people, but over results’.
The whole team is close-knit and corporate welfare is at the forefront, as testified by the person who comes into contact with us on a daily basis, reinforcing the united spirit, Vladimiro Boschi: with the inclusion of bonuses, the canteen, safe environments and functional workflow.
And finally the part about certifications: from the ISO 9001 quality certification to the one that will be obtained by the end of the year concerning sustainability, 141001, IMF pays attention to all production processes, also having to deal with different markets each with its own export rules.
Technology and development
A department dedicated to the research and development of new solutions is currently doing research, responding more to requests submitted by customers themselves, who are aiming for integrated solutions: Vladimiro Boschi reveals that they are currently studying applications that will follow the development of the bean from the physic and chemical characteristic throughout the entire roasting phase.
IMF roasters roast the coffee by means of hot air, through convection method. They are characterised by an integrated emission abatement system in the machine itself and use only one burner: this guarantees energy savings.
And then there is Vortex, an IMF patent for mixing and complete control of the roasting air, air re-circulation system and management software for the entire roasting cycle.
The emotion of this first milestone achieved with determination and hard work was tangible during the open days – thanks to open hearts: IMF is there, but above all it intends to be there in the long term, proposing its identity in a competitive industry that always poses new challenges.
Which IMF is ready to tackle.
