Interview with Enric Vila, CEO of Marchesini Group Ibérica
Marchesini Group, a multinational company of Italian origin dedicated to the manufacture and design of machinery for the packaging of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, has been operating in Spain since 1975, with headquarters in Barcelona. Today, the group is a leader in the packaging sector in several countries, offering customized solutions including packaging machines, complete production lines and quality inspection systems. In 2026, the company will once again be a Global Partner of Expoquimia, with the aim of contributing to the promotion of the fair’s new approach, focused on sustainability and innovation.
What are the main strategic pillars of Marchesini Group Ibérica and how do they align with the group’s global vision?
The first is customer proximity. We have offices in Barcelona and Madrid, and we offer technical and commercial support throughout the territory. Our second pillar is that of sectoral specialisation, as we have solutions adapted to the needs of the pharmaceutical and cosmetics market. The wide range of types of machinery adapted to each pharmaceutical development process allows us to provide a solution from start to finish. Finally, we work to deliver sustainable innovation, with the manufacture of machinery ready to work with recyclable materials and digital technologies.
All this is encompassed in the group’s vision “Inspired by the extraordinary”, committed to excellence, sustainability and innovation.
What differential value does Marchesini Group offer compared to other companies in the packaging sector for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors?
Our key and differential value is that of the provision of integrated solutions: our portfolio ranges from galenic formulation with Dumek or Dott machines. Bonapace to the final packaging.
Modularity and customization is also a hallmark of our group, providing lines adaptable to the required format, production volume or regulations.
Finally, advanced digitalisation is another of our distinctive features, with the integration of vision, traceability and industrial connectivity systems.
What are the keys to having managed to position yourself as leaders in packaging in Spain and in other countries?
A consolidated local presence is undoubtedly essential to hold a leadership position. Marchesini Group has been in Spain since 1975, providing solutions to the needs of our customers.
At the group level, the company has an international network of more than 3,000 employees and exports 90% of its machinery production.
And although it may seem like a cliché, Made in Italy quality still prevails as a standard to follow, which carries a lot of weight among our customers.
Sustainability is a growing priority across all sectors. What specific initiatives is Marchesini Group Ibérica carrying out in terms of industrial sustainability?
The entire Marchesini group has been implementing a series of initiatives in recent years that have led us to achieve ISO 5001 certification in energy management; the adaptation of our machines for the use of recyclable mono-material materials in our packaging lines.
On the other hand, events such as BE Sustainable Week, where we have presented our customers with solutions such as 100% mono PET or R-PET packaging, demonstrate our commitment to sustainability.
What are the most disruptive technologies or innovations that you are currently developing or adopting?
Marchesini Group is already applying Artificial Intelligence and augmented reality to improve operational efficiency and product quality. Through Predictive Maintenance with AI (Morpheus system), critical parameters are monitored, anomalies are detected and machine configuration is optimized using intelligent algorithms. Also the assisted format change by augmented reality, which allows operators to make visually guided adjustments, reducing errors and intervention times.
We work with high-speed inspection systems, such as the LT-S model, which uses HVLD technology to detect leaks in single-dose containers. Or the integration with SEA Vision software, which allows digital traceability in accordance with FMD and DSCSA regulations.
How important is the Spanish and Portuguese markets for the group and what are the specific challenges they face in this region?
Spain is a strategic hub for Marchesini Group, and has been present in its market since 1975. It is key due to its strong pharmaceutical and cosmetic industrial presence, with leading companies in production and export. In addition, it has an advanced technical and logistical infrastructure, which allows a rapid implementation of machinery. Therefore, it is the protagonist of a growing demand for sustainable and digitalized solutions, items fully aligned with the group’s strategy.
In Portugal there is a presence of Marchesini Group through one of our agents there who represents the company’s lines of action adapted to its market.
Our challenges in the region are to continue with our work to be up to date in compliance and adaptation to local and international manufacturing regulations, to continue with our work of training operators in advanced machinery, through on-site training with our after-sales technicians available to cover these needs. And, of course, to continue with our path towards sustainability and recyclable packaging and eco-efficient machinery.
What would you say is the biggest challenge – and also the biggest opportunity – that you have ahead of you as a company in the coming years?
Challenges and opportunities always go hand in hand and at Marchesini Group we are committed to a more efficient and respectful environment in its production systems with the environment, quality and digitalisation.
What does it mean for Marchesini Group to be a Global Partner of Expoquimia? What expectations do you have for your participation in the 2026 edition?
It implies being an authoritative speaker of the sector’s proposals, while leading the sectoral dialogue, and being a showcase for cutting-edge technologies in the sector.
Marchesini Group Ibérica’s expectations for this participation are to be the driving force behind Expoquimia’s new approach focused on sustainability and innovation. We will do our bit to generate high-level networking with manufacturers and customers. We will also be a visible point of key trends in the sector such as sustainability or digitalisation and, above all, we will be a showcase for real solutions to the challenges of efficiency, traceability and regulatory compliance.
A few months before the celebration of Expoquimia, are you already preparing the novelties that you will present? If so, can you tell us in broad strokes what they will consist of?
We are currently working on it, and although I cannot give details, or specific machine models, the objective of presenting machinery for flexible and galenic production, with solutions based on artificial intelligence and connectivity, will be met. In any case, these machines will be framed in the Pharma Process environment, which is the objective of our presence at this fair.
What can visiting the fair bring to companies in the sector?
Expoquimia 2026 represents a unique opportunity for companies in the pharmaceutical sector to connect with innovation, anticipate trends and build alliances. We are talking about a transversal platform that brings together the entire value chain: from the galenic laboratory to industrial production.
