The event began at OCME's historic headquarters in Via del Popolo in Parma. This is where the Vice-President of the Emilia-Romagna Region (with responsibility for Economic Development and Green Economy, Energy, Vocational Training, University and Research) Vincenzo Colla, the Mayor of Parma Michele Guerra, the Mayor of Collecchio Maristella Galli, and the Collecchio Industry Councillor Roberto Dallavalle - together with other institutional representatives - took part in the presentation of the OCME 2 project and enjoyed a short tour of the company.
A highlight of the tour was a visit to the TechLab, a laboratory dedicated to product and process development, which houses a prototype of an advanced packaging machine developed with funding from Italian Regional Law 14, a project co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. It is an adaptive packaging machine capable of efficiently handling different formats and objects. It is a tangible example of technological innovation at the service of production flexibility, demonstrating OCME's commitment to offering cutting-edge solutions for the sector. This is an example of how public funding, through resourcefulness, can be transformed into the innovation needed to compete in world markets and into new jobs that will benefit the region.
Immediately afterwards, the group headed to the new production site, located on Strada Nazionale Est in Collecchio, where the ribbon-cutting ceremony took place, followed by a tour inside the plant. Covering an area of over 3,000 square metres, the new plant represents a decisive step in the company's growth. At the same time, it underlines how the industrialisation of the connection systems of the individual cells that make up the production line, has been enhanced within the OCME portfolio. This is an area in which OCME boasts global coverage among the key players in the Food & Beverage sector.
“This new plant - noted Vincenzo Colla - makes it possible to complete the internalisation of a product and create new jobs. An investment supported in part by the Region through Italian Law 14, which has provided important opportunities. I saw the pride taken in doing things well, where entrepreneurial experience developed over 70 years is combined with technological innovation. A company that invests in people and progress, able to stand out globally through unique, quality products”.
“Human intelligence has been able to transform the products from our region”, added the Mayor of Collecchio, Maristella Galli, proudly, “developing the technology to process and enhance them, making this territory one of the most productive areas in the country. Today we celebrate ingenuity, the ability to innovate, to create value and to approach the future with determination and competence”.
With this new technological development, Aetna Group is demonstrating that it wants to invest more and more in the territory, promoting a solid and deep-rooted business model, as explained by CEO Enrico Aureli: “This inauguration is not only a step forward for OCME, but also a powerful indication of our commitment to our country and region. With a turnover of 530 million euros and exports of 93%, the Aetna Group continues to invest in innovation and improved manufacturing processes. We never forget that our success is based on solid Italian foundations and we are also ready to look to the future with an international outlook”.
“We intend to invest in and attract talent from our region - added the CEO Valentina Aureli - as we consider the dimension of human resources to be strategic. Nowadays, young people can decide to embrace our industrial project by choosing to work in our Italian plants or even abroad, thanks to our international outlook and subsidiaries all over the world. Aetna Group currently employs more than 2,200 people, 524 of whom are in OCME. Our company has recorded significant growth over the years, with an increase of 150 people in 2024 (of which 55 are in the Parma hub) and the expectation of a further 100 new hires in 2025. These are positive signs that demonstrate the soundness of our growth and skills development path”.
With the new headquarters in Collecchio, OCME sought to send out a clear signal: growth and internationalisation are of vital importance and are founded precisely on the promotion of the territory and local talent. Innovation, international vision and above all a significant investment in people - starting with the valuable contribution of young people - represent the recipe for a successful Italian company, capable of being a leader in markets all over the world.
On this topic, the Mayor of Parma, Michele Guerra, concluded by emphasising how fundamental continuous cooperation between industry, institutes and universities is, a virtuous link of which OCME is a prime example.
Furthermore, he highlighted how this integrated approach is particularly attractive to young people, providing them with real opportunities for professional growth and fostering interest in high-tech and research sectors.
