In this interview, FIMIC CEO Erica Canaia introduces Luna Artico, the new Sales Manager for Nordson products in Italy
FIMIC Srl, a leading provider of state-of-the-art melt filtration technology, became the exclusive agent for Nordson BKG® products in Italy last January.
The partnership combines Nordson BKG’s globally recognised portfolio of high-performance melt pumps, screen changers and pelletising systems with FIMIC’s extensive knowledge of melt filtration processes, which also boasts an established sales and service network in Italy. This powerful combination is poised to provide unparalleled technical support, streamlined sales channels and innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of Italian processors, and will enable Nordson BKG to reach a wider customer base through a high level of service.
In May, a strengthening of this strategic partnership was announced, with the aim of accelerating innovation in order to meet the evolving challenges in the plastics industry. In October, Nordson BKG and FIMIC will jointly present details of the new developments at the K 2025 trade fair in Düsseldorf.
What initiatives do you have planned to strengthen this partnership?
“FIMIC has always been committed to providing its customers with the highest quality and most efficient filtration solutions” – says Erica Canaia, CEO of FIMIC. “The addition of Nordson’s renowned BKG products to our portfolio allows us to offer a more complete, end-to-end solution and increase process efficiency for our customers. Our in-depth knowledge of the Italian market and our technical expertise guarantee exceptional support and tailor-made solutions for every need.
Combining these two worlds means that we share our experience in the vast world of plastics and make ourselves available to each other to encompass all the products of the different lines: two companies and one partner, for the benefit of the customer, who has at his disposal a flexible and streamlined structure like that of FIMIC, and the stability of Nordson’.
“In order to best present Nordson’s cutting-edge technology to the domestic market” – Erica continues – “we have recently brought in a new high-calibre figure, Luna Artico, to fill the role of Sales Manager for Italy for products from Nordson’s Polymer Processing Systems (PPS) division.
Thanks to her solid experience in the plastics sector and a strongly customer-oriented approach, Luna will become a reference point for the Italian market, offering attentive support for every specific need.
The esteem I have for Luna, based on the co-working experience and mutual knowledge gained within the Women in Plastics Association, guided my choice.
Working together for the good of the community, being on the same wavelength on an energetic and mental level, made us want a more intense and effective collaboration. When the opportunity arose, like the start of the Nordson project, I thought Luna was the right person for her expertise in both communication and marketing. I made her the proposal and I am very happy that she accepted it”.
Luna, what strategy do you intend to use for your new assignment?
“First of all, I would like to thank Erica for this opportunity, which I embraced with great enthusiasm. Building a collaboration on a foundation of mutual respect makes all the difference. Erica and I chose each other early on, talking and discussing different projects a lot. I am very flattered that she has chosen me to develop the sales network in Italy for Nordson, and it has given me a great deal of energy. My years of travelling, studying the market and business management in the family company were very formative and intense, and have helped me develop a global overview devoted to greater awareness of strategic objectives. This means not just economic returns, but also growth planning towards long-term goals, including business development, optimising new products and building an efficient network.
My aim is to explore new forms of collaboration by pooling our knowledge and experience, and I will provide Erica and this project with everything I have consolidated over the years.From a technical point of view, FIMIC and Nordson boast a portfolio of products of the highest quality. By joining forces, these two companies, each with their own specific area of expertise, can generate new business and conquer additional market areas.My first goal is to establish a strong local presence, listening to the needs of customers and reaching out to those who have not previously considered Nordson products due to the lack of a contact person in Italy. This will facilitate comparisons and relationships.The most important thing for me is to prioritise interpersonal relations, building relationships with customers based on values that align with those of FIMIC. I want to provide comprehensive support, including assistance and spare parts, to ensure that companies always have optimal production performance. I am fully committed to ensuring a dynamic and lively approach that I hope will bear fruit in the short term”.
What approach is FIMIC taking to deal with the current critical situation in the plastics and recycling industry?
“I have always believed that difficult situations prompt people to seek out new opportunities. We recognised the situation and reacted by forming this new partnership, which offers innovative and diverse solutions to struggling companies.
Additionally, we are working to improve the efficiency of our maintenance and spare parts service. Our technicians are modernising and refurbishing filter changers sold in the past to help customers improve production performance.
We are also patenting an AI platform for servicing at night or at weekends to make it easier to check machinery during unmanned periods.
Our approach is to not suffer adversity, but to react by innovating” – says the CEO.
How has the relationship between women and plastics evolved over time?
“Compared to when I first entered the industry, I would say that things have changed a lot” – replies Luna Artico. “The machismo in the air was mainly due to the lack of women in the industry. The situation has evolved now, but we still wanted to create an organisation like Women in Plastics because there is a lot more to be done. Today, women are well represented in this sector — there are many competent individuals who can make a real difference to companies.
First, women must seize the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities. When female leaders have the open-mindedness and intelligence to promote other women to significant positions, we can demonstrate our ability to take on roles of responsibility while often having to balance work and family commitments.
Erica’s proposal to have me as her partner is an excellent example of this, and is worth more than a thousand speeches. The trust she has placed in me motivates me and pushes me to commit to the project, while also enabling me to be a mother who can devote quality time to her daughter and feel fulfilled both professionally and personally. I am confident that more and more women in this sector will have the opportunity to get involved and be successful without having to change who they are”.
“I agree” – confirms Erica Canaia. “Unfortunately, however, only 8% of women hold top positions in Italy. Instead, 46% of our board members are women, hopefully not just because of “pink quotas”.
It’s clear that our feminine side, linked to motherhood, often leads us to make decisions that limit our professional lives. Every woman should be able to choose how she divides her time, but often it is the system that chooses for her. For example, the concept of a part-time female CEO is non-existent, and flexible working arrangements are generally frowned upon because part-time work is not de-taxed. Many people are used to working unusual hours. If we could adopt a more flexible approach to work, many employees would be able to better manage the various aspects of their lives.
As a sales manager, I consider myself fortunate to have created a team of five women who support each other based on their experience and characteristics. I have given them flexibility and autonomy based on relationships of trust, and this approach is rewarded with dedication and commitment.
Women in Plastics was founded with precisely this aim: to generate real and pervasive cultural change in the industry and promote inclusiveness and social sustainability. We are already reaping the benefits of this campaign, but we must continue to work to strengthen relationships and enhance the talents of female employees at all levels”.
