Union Officine Meccaniche is experiencing a period of acceleration in its industrial growth. This drive is fuelled by strategic choices aimed at optimising production capacity and improving processes to serve an ever-increasing global customer base, supported by an extensive sales network.
Among the main strategic choices, the acquisition of Tecom and C.E.B.A. extended the company’s competences in the world of flexible packaging and process digitalisation, while the entry into the Mech-I-Tronic group further strengthened the mechanical and electronic competences and stimulated investments in various directions.
Expansion and leading-edge technologies
Extrusion Lines: Union specialises in the complete in-house manufacture of a wide range of single and twin screw corotating extruders and complete lines for high quality products such as rigid films and film wraps, compact sheets, expanded sheets and profiles, composite panels, hollow core slabs and more, using advanced technologies.
Expansion of manufacturing facility: With the addition of 7,000 square metres adjacent to the current manufacturing facility, Union is preparing to meet growing global demand. This expansion not only increases production capacity, but also strengthens its brand recognition as a leader in industrial innovation.
Union Academy and Union Extrusion Dome: Future projects such as the Union Academy, focusing on regenerated and bio-based materials, and the Union Extrusion Dome, a research and development centre with laboratory machines, pilot plants and complete industrial lines in operation, demonstrate the focus on innovation and training.
Services of excellence
High quality customer service: Union’s customer care goes far beyond the obvious stages of process consulting, installation services or troubleshooting. It is an inescapable corporate mindset that emphasises the importance of a constant connection between the manufacturer and the customer, with the aim of monitoring performance in real time and extending the lifecycle of the asset. Union Zero Problems is a project aimed at optimising the OEE of delivered lines and continuously improving production efficiency through advanced process data monitoring.
Innovation and research
Union Extrusion Life Run: In 2025, an advanced protocol will be introduced to transfer the maximum competence in proposing advanced line control systems, guaranteeing open interfacing also with third party systems and the digitalisation of process data to use the information to define the absolute efficiency of the systems supplied.
Union Lean & Slim: Union’s production organisation is focused on absolute quality control and rapid response, ideal for making critical decisions with the utmost precision
Union Direct & Smart Extrusion: Revolutionary projects for flat-head and blown film processes, also dedicated to packaging & converting using recycled and biodegradable materials.
Quality and Reliability
Customised design: Union’s experience in the extrusion industry allows it to better understand the needs of users and tailor solutions accordingly
In-house mechanical workshop: Union has a fully equipped mechanical workshop for the construction and assembly of plants directly at the San Vittore Olona plant, guaranteeing the highest quality of construction
Rigorous testing: Before delivery, all Union plants undergo rigorous testing to ensure correct operation, allowing for quick and smooth installation at the customer’s premises, so that production can start immediately.
High quality components: Thanks to the selection of high quality components, the necessary spare parts are quickly available on the local market.
Union’s extensive know-how in the field of polymer processing, combined with its financial solidity and industrial realism, enable it to meet the needs of a wide range of applications under the motto “Stronger, Closer and Faster”.
Case Study: PP HONEYCOMB PROFILES
Unlimited versatility, unrivalled performance for a top-of-the-range product.
The panels produced by Union are synonymous with reliability and flexibility. Waterproof, strong and lightweight, they are the epitome of industry excellence. From industrial and agricultural packaging to road signs and advertising, Union products provide impeccable performance in a wide range of sectors. Their ability to adapt to different shapes and sizes, together with the possibility of customisation through advanced printing techniques, makes them the preferred choice for projects of all kinds.
Sheets produced by Union mills are the epitome of strength and versatility. They offer exceptional resistance to mechanical stresses such as bending, tearing, tensile strength and impact, ensuring unparalleled durability. Resistant to chemicals and mineral oils, these sheets also withstand climatic adversity, from water to UV rays to extreme temperatures. Not only are they lightweight and compact, but their durable structure makes them ideal for a wide range of applications.
The ability to customise vertical walls and partitions in a variety of shapes, from traditional to more complex profiles, underlines Union’s commitment to providing bespoke solutions.
The slabs are produced from regenerated material with high percentages of industrial waste and/or post-consumer recycled material according to Circular Economy best practices.
The evolution of perfection: HPP UNION YEAR2030 Series
Enter the age of innovation with our revolutionary HPP UNION YEAR2030 range. Since 2024, we have taken the industry by surprise, outpacing the competition and emerging as one of the world’s new leaders. Our new generation of equipment is the culmination of years of research, development and commitment to excellence.
Technology that transforms, innovation that inspires
The highlights of the new technology demonstrate our commitment to uncompromising innovation:
• A new technological upgrade designed to reduce waste and maximise production.
• A revolutionary head design, enhanced by artificial intelligence, for unprecedented material distribution.
• A calibration quality that far exceeds traditional competitive solutions.
• Exceptional long-term reliability, guaranteed by an optimised and controlled line management process.
• Significant energy savings, achieved by making the electronic architecture of each line component more efficient.
• Complete digitalisation of process data, allowing preventive and predictive maintenance to be monitored, guaranteeing optimum performance at all times.
A FINISHED PRODUCT WITH OPTIMISED PROPERTIES
• 1.5 to 25 mm thick for standard profiles
• 2 to 6 walls and more or structural core
• 250 to 4800 gsm in weight
• 1,000 to 4,000 mm wide
Technology in action: The key components of Union excellence
Technological excellence
From design to production, our commitment to perfection is evident at every stage of the process. With Union, you not only get a high quality product, but the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are using the best technology available.
The art of precision
In the race for excellence, nothing is more important than perfect tolerances. Our line’s ability to precisely distribute the extruded material results in honeycomb profiles that exceed all market expectations. Extreme tolerances in thickness, weight and profile width are our calling card, guaranteeing results that will leave you breathless.
Maximum efficiency, minimum effort
Working with our lines means relying on simple procedures without compromising total control:
• Our technology simplifies machine management, reducing manpower requirements and aligning with Effortless Tech best practices.
• We offer customised solutions to adapt the line configuration to your specific products, ensuring flexibility and optimum performance.
• Our commissioning support and staff training ensure you are always in control of the process. • All our lines are equipped with state-of-the-art SCADA systems, designed to provide an intuitive user experience and unparalleled centralised management.
• Our HMIs are among the best on the market, thanks to our partnership with leading solutions from C.E.B.A., the software house of the Union Group.
OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), the beating heart of our mission
Every piece of data generated during line operation is archived, providing a complete history of production parameters. This provides not only a detailed overview of performance, but also a solid basis for continuous optimisation.
Our system is seamlessly integrated with the company’s main ERP and MES systems, ensuring comprehensive, integrated production control. From orders to stock, every aspect is under our control, allowing us to respond quickly to changing market needs.
The tangible benefits for businesses translate into more complete production control and greater profitability in the long term. With our technology, we are not only driving the future, we are shaping it to achieve new heights of success.
