"Decoration is Custom Work for Us"
Interview with Annamária Kovács, Sales Representative of FERMAC Srl
Whether it's a flask, drinking glass, or ceramic container – packaging today is much more than just containers. They carry brand values, evoke emotions, and shape the first impression. This is exactly where FERMAC starts. For over three decades, the company from Parma has developed highly precise decoration systems for glass, plastic, and ceramics and has made a name for itself internationally – as a partner for sophisticated surface finishing.
Wirtschaftsforum: Ms. Kovács, how has FERMAC evolved since its founding?
Annamária Kovács: FERMAC was founded in 1993 as a classic family business – a model deeply rooted in Italy. We have been developing machines for decorating bottles, glasses, cosmetic packaging, and household items for over 30 years. Today, the 3rd generation of the Paini family is leading the company. The construction and assembly of the machines are completely carried out in our production facility in Parma, with our suppliers located within only a 15 km radius. This ensures continuity, flexibility, and high quality. However, the human aspect is also important to us: we build our partnerships on trust and direct communication.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the core competencies of the company?
Annamária Kovács: Our strength lies in the decoration of a variety of packaging – whether it's glass, plastic, or ceramic. We offer machines for screen printing, UV-LED technology, and digital direct printing. Our goal is to deliver customer-specific, high-precision solutions - whether for large series or small batches. We are particularly proud of our latest model, the 'Black Widow', which was presented at Glasstec 2024. This machine has been specifically developed for the cosmetics industry and allows for fast, precise, and sustainable decoration, even with frequently changing formats.
A key part of our holding that has distinguished us internationally for over 25 years is VDGlass, where history in decoration is written anew every day. VDGlass has a total of twelve decoration lines, all equipped with Fermac machines, giving us daily insights into the decoration scenarios of our clients. The close collaboration with our decoration operation is an advantage for us in the continuous development of our technology and offers our clients the opportunity to experience our machines 'in action'.
Wirtschaftsforum: Is your business internationally oriented?
Annamária Kovács: We export to more than 55 countries - from Peru to Japan. We are particularly strong in Europe, but also present in Asia and Latin America. Our most important international location is currently our branch in the USA. About 80% of our sales are generated from exports. The German-speaking market is particularly relevant, especially for applications in the cosmetics and ceramic decoration sectors.
Wirtschaftsforum: What role does sustainability play for the company?
Annamária Kovács: It's a central issue for us! Our technologies are designed for energy efficiency and environmental compatibility. We specifically focus on UV-LED systems, which consume significantly less energy and produce no harmful emissions - an important issue in light of EU regulations on the phase-out of mercury lamps. We also focus on compact design, resource conservation, and durability in the construction of our machines. For us, sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.
Wirtschaftsforum: How does FERMAC address technological and economic challenges?
Annamária Kovács: Like many other industries, ours has felt the impacts of the pandemic, energy crisis, and global inflation. However, each challenge also presents a new opportunity. After the Glasstec trade fair in October 2024, we experienced a strong upswing. We closely monitor the market, respond flexibly, and continue to learn – also through close exchanges with our customers. Our R&D team constantly tests new solutions and works closely with our technology partners to combine the best of technology and practice.
Wirtschaftsforum: How important are trade fairs and international presence for FERMAC?
Annamária Kovács: Trade fairs provide the perfect stage to showcase our innovations to an international audience – whether at Glasstec, Plastico Brasil or the K-Show in Düsseldorf. But it's not just about displaying machines. We use these events to specifically expand our network, initiate new partnerships, and gain deeper insights into the developments of various markets. Our focus is increasingly on regions that have not yet been fully tapped – such as Eastern Europe, Australia, or emerging parts of Latin America. That's exactly where we see great potential and aim to set sustainable impulses with tailored solutions.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the future plans of the company?
Annamária Kovács: We want to continue to grow – both technologically and geographically. For us, remaining close to our customers is central. We aim to penetrate new markets, deepen existing partnerships, and further differentiate our offerings. In the long term, we want to ensure that FERMAC is recognized worldwide as the first contact for demanding decoration solutions – with a high level of quality, sustainability, and humanity.