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Change can be a daunting prospect but is often a positive development which brings new winds. In business, whether a change of strategy, product or service portfolio or personnel, it often results in a plethora of great opportunities. For Italian machine tool engineering specialist SAFOP S.R.L., a recent change of ownership has generated new momentum. The company is proud of its long and prestigious history, and is now aiming to celebrate a new era of success by repositioning itself in the market.

‘The whole is greater than the sum of its parts’. The old truth coined by the philosopher Aristotle is once more proven by industria cartaria Pieretti SpA (icP) from Marlia (Capannori) - Lucca and Cartiera dell’Adda SpA from Calolziocorte - Lecco, two Italian enterprises that have joined forces in the field of paper processing. Both companies can draw on a wealth of know-how and experience. They command a pool of expertise, resources and technologies that is virtually unique in the industry. Organized in a group supplying core board for tissue cores, industrial cores and packaging requirements, icP and Cartiera dell’Adda consider themselves well prepared for growth on a national and international level.

West Pharmaceutical Services is a leading global manufacturer of high-quality packaging, containment and delivery systems for injectable drugs. Every day, more than 100 million units of the company’s stoppers and seals, syringe and cartridge components, and self-injection systems are used worldwide. European Business talked to Mike Schaefers, Vice President & General Manager, Global Pharma, at the US-based group about a market with large growth potential and the guiding principle of offering value in drug delivery.

Order picking: The process of finding and selecting products in a warehouse to fulfil customer orders. In theory a simple concept, but the reality is that it is often a complex and costly activity, and one which, if not conducted accurately and effectively, can heavily impact overall customer satisfaction. German engineering company KBS Industrieelektronik GmbH is a specialist in the design and manufacture of order picking systems, with a particular focus on Pick-by-Light technology, and provides top-class solutions to a broad range of high-profile clients around the world.

Natural disasters, embargoes, and war: The international trade market is volatile. Even minor issues can escalate and have a catastrophic impact for traders and their suppliers. With routes worldwide, the airfreight sector is particularly vulnerable, and only those companies with a clear strategy to manage the risks will survive. CELEBI Cargo GmbH, based at Germany’s largest airport, Frankfurt am Main, is one such success story. European Business spoke with CEO Murat Bas and COO Christopher Licht about challenges and success strategies in the cargo handling sector.

Teamwork, cross-functional activities and a sense of wide-ranging responsibility – these are assets that are both expected and characteristic of the Unycom team. Founded in 2000, the company based in Graz, Austria, has increased its staff from four to 90 and developed its product range accordingly. Today it offers a broad spectrum of IP Management solutions and additional services for companies all over the world. A member of the CPA Global Organization since 2019, Unycom GmbH ranks as the premium software provider for IP experts in Europe, and a trusted partner who helps to solve the specific challenges of corporate IP departments.

Effective human health solutions: A continual quest and one for which there are many different strategies. Molecule vitalization, which turns existing molecules into new treatments is one approach. French concern Provepharm Life Solutions SAS, headquartered in Marseille, is one of the world’s leading players in molecule vitalization. European Business spoke with Founder and Managing Director Michel Féraud to find out what the term means in practice and how the world benefits from the company’s activities.

For 700 years, water has bubbled up from an underground spring and cascaded through the Tamina Gorge in Switzerland at a constant temperature of 36.5°C. How kind of nature to supply bathing water at the perfect temperature for human enjoyment. Although it was first discovered by huntsmen in 1242 and bath houses were first erected in 1350, it was not until the railway first reached Ragaz further down the valley that “taking the waters” there really took off. Today, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz AG presides over a portfolio that includes a 5-star hotel, health spa, casino and medical centre; all of which are only here today because of a 700-year-old thermal spring.

A bright white smile: Dentistry today is about much more than just fillings and crowns. Cosmetic work, even on healthy teeth, is a growing trend, and whitening treatments are in high demand. Italian company IDS Spa supplies dental professionals with its own-brand, state-of-the-art whitening products which are the result of extensive investment and experience.

Italy’s stunning Amalfi coast is a much-loved destination for tourists from around the world. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1997, it attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. For those who want to enjoy the cultural, architectural and natural attractions of this unique area, Villa Cimbrone offers a perfectly secluded hideaway. Perched on a steep hill overlooking the clear waters of the Mediterranean, the 12th century residence has been restored to its former glory by the Vuilleumier family and is now an exclusive boutique hotel catering to an exclusive clientele.

Danske Hoteller A/S celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. It was founded in 1990 by a group of entrepreneurs with the dream of starting a hotel chain in Denmark that would specialize in smaller countryside hotels where ambiance and service took priority. Today the chain numbers 23 hotels all over Denmark. Talking to European Business, Commercial Director Kenneth Hedegaard describes what motivated him to join the group and how it seeks to set itself apart in a crowded market.