On Friday, September 19, 2025, the new Small Industry Committee of Confindustria Macerata was presented in the beautiful municipal theater of Treia.

It was an opportunity for entrepreneurs, the local community, and institutions to discuss a highly topical issue that is increasingly becoming part of everyday life for people, and even more so for businesses. The debate began with the topic on artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential developments and uses in the workplace. Past President Paolo Ceci and newly elected Federico Maccari opened the proceedings by outlining the Committee’s goals for the next four years and introducing its members: Simona Reschini, Francesca Ippoliti, Paolo Ceci, and Michele Montanari, CEO of Gima S.p.A.

 

 

“Gima S.p.A. has been operating in the metalworking industry for 40 years, specifically in automatic turning, mold construction, and stamping for all sheet metal work and industrial automation. We create custom machines, built on our customer needs; in essence, we work on solving customers problems. We have been a member of Confindustria Macerata for 21 years, and although this is my first active experience with the association, I hope to be able to give as much support as possible to President Maccari and his team, because only by helping each other can we face the difficult challenges this modern world presents us,” said CEO Michele Montanari on the theater stage.

 

This was followed by greetings from the Mayor of Treia and a brief speech by Attorney Francesca Ippoliti, president of the Macerata Bar Association’s AI Commission, on the opportunities this new technology can already offer local industries. The event concluded with a theatrical performance of “Mi AI rubato il lavoro” (AI stoles my job), written and performed by Walter Riviera, an engineer specializing in machine learning with a background in Intel Corporation.

 

There was certainly no shortage of thoughts on a tool that, if used wisely, can bring significant added value to businesses, but if used carelessly and inexperienced, it can harbor pitfalls. This is a market that Italy, the first member state in the European Union, only recently began regulating. This is therefore a constantly evolving topic that Confindustria Macerata, thanks in part to its Digital Innovation Hub, intends to follow closely.

We therefore extend our best wishes to President Federico Maccari and his entire team!

In today’s global market, our industry faces numerous daily challenges. Complex geometric parts, small metal parts turned with milling, broaching, slotting, threading, cross-boring, rolling, and other processes that, until recently, were impossible to finish on a single lathe.

This is no longer the case, and requests for these types of parts arrive on our desks daily. For this reason, it is essential to have a technologically advanced, flexible, and varied fleet of machines that allows us to reduce times, setups, waste, rework, and therefore costs, so as to be competitive in emerging markets.

At Gima S.p.A., we have always focused on the sliding headstock lathe, our flagship model. We believe it is the machine that best embodies our corporate vision. In our ongoing search for equipment that can support us in our daily technological challenges, we have identified and purchased a new model to enhance our workshop.

Thanks to a close collaboration with Citizen Italia, in addition to the two Citizen Cincom L220 lathes already purchased in March, we are now installing the Citizen Cincom L32-XII, which has become our flagship sliding headstock lathe for large parts. With its 9 CNC axes, it represents the ultimate in versatility and reliability. Thanks to LFV (Low Frequency Vibration) technology, it can machine materials with poor chip removal rates with excellent results, reducing the size of the chips and thus facilitating machinability. So, what does chip removal mean? It is the ability of a material to be machined on machine tools by removing chips. Over the past few years, Gima has specialized in machining materials with low machinability. Through in-depth studies on the selection of cutting tools, lubricants, and suitable equipment, we are able to offer a competitive turning service for all those “challenging” products, such as stainless steels (AISI 304L, AISI 316L) and weldable steels like S235JR.

The L32-XII machine, works with and without a compass to reach a diameter of Ø38 mm, thus covering a wide range of our products in production and offering a very competitive alternative in terms of cycle time, compared to the other machine tools present in our workshop.

This investment also aims to reduce our environmental impact; for years, Gima has implemented an integrated Environment-Safety-Quality management system. Thanks to the purchase of this cutting-edge lathe, we aim to reduce our energy consumption by replacing obsolete, energy-intensive machines. For this reason, we have joined the Transition Plan 5.0 (Industry 5.0) and are proud to be able to contribute.

The machine operators are more than satisfied with the new acquisition, always motivated by challenges and ready to continue their training to master different programming languages ​​and numerical controls. From this perspective, the role of the CNC lathe operator/programmer needs to be reevaluated. This dynamic, well-prepared professional supports the company in various areas, from setup to quality, including environmental, safety, and logistics. This role is completely integrated with the company and increasingly represents our flexibility.

Stay tuned for more news, it will be a year full of opportunities!

Our Past:

Located geographically in an area that, since the onset of industrialization, has shown a strong vocation for the white goods sector—and washing machines in particular—Gima S.p.A., headquartered in the Marche region, has been operating for over 30 years as a strategic supplier to the world’s largest multinationals in the industry, exporting its products worldwide to be assembled into both large and small household appliances.

From its foundation, the company has supported the most renowned brands, starting with the production of basket shafts and playing a key role during the economic grow that this entire industrial sector brought to the surrounding region and specifically to the city of Fabriano (AN), led by the historic Merloni family.
Over time, Gima S.p.A. has successfully adapted to market changes and faced globalization by industrializing and automating its processes in order to remain competitive not only in Italy, but across the globe.

Over time, Gima S.p.A. has successfully adapted to market changes and faced globalization by industrializing and automating its processes in order to remain competitive not only in Italy, but across the globe.

 

Our present time:

Nowdays, with an annual production of 4 million basket shafts and bushings for washing machines, and a well-established process featuring transfer machines and automated lines with 100% inspection of ground bearing areas (achieving tight tolerances down to 0.003 mm), the company is able to support its clients by providing components that endure the full lifecycle of the appliance, with complete product traceability—from raw materials to delivery.
Door hinges, burner bodies for ovens, anti-tip feet for washing machines, belt tensioners for dryers, frame reinforcement elements, and electrical terminals are just a few examples of the components that are produced based on client designs and/or in co-design with the customer. This is made possible by the know-how developed over the years, which allows Gima to create complex parts and develop solutions by combining turning, stamping, and industrial automation—offering turnkey solutions to the customer.

 

Our future:

What drives us?

The expertise gained from 40 years in the household appliance sector, combined with the strength and desire to innovate—to take pride in being part of a “Made in Italy” that continues to stand out globally, and to preserve its centrality and beating heart in the Marche region, to which the company remains deeply connected.
For this reason, Gima S.p.A. strives to offer a high-quality service, using the best tools available on the market, while maintaining competitive pricing. It leverages its strengths, such as its certifications—UNI EN ISO 9001, UNI EN ISO 14001, and UNI EN ISO 45001—which guarantee that the company operates in accordance with internationally recognized standards. Because we believe in our region, our people, and our past.

A historic core business, with an eye always on the future!

In April 2025, Gima S.p.A. completed the fabrication and delivery of a batch of 3 semi-automatic machines on behalf of a third party (to complement a fully automatic machine previously delivered), designed for the construction and assembly of rings for pendants, intended for use in fashion accessories and religious items.

Machine features

The machine, custom-built at the client’s request, produces rings directly from 1 mm thick galvanized wire, shaping it around the pendant through a mechanical cam system controlled by numerical control, making the ring secure and solid.

The designing process followed the client’s needs for a compact machine in terms of size; dedicated to flexible production of various items and quantities, but most importantly, semi-automatic to be used alongside an operator.

Design aspects, hardware, and software

Essential to the design was the in-depth focus on ergonomic aspects (physical-cognitive) in the human-machine interface, as they are crucial for the user’s comfort during operation, but most importantly, for meeting the safety standards required by applications of this type. The study of the working position, the access to loading/unloading points, the transparent protective system, the control panel, and a procedural layout for safety system interventions (integrated sensors, optical barriers, control PLC, motor locks, etc.) with redundant features, are just some of the aspects studied in this regard.

The tools are fully integrated into an automation system equipped with features aimed at minimizing cycle time, supported by high-precision vision systems and sensors, which help eliminate risks related to machine downtime while ensuring the best performance in terms of quality.

Most of the physical components (mechanical parts, supports, bases, just to name a few) were specifically designed and manufactured for this project. Using CNC machining centers, grinding machines, plasma cutting, and 3D printing, the designers were provided with the widest range of possible construction and performance solutions to choose from, ensuring the client the best solution for the specific function.

The selection of electrical and electronic components was carefully made from products of the leading brands in the automation sector, as well as partners of Gima S.p.A.

The software programming, developed in-house by Gima S.p.A.’s technical department, is custom-designed and specific to the machines in question. In addition to allowing some degree of variability within the processing performed, it integrates the aforementioned safety functions, which complement the mechanical and design solutions required by CE regulations.

Together for a sustainable future

An integrated system for Quality, Environment and Safety considered as a real department, three certifications for infinite strengths that fully represent the company’s organisational approach.

We are pleased to announce that in March, Gima S.p.A. successfully obtained the UNI EN ISO 45001:2018 certification for Occupational Health and Safety and the UNI EN ISO 14001:2015 certification for Environmental Management, both issued by RINA.

A journey that began in 2023 with the adoption of the integrated management system, which became fully operational in 2024 and has now achieved this important internationally recognized milestone. An added value for our company, which has always paid close attention to these delicate matters. This achievement complements our existing 231 Organizational Model, contributing to a more conscious way of doing business — a source of pride for the territory we love, a “protected” place where people can work and spend their time, and a reliable supplier that brings added value to the customer’s supply chain.
We provide a wide range of subcontracted mechanical processing services: from automatic turning to die design and stamping, from industrial automation to metal accessories for footwear lasts.

 

Overview

Quality management UNI EN ISO 9001:2015

A boast since 1997, but always with a modern point of view and innovation that has never stopped. In addition to traditional measuring methods, Gima S.p.A. uses three-dimensional numerical control instruments and stations in its production cycle, both with mechanical contact and laser reading with automatic loading for 100% in-line inspection. All this is integrated with a data storage and management system, collected by more than 20 terminals located within the 2 plants. For total process and product traceability.

 

Environment UNI EN ISO 14001:2015

Gima S.p.A. has always been attentive to compliance with environmental regulations, with a view to continuous improvement in terms of energy saving, sustainable development, waste reduction and environmental impact. Gima S.p.A.’s “Green Policy” consists in considering the environment as one of the company’s fundamental “customers”, outlining a policy made up of concrete actions and objectives, achievable through the implementation of an Environmental Management System that complies with the requirements of the standard and is integrated with other systems.

 

Health and safety UNI EN ISO 45001:2018

Gima S.p.A through continually increasing investments and an integrated Health and Safety Management System that complies with regulations, intends to maintain its commitment to important aspects such as Health and Safety in the workplace at a constantly high level, consolidating its competitiveness thanks to a responsible and correct attitude. We believe that protecting people’s health and safety, before being a legal obligation, is a moral duty and an objective that all organisations should pursue, convinced that living in a safe, healthy and clean working environment is an essential element for working well, with greater satisfaction and well-being.

 

Certifications, what are they?

ISO certifications are certificates issued by authorised and independent bodies demonstrating that the company meets the requirements of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). Recognised internationally, they provide the stakeholders involved with proof that the company adheres to established practices, researched and approved by experts, through the adoption of a management system.

There are different types of certifications, one for each fundamental aspect covered, but the approach is the same, namely to manage processes effectively and aim for continuous improvement.

 

Benefits:

ISO certifications offer companies that adopt them countless advantages, both for internal management and in the eyes of the market, guaranteeing standardised and globally recognised performance levels:

• Reliability: Synonymous with reliability, ISO certification represents excellence. Having a certified company as a partner means relying on high quality standards.
• Continuous improvement: ISO certifications demonstrate a dynamic organisation that strives for excellence, improving processes and services, and managing them efficiently.
• High production standards: Relying on ISO certified companies means having a partner that stands out for productivity and quality, adopting standardised protocols, guidelines and best practices aimed at process optimisation.
• Competitiveness: ISO certification also offers benefits in terms of competitiveness, providing an additional guarantee for the company that adopts it, an advantage in terms of the market, attesting to an efficient and trustworthy reality.

Therefore, choosing to systematically comply with these standards means not only making your company more efficient from an organisational and production point of view, but also improving its positioning in the market in which you operate.

The future of automatic turning

In the automatic turning industry, in an increasingly fast-paced, demanding and globalised world, staying abreast of new technologies and ensuring the production of turned small metal parts at high volumes, low costs and within fast turnaround times is a primary requirement of all leading companies in the sector. Reducing turning times and increasing the flexibility of our machine park has always been a challenge that we have faced head-on, with a view to reducing prices, in order to be competitive even with the new emerging markets.

The swiss type lathe is our workhorse, we believe it is the machine that best sums up our company vision, and in our ongoing search for equipment that can support us in our daily technological challenges, we have identified and purchased two new models to enhance our workshop.

The Citizen Cincom L220-XII becomes our flagship sliding head lathe. With its 9 CNC axes, it represents the highest standards in versatility and reliability. Thanks to LFV (Low Frequency Vibration) technology, it delivers excellent performance even when machining materials with poor machinability, by breaking chips into smaller pieces and thus improving the overall process.
But what exactly is machinability? It refers to a material’s ability to be machined using chip removal processes on machine tools. Over the past few years, Gima has specialized in machining materials with low machinability. Through in-depth studies on the selection of cutting tools, lubricants, and suitable equipment, we are able to offer a competitive turning service for all those “challenging” products, such as stainless steels (AISI 304L, AISI 316L) and weldable steels like S235JR.

 

 

The same applies to the Citizen Cincom L220-X with 8 CNC axes and LFV technology.

Both machines can work with and without a guide bush up to a diameter of Ø25 mm, thus covering a wide range of our products in production and offering a very competitive alternative in terms of cycle time, compared to the other machine tools in our workshop.

Investments that must also be seen from the perspective of improving environmental impact. For years, Gima has implemented an integrated Environment–Safety–Quality management system. With the purchase of these state-of-the-art lathes, we aim to reduce our energy consumption by replacing outdated, high-consumption machines.
This is why we have joined the Transition Plan 5.0 (Industry 5.0), and we are proud to contribute to a more sustainable and forward-thinking industrial future.

Operators are more than satisfied with new purchases, always stimulated by challenges, and are ready to update themselves to master different programming languages and different numerical controls. It is precisely with this in mind that the figure of the CNC programmer should be re-evaluated, a dynamic, well-prepared professional who supports the company in various contexts, from tooling to quality, passing through the environment, safety and logistics, a figure who merges completely with the company and who increasingly represents our flexibility.

Stay tuned for more news, it will be a year full of opportunities!

We have come to the end of this MECSPE2025, held at BolognaFiere from 5 to 7 March 2025, and after a few days of reflection, we can finally draw the conclusions of this important international exhibition.

Our booth was overwhelmed by the thousands of visitors in attendance, and all our technicians were flooded with requests for information and questions about our company—which, for the first time in many years, was showcasing itself in this prestigious setting.

The enthusiasm surrounding our company was contagious—even for us—and we sincerely thank everyone who came to visit: clients, suppliers, both current and new; friends, families, and employees who wanted to experience our little space firsthand and speak with us face to face.
It was a wonderful experience for our team, who created a professional yet friendly atmosphere for all the visitors we welcomed. This gave us the opportunity to showcase our wide range of products, including:

• Turned parts: metal components manufactured using our machine fleet of over 150 units, including sliding headstock lathes, fixed headstock lathes, milling transfer machines, thread rolling machines, CNC multi-spindle lathes, and centerless grinders.

• Cold-formed parts: products obtained through blanking, bending, and deep drawing processes—ideal for various industrial applications and manufactured using our 26 mechanical presses, with capacities up to 315 tons.

• Progressive dies: design and manufacturing of highly specialized dies for sheet metal processing.

• Automatic machines for industrial automation: customized solutions to optimize production processes.

 

Now it’s time to return to the company, roll up our sleeves, and get back to what we do best: offering our customers a reliable partner in the field of mechanical processing and industrial automation.

See you at the next fair!