A leader in packaging, with a presence in seven countries and 12 production plants, generating revenues of 350 million and employing 2,300 people.
Gualapack, based in Alessandria (Italy), manufactures flexible packaging for beverages, fruit juices, yogurts, shampoos, bubble baths and creams, as well as laminates for the pharmaceutical, chemical, food, cosmetics and sterilisable medical sectors.
The CDP Group has supported the growth of the Gualapack for several years. In 2020, a loan of €7.5 million funded plant upgrades and innovation through the purchase of licenses, software and other intangible assets. In 2022, an additional €12.5 million was disbursed for new machinery in the Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont factories, and for creating a system that makes opening single-dose sachets easier. The funds also went towards enhancing the plants' energy efficiency and to boosting production capacity.
In terms of internationalization – which is crucial for a business that earns 88% of its revenue outside Italy – SIMEST has bolstered Gualapack's position in Brazil by providing €5 million in finance. Gualapack was able to strengthen its position in the local market by acquiring a new business and boosting production capacity in the South American region, which is highly strategic in terms of sales.