Serra is a 3-generation family-owned company based in Barcelona, Spain. Since 1948, Serra has been providing machine solutions for the corrugated board industry, and is considered one of the leading players in the industry. The company specializes in die-cutting solutions with customized workflows, such as the SERRAPID quick change die-cutting cylinders. Serra also offers other ancillary equipment including mold storage, mold handling, conveyor systems, and artificial vision applications for the corrugated industry. Serra is a recognized global leader in peripheral equipment types and installed bases for single-pass digital printing, tailored to corrugated lines with fast, secure workflows that increase productivity.
The company is involved in all processes of the corrugated board industry, from design to manufacture, workflow solutions, corrugator process partners, digital printing partners, and converting partners. Serra’s vision is to shape the future of the corrugated board world, and the company’s mission is to pursue a long-term strategy to become number one or number one in the markets they serve by focusing on the key pillars of innovation, operational excellence, people, and growth.
Serra’s values include empathy and respect, excellence and commitment, innovation and entrepreneurship, and long-term vision. The company provides high-tech machinery, solutions, and services in over 50 countries, and its global coverage is one of the key factors behind its leadership in the industry. Serra aims to help its customers achieve higher quality, higher productivity, and lower operating costs by providing support close to them.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
SERRA: Serra is a machinery solutions provider for the corrugated board industry. The company is involved in all processes of the corrugated board industry, including design, manufacture, workflow solutions, and partnership with corrugator process partners, digital printing partners, and converting partners. Serra specializes in die-cutting solutions, mold storage, mold handling, conveyor systems, and peripheral equipment types, and installed bases for single-pass digital printing. The company is also developing a new series of innovative artificial vision applications for the corrugated industry. Overall, Serra’s main areas of activity are the design, manufacture, and sale of machinery solutions to the corrugated board industry, including peripheral equipment types and single-pass digital printing solutions.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
SERRA: Safety AI Technology: Serra has developed a new AI-based system for factory safety that can detect potential hazards and automatically take steps to prevent accidents. The system is designed to work with existing factory equipment and can be customized to meet the specific needs of each facility.
Smart Conveyors: Serra’s new autonomous conveyor system, called Botflow LGV, is designed to streamline the manufacturing process by automating the movement of goods between production lines. The system uses sensors and AI technology to optimize the flow of materials and reduce the risk of errors or delays.
Robot Stacker: Serra’s new BundleBot is a robotic system for stacking and bundling printed materials such as magazines or newspapers. The system is designed to improve efficiency and reduce the risk of injury by automating a repetitive and physically demanding task.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
SERRA: Printing and Finishing Equipment: This includes digital printers, laminators, cutters, slitters, creasers, folders, and other finishing equipment.
Packaging and Display Equipment: This includes packaging machines, folding and gluing machines, die-cutters, window patching machines, folder gluers, and other packaging and display equipment.
Conveyors and Robotics: This includes conveyor systems, robotic stacking systems, robotic palletizing systems, and other material handling solutions.
Safety Equipment: This includes safety sensors, safety guards, and other safety solutions.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
SERRA: Serra is a company that operates in the corrugated board industrial automation sector, which is constantly evolving and growing as technology advances. The market for industrial automation is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, with an increasing demand for more efficient and advanced manufacturing processes. Serra’s focus on developing innovative solutions using artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation puts the company in a position to capitalize on this growth trend.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
SERRA: In the corrugated board industry, there are several trends that are currently shaping the market:
Sustainable packaging: There is a growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, including corrugated board, as consumers and companies alike become more environmentally conscious.
Digitalization and automation: The industry is undergoing a digital transformation, with more companies adopting digital printing, automated production processes, and smart logistics solutions.
Customization and personalization: With the rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales, there is an increasing demand for customized and personalized packaging solutions.
Globalization and market consolidation: The corrugated board industry is becoming more globalized, with increasing competition and consolidation among key players.
In the field of industrial automation, the following trends are currently shaping the market:
Industry 4.0: This is a major trend in industrial automation, which involves the integration of digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), into industrial processes to create smart factories and improve efficiency.
Robotics and automation: There is a growing demand for robotics and automation solutions in the industrial sector to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve safety.
Human-machine collaboration: There is a shift towards more collaborative and flexible work environments, where humans and machines work together to optimize productivity and efficiency.
Sustainability and energy efficiency: Industrial automation solutions are increasingly focused on reducing energy consumption and improving sustainability, with a growing emphasis on renewable energy sources and eco-friendly production processes.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
SERRA: SERRA offers several innovative products in the corrugated board industry and industrial automation. Here are a few examples:
Factory Safety Safeguard AI: SERRA’s safety AI technology helps to prevent accidents in factories by detecting and warning workers about potential hazards in real-time. This technology is designed to improve worker safety and prevent accidents in industrial environments.
Autonomous Conv Botflow LGV: This is a smart conveyor system that uses advanced robotics and artificial intelligence to automate material handling and transportation tasks in factories. The system can navigate around obstacles and adjust its speed based on the load it is carrying.
Bundle Robot Bundlebot: This is a robot stacker that automates the process of stacking and bundling finished products in the corrugated board industry. The robot is capable of handling a wide range of product sizes and shapes, and can stack and bundle up to 40 products per minute.
These products demonstrate SERRA’s commitment to innovation and the use of advanced technologies to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity in the manufacturing industry.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
SERRA: The corrugated board industry is expected to continue growing steadily in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable packaging solutions. The industry is also expected to adopt more advanced technologies, such as automation and digitalization, to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
In terms of industrial automation, the market is also expected to continue growing due to the increasing demand for productivity, quality, and flexibility. The implementation of automation and robotics is becoming increasingly necessary to keep up with the fast pace of production, while also reducing labor costs and improving workplace safety.
Overall, SERRA is well-positioned to take advantage of these trends with its innovative products and solutions. However, it will depend on various factors, including the company’s strategy, competition, and external factors such as the global economy and technological advancements.