David Maldonado, general manager of Weber Food Technology Ibérica SL
“We have evolved from a machinery manufacturer to a provider of comprehensive custom solutions for slicing and packaging lines”
For the first time, Weber Food Technology Ibérica joins the Hispack Global Partners, a decision that greatly raises its profiles and opens up new avenues to bolster its presence in the Spanish and Portuguese markets. We speak to its general manager, David Maldonado, on the packaging and slicing line industry, the importance of automation, and the most innovative packaging and processing solutions that will be unveiled at the Barcelona trade show this coming May.
– As a manufacturer of large slicing and packaging lines, Weber Food Technology is taking on a sizeable expansion of its product portfolio. What does this new portfolio consist of?
The aim of broadening our product portfolio is to keep us at the cutting edge of the food industry, offering innovative, top-quality solutions that help our clients make their production and quality targets, focusing on several key areas:
- Development of new technologies for greater efficiency and quality in food slicing and packaging. This includes research into more advanced slicers, improved automation systems and innovative packaging solutions.
- Product diversification to take on a wider variety of foods, from cold meats and cheese to vegan products and other fresh food. The allows us to meet the needs of an ever-broadening and more diverse client base.
- Geographic expansion to better service clients anywhere in the world. This means opening new production facilities, service centres and affiliates in strategic regions.
- Strategic alliances and partnerships, seeking opportunities to work with other leading companies in the food industry to complement our product and service portfolio. Such alliances allow us to offer more comprehensive and custom solutions to our clients.
– What market segments are being served?
Sliced and chopped products are Weber’s traditional segment, the one where it earned its reputation. We provide solutions for precision slicing and packaging of a variety of sliced and chopped foods, such as cold meats, cheese, meat, vegan products and more. We also offer solutions for pre-cooked foods, appetisers and bulk foods, as well as specific food service solutions, which include slicing and packaging equipment that suits the needs of the restaurant business. Finally, we also operate in specialised sectors within the food industry, adapting our solutions to the specific needs of each client.
– The company is positioned as a comprehensive solution supplier. How are these solutions offered to your clients?
In recent years, we underwent a transformation from being a machinery manufacturer to a solutions provider. This has allowed us to offer a comprehensive approach to the entire food preparation and packaging process, and to do so we consider various aspects:
Custom consulting: we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and challenges in food processing and packaging. We involve specialists from different work centres and analyse client requirements to pinpoint what the most suitable solutions are.
Design of custom systems: we feel proud of being one of the few manufacturers which are sufficiently flexible to design custom systems that adapt to the unique needs of each client, including the integration of cutting, conveyors, packaging and automation equipment to create a coherent, balanced and efficient production line.
Turnkey implementation: from the design and installation of the lines to their commissioning and staff training.
Ongoing technical support, including preventive maintenance services, rapid repair and equipment updating, plus training and capacity-building.
– If you had to highlight three aspects that set Weber Food Technology machines and service apart from the competition, what would they be?
First of all, I would highlight the comprehensive custom solutions. Instead of simply providing individual machines, we have become specialised in the design and development of complete production lines that are perfectly integrated and adapted to the unique requirements of each client. We also stand out for our ongoing innovation and the use of leading technology in our products and services. Weber invests in R+D to offer its clients the latest technologies and advanced solutions that will allow them to improve their productivity, efficiency and quality. Finally, I would highlight the commitment to our clients and exceptional service. The company not only sells machines, it also offers comprehensive support throughout the product’s lifecycle.
– Weber Food Technology has a set a target of carbon-neutral production. To achieve this objective, what applications and measures are you doing, and what future projects of this kind are on the horizon?
Sustainability, caring for resources and protecting the climate have been firmly anchored in our daily activity for years now. These do not always require making big gestures, as small steps can also make a difference. For example, with the initiative “we GO GREEN”, we have combined all our activities to the benefit of greater sustainability and climate protection, which are in constant expansion.
Some of the actions we are taking include implementing technologies and practices to reduce the energy consumption of our operations. In this sense, we have updated our equipment and machinery to make them more energy efficient and optimise production processes. We also have incorporated photovoltaic equipment in all our factories as a renewable energy source. It is also worth mentioning that the optimisation of our manufacturing processes to reduce waste generation has been accompanied by the implementation of measures to cut the amount of waste generated during production and minimise greenhouse gas emissions.
– The company has German roots and the Spanish affiliate was founded in 2017. What plans are there for Spain in the coming years?
Our goal is to maintain our position as market leaders in sliced meats and expand our presence in the packaging market and automated solutions. This will imply having greater penetration in new market segments and drawing new clients throughout the region. At the same time, we are committed to developing custom solutions that meet the specific needs of our clients in Spain and Portugal.
What is more, we recognise that our most valuable asset is our team. That is why we are planning to invest in the career development and training of our human talent.
Finally, we are committed to being a responsible company and positively contributing to the communities where we do our business, taking part in corporate social responsibility initiatives, supporting local causes and promoting ethical and sustainable commercial practices.
– What trends would you highlight in slicing and packaging line solutions? Do you think they are common to the rest of the packaging industry?
These trends are common to many areas of the packaging industry, as they reflect changing consumer needs and demands and those from companies in a constantly changing world.
Advanced automation: the demand for highly automated slicing and packaging solutions is on the rise.
Sustainable packaging: there is a growing concern for reducing the environmental impact of packaging, using eco-friendly materials and different recycling options.
Flexibility and customisation: more and more consumers are seeking out custom products and flexible packaging options that adapt to their individual needs.
Traceability and food safety: packaging solutions that offer tracking and advanced monitoring functions to ensure the product safety and quality are essential.
Cutting-edge technology: artificial intelligence, machine learning and augmented reality are transforming the packaging industry. These technologies allow for greater efficiency, precision and control in packaging processes.
– Weber is taking part in Hispack for the first time as a Global Partner. What led to the decision? Will you be presenting anything new?
Hispack is well-known as a leading packaging solutions trade fair in the Iberian market, and we consider it the ideal stage to show off our leadership in slicing and packaging technology.
As a Hispack Global Partner, we hope to raise our profile, establish key connections with potential and existing clients, and explore new business opportunities. In addition, we want to demonstrate our capacity for innovations by presenting new solutions and advanced technologies that reflect our commitment to excellence and the satisfaction of our clients.
In terms of the new products we will be showing, we are excited about revealing new packaging solutions that feature next-generation technologies.
Cristina Benavides, Hispack partner
