Andrea Nicolini at “The innovator next door”
On October 23, our CEO, Andrea Nicolini, took part in the fourth event of the series “The Innovator Next Door” at the headquarters of Unindustria Reggio Emilia. This event, led by Vice President for Small and Medium Enterprises Francesca Paoli, is dedicated to innovation in local manufacturing SMEs. During these meetings, local entrepreneurs who exemplify business cases are interviewed by experts in innovation and business organization, responding to questions and engaging with fellow entrepreneurs in attendance.
It was a valuable opportunity for sharing and dialogue: our CEO Mr Nicolini presented the distinguishing features of our motors, the sectors and markets in which we operate, and the challenges we have faced so far. He then highlighted our focus on innovation and the solutions we’ve implemented to adapt to our market’s needs.
The event shed light on how case histories about innovation often focus solely on large-scale international successes, such as Apple, Airbnb, and Amazon. Models that are hard to replicate in Italian manufacturing SMEs. Unindustria’s initiative aims instead at emphasizing innovation paths taken by local SMEs, which adopt gradual approaches that enable them to compete in international markets.
Andrea Nicolini explained how, in the case of Nicolini & C., fifty years of know-how and expertise enable the company to develop advanced technical solutions, positioning it as a strategic partner for its clients. Examples of such initiatives include process innovations stemming from the implementation of advanced 4.0 automation technologies. Over the past decade, Nicolini & C. has made significant investments, from the building of an automated warehouse, to the integration of robots in production departments and an overall increase in digitalization across the company. A pivotal technological advancement in 2023 was the implementation of automated winding machinery, allowing the company to produce the core of its products in-house, with a high degree of technology and competitiveness.
Looking ahead, the company has further innovation plans, especially regarding the environmental sustainability of products and processes. Nicolini’s motors are already designed and produced with nearly fully recyclable materials and a solar power system provides energy for most of our operations. For years, the company has designed long-life motors with a commitment to environmental responsibility in both development and industrial production, favoring a local and sustainable supply chain.