What Ulma Packaging does

ULMA Packaging, S.Coop. is a Spanish cooperative founded in 1961 in Oñati, Gipuzkoa, operating as a subsidiary of the diversified ULMA GROUP cooperative. The company designs and manufactures industrial packaging machinery — Flow Pack (HFFS), Thermoforming, Traysealing, Vertical (VFFS), Stretch Film, and Shrink-Sleeve Wrapping — alongside complete turnkey packaging lines integrating robotics, vision, and conveyor systems. Its differentiated technology stack centers on patented process features such as Width-Flex (up to 80% film-waste reduction), the TFX thermoformer range (up to 10% productivity gains and 20% vacuum-cycle reductions), R-Skin, TightBag, VENTURI, BETTER-SEAL, FLOW-VAC, and RFID-based mould/tool identification, all developed by an in-house Technological Center staffed by 50+ engineers. Connected features include ModbusTCP/OPC UA/MQTT interfaces, AI-assisted "Pack Adjuster" optimization, computer-vision quality inspection, OEE tracking via the myULMA portal, and AR teleassistance through ULMA Remote Services.

The business model is anchored on (i) one-time capital sales of customized machines and complete lines, (ii) recurring service revenue (preventive maintenance, spare parts, technical assistance) through a wholly-owned service network in 24 countries supplemented by distributors reaching 50+ countries, and (iii) emerging subscription-like digital revenue via Smart Machines, Smart Service and the myULMA portal. Pricing is quote-based, varies with machine configuration, and is typically sold under multi-year enterprise contracts. Customer base spans meat, poultry, dairy/cheese, produce, bakery/confectionery, ready meals, fish/seafood and medical/pharmaceutical processors, with named enterprise accounts including LA ITALIANA, BRD, Hochland, Lupin, Grupo BIMBO, Vygon and Coral LLC; long-tenured, multi-machine relationships (e.g., LA ITALIANA's 9 ULMA machines over 28 years) underline the embedded, high-switching-cost nature of the install base.

Distribution combines direct field sales via 16+ international subsidiaries and 7 Spanish delegations (including Harpak-ULMA in the USA, the new Dubai subsidiary opened 2024, plus recent acquisitions of Sweden's PackDesign AB and a 40% stake in Italy's RAMA s.r.l.) with regional distributors for non-core markets. Manufacturing is anchored in Oñati and Logroño (Spain), with additional production in Romania and Brazil. ULMA is one of the identified key players in global HFFS, MAP and food-vacuum packaging machinery markets, held a 22.3% share of Spanish food packaging machinery in 2008, reports EUR 112M revenue in 2007 with ~15% historical growth, and is ISO 9001/14001/45001 certified and a UN Global Compact signatory.

Name

Ulma Packaging

Legal name

ULMA Packaging, S.Coop.

Website

https://ulmapackaging.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1961

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

ULMA Packaging is a Spanish cooperative (est. 1961) that designs and manufactures industrial packaging machinery — Flow Pack, Thermoforming, Traysealing, Vertical, Stretch Film and Shrink-Sleeve — plus complete automated lines and digital services for global food, pharma and medical-device processors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Packaging Machinery

NAICS

Packaging Machinery Manufacturing (333993), Food Product Machinery Manufacturing (333241)

SIC

Special Industry Machinery (No Metalworking Machinery) (3550)

akta.pro primary industry

Form-Fill-Seal (VFFS/HFFS) Machines (IMAHAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Blister, Skin & Thermoform Packaging Machines (IMAHAOAI), Packaging Line Automation, Robotics & Integration (Controls, Turnkey Lines) (IMALAOAL), Wrapping & Bundling Equipment (Shrink/Stretch) (IMAHAOAD), Filling & Dosing Machines (Liquid/Powder/Solid) (IMAHAOAF)

Keywords

• Industrial packaging machinery
• Flow pack packaging
• Thermoforming equipment
• Tray sealing machines
• Automated packaging lines

Headquarters

HQ city

Oñate

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Packaging Machinery Sales: Direct sale of packaging machines including Flow Pack, Thermoforming, Traysealing, Vertical, Stretch Film, and Shrink-Sleeve wrapping machines. One-time capital equipment purchases with optional service contracts.
2. Complete Packaging Solutions: Turnkey automated packaging lines integrating multiple machines, robots, vision systems, and conveyor systems. Includes design, integration, installation, and commissioning services.
3. Service and Maintenance: Technical service, preventive maintenance, spare parts, adaptations, and remote services through own service network in 24 countries.
4. Digital Solutions: myULMA customer portal for monitoring machine status and efficiency, ULMA Remote Services for distance support including FAT online, remote access, AR teleassistance, and remote training.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Ulma Packaging designs and manufactures industrial packaging machinery and complete automated packaging lines for food, pharmaceutical, and non-food manufacturers. The portfolio spans six core machine technologies (Flow Pack HFFS, Thermoforming, Traysealing, Vertical VFFS, Stretch Film, Shrink-Sleeve) complemented by digital solutions (Smart Machines, Smart Service, myULMA portal), robotic automation integration, and a global service network spanning 24 countries directly and 50+ via distributors.

Product overview

ULMA Packaging is a comprehensive packaging systems company specializing in the design and manufacturing of industrial packaging machinery and complete automation solutions. The portfolio includes six core machine technologies: Flow Pack (HFFS), Thermoforming, Traysealing, Vertical (VFFS), Stretch Film, and Shrink-Sleeve Wrapping machines. These are complemented by digital solutions (Smart Machines, Smart Service, myULMA portal), service offerings (installation, commissioning, remote services, preventive maintenance), and automation systems (robotic cartoning, palletizing, loading). Key product lines include the TFX/TFS thermoformers, FR/Artic/Atlanta flow pack series, TSA/SCORPIUS tray sealers, EVEREST vertical packers, SIENNA baggers, and FLOW-VAC vacuum systems. Technologies like Width-Flex, R-Skin, Tight-Bag, Pack Adjuster, and RFID mould identification enhance the machines' capabilities. ULMA serves diverse industries including meat, poultry, cheese, produce, bakery/confectionery, ready meals, fish/seafood, and medical/pharmaceutical sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Flow Pack (HFFS) Machines Horizontal Form-Fill-Seal packaging machines that wrap products in film. ULMA offers multiple models (FR200, FR400, FR500, Artic, Atlanta HT) covering throughput ranges from pharmaceutical (120 packages/minute) to bar/flow pack lines up to 1,000 packages/minute, used by food and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
• Thermoforming Machines Thermoforming packaging machines that form packaging from roll stock film, used by food and non-food manufacturers. The TFX range delivers productivity and sustainability improvements and the TFS hygienic series is designed for washdown food environments.
• Traysealing Machines Tray sealing machines for Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and skin packaging applications across food sectors. Range includes TSA series (TSA 540 with R-Skin, TSA 680, TSA 875) and SCORPIUS 100 with automated tray loading.
• Vertical (VFFS) Machines Vertical Form-Fill-Seal machines for bag packaging of food and non-food products, including the EVEREST high-speed vertical series (e.g., VTC 840 with TightBag technology) known for format flexibility, dose changes, and film versatility.
• Stretch Film Machines Stretch film wrapping machines for pallet packaging and unit load stabilization.
• Shrink-Sleeve Wrapping Machines Shrink sleeve labeling and wrapping solutions including shrink tunnels for product labeling and bundling applications.
• Smart Machines Digital solution suite enabling connected packaging machines with HMI interface, OEE monitoring, MES/ERP connectivity, and Industry 4.0 integration.
• Smart Service Remote service offering including FAT online, remote equipment access, AR-assisted teleassistance, online commissioning, and remote training for installed packaging equipment.
• myULMA Customer Portal Customer portal providing real-time machine monitoring, OEE tracking, intervention history, offer/order generation, and order status tracking for ULMA equipment owners.
• Technical Assistance Technical support services delivered through ULMA's own service network spanning 24 countries directly and distributor coverage in 50+ countries.
• Preventive Maintenance Preventive maintenance programs designed to ensure maximum equipment operability and productivity for installed packaging machinery.
• System Installation Equipment installation services for packaging systems including line layout and integration with downstream automation.
• Commissioning Machine commissioning and startup services for packaging equipment, including format set-up and operational validation.
• Spare Parts and Adaptations Spare parts supply and equipment adaptations services for installed ULMA packaging machinery.
• ULMA Remote Services Remote support services including FAT online, remote equipment access, AR-assisted teleassistance, online commissioning, and remote training.
• SIENNA Bagging Machines Bagging machine family (successor to PV-350) with 2,000+ installations over 12 years, offering 10% productivity improvement, touchscreen interface, short and long bag capability without adjustment changes, and improved ergonomics.
• FLOW-VAC Vacuum Packaging Systems Vacuum packaging systems (FLOW-VAC 35, FLOW-VAC 45/55) that create bags from a single roll of barrier shrink film, used for meat and cheese applications including whole chickens via Tight-Bag air-extraction technology.
• TFX Thermoformer Range Next-generation thermoforming machine range delivering up to 10% productivity improvements, up to 20% vacuum cycle time reductions, RFID mold/tool identification for changeover error reduction, automatic film alignment, touchscreen-controlled tray height adjustment, and centralized recipe management.
• Next-Generation Tray Sealing MAP Platform Next-generation tray sealing MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) platform for extended shelf life and food safety, launched October 2025.
• Flow Pack Washdown MAP Machine Flow Pack Washdown machine launched April 2025 for high-speed MAP packaging in meat processing environments subject to strict washdown sanitation requirements.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 80% film waste reduction with Width-Flex technology
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers36 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

AI capability4 records

Feature15 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered notable, minor and core.

• Grupo BIMBOnotableStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2025Grupo BIMBO, one of the world's largest bakery companies, recognized ULMA Packaging as a sustainability-committed supplier in July 2025. This recognition demonstrates ULMA's commitment to sustainable packaging solutions in the bakery sector.
• RAMA s.r.l.notableTechnology or Integration · 6 February 2025Acquired 40% stake in February 2025. Italian company founded in 2002 with headquarters in Orsenigo (Como). Expands capabilities in the Italian market.
• PackDesign ABnotableTechnology or Integration · 10 December 2024Acquired Swedish company in December 2024 to strengthen presence in the Nordic market. Represents expansion through acquisition.
• Gulfood ManufacturingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 October 2024Annual participation at Gulfood Manufacturing trade show in Dubai. Showcases innovations including TSA 540 tray sealer with R-Skin technology and VTC 840 vertical packaging machine with TightBag technology.
• ALPMAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 March 2022Collaboration on complete lines for cheese portioning and packaging. ALPMA provides cheese portioning systems while ULMA provides packaging solutions for integrated dairy packaging lines.
• HandtmanncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 December 2020Joint development of complete lines for minced meat processing and packaging without tray. Handtmann provides meat production, portioning and weighing; ULMA provides packaging and metal detection solutions.
• Harpak-ULMA Packaging LLCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 13 August 2010Merger of Harpak Inc. and ULMA Packaging Systems Inc. in 2010 to create Harpak-ULMA Packaging LLC for North American market. Serves USA market through this joint venture.
• PACK-NETnotableStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 October 2009ULMA assumed presidency of PACK-NET (Spanish Technological Platform for Packaging and Packaging) in 2009. Francisco J. Etxaniz elected President. Platform includes major associations for packaging innovation and research.
• IPS DairypacknotableTechnology or Integration · 25 February 2009Acquired IPS Dairypack (Integral Packaging Solutions) based in La Rioja, Spain in February 2009. Specializes in filling machines for dairy and pourable products. 25% average annual growth, 60%+ exports. Complements ULMA's thermoforming and traysealing offerings.
• RochmannotableTechnology or Integration · 1 July 2008Integration of Rochman packaging division in July 2008 added 54 professionals and 10M EUR annual sales. Expanded ULMA into Non-Food sectors including audiovisual, automotive, hardware, toys, household, chemicals, textiles. Projected 20% annual Non-Food growth.
• MARELcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint webinar and collaboration on complete lines for meat portioning and packaging. MAREL provides portioning systems while ULMA provides packaging solutions in integrated automated lines.
• ULMA HandlingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntegration with ULMA Handling for automated warehouse systems. Complete turnkey solutions combining packaging lines with automatic storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), including integration at Quesos Entrepinares with near 30 packaging lines and 1,200 boxes/hour.
• ULMA PrecinoxcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOwn stainless steel plant within ULMA GROUP providing precision stainless steel components for packaging machines. Ensures quality control and supply chain integration.
• Terrena/GalliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partnership with BRD (Bernard Royal Dauphiné), a subsidiary of Terrena cooperative through Galliance. 170 employees, 60M EUR turnover (2017). Complete plant renewal with 7 TSA traysealer lines and thermoformer, doubling production to 270,000 chickens/week.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Multivac: Germany-based global market leader in thermoforming, traysealing and chamber packaging machines. Direct competitor to ULMA across thermoforming, MAP traysealing, and complete-line integration for food, medical and industrial customers.
• Syntegon Technology (formerly Bosch Packaging Technology): Major packaging machinery manufacturer offering HFFS, VFFS, flow-wrapping and complete line solutions. Overlaps with ULMA in food, pharma and confectionery packaging and competes for the same enterprise turnkey projects.
• Ishida: Japanese manufacturer of weighing, bag-making (VFFS), traysealing and inspection systems. Direct competitor in VFFS and traysealing for fresh produce, meat and snack food applications.

Broad incumbents

• GEA Group: Diversified industrial machinery conglomerate with significant food processing and packaging equipment exposure. Competes with ULMA in dairy, meat and bakery line integration, but as part of a much broader portfolio.
• Krones AG: German packaging and bottling machinery leader with strength in secondary packaging, palletizing and complete beverage/food lines. Adjacent competitor to ULMA in flow pack, shrink-sleeve and end-of-line automation.
• ProMach: US-based packaging machinery roll-up with multiple brands across flow wrapping, traysealing, cartoning and palletizing. Competes with ULMA in flexible packaging and end-of-line integration, particularly in North America through brands like Harpak-ULMA's competitive set.
• Tetra Pak: Global packaging and processing solutions leader for liquid and semi-liquid foods. Competes with ULMA in dairy/cheese filling and packaging segments through filling machines and packaging materials.
• Sealed Air Corporation: Global packaging solutions provider focused on food protective packaging and automated systems. Competes with ULMA in MAP/vacuum packaging for protein, produce and prepared foods.

Emerging players

• Handtmann: German specialist in portioning, forming and processing systems for meat and bakery. Strategic ULMA partner for minced-meat lines but adjacent competitor in integrated protein-processing and packaging solutions.
• Marel: Iceland-based global leader in food processing equipment for meat, poultry and fish. Webinar and integration partner of ULMA but increasingly adjacent competitor in complete protein-line solutions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ulmapackaging
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ulma-packaging
• Xx.com/ulmapackaging
• Facebookfacebook.com/ulmapackaging

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ulma Packaging