“Casappa has an international presence on all continents through commercial and production subsidiaries, employing over 1,000 people worldwide. Export accounts for 80% of total output and our customer base includes market-leading companies such as Caterpillar, John Deere, Manitou, Hyundai, Toyota and others,” says Roberto Bergamaschi, Group Operations & Supply Chain Director, summarising the company’s position.
Quality and reliability
Casappa designs and produces advanced hydraulic pumps, motors, filters, and electro-hydraulic systems for applications ranging from construction, industrial vehicles and material handling to agriculture, mining and general industries.
“Casappa is globally recognized for the quality and reliability of its products as well as for its focus on innovation in the fluid power market,” says Bergamaschi. “Our strength lies in the ability to develop and make products and solutions that exactly match our customers’ needs for a variety of applications.”
To sustain this development, Casappa continues to increase its investment in R&D and collaborates with major universities not only to update existing products but also to develop new products and solutions for future needs. “We strive to create a product portfolio for the future, integrating hydraulic components with electronics, to present products that reflect market requirements as well as sustainability, “says Bergamaschi.
“The success of these efforts is driven by our dedicated staff, committed to promoting our five key values – customer focus, accountability, team spirit, innovation, and integrity. These values are applied every day and make us what we are today.”
In cooperation with the main Italian universities, the company actively develops Employer Branding activities to attract top talent and to promote an inclusive environment with a corporate culture that rewards the value and commitment of its employees.
Firm footing
Speaking about recent developments, Roberto Bergamaschi acknowledges that Casappa has managed to consistently capture global growth opportunities, and in 2023 achieved a record turnover of around € 200 million.
The last few years have also been a period of continued expansion. In May 2022 the company inaugurated a new plant in Bangalore – Casappa Hydraulic India – and 2023 Casappa launched a major expansion of its plant in Shanghai.
Over the last two years, two important acquisitions have been completed: in 2022 Casappa acquired 51% of the share capital of Tecnord Srl of Modena, one of the most significant global players in the production of hydraulics, electronics and complete integrated systems, significantly strengthening the portfolio. A year later, the Italian company Benvenuti Srl, a key supplier for machining, joined the group, reinforcing Casappa’s supply chain and further ensuring business continuity.
Three years ago, the company started on the construction of a new Logistics Centre at its headquarters in Parma, the highest investment ever made in the history of the Casappa group. The Centre has been inaugurated in September this year.
“The Centre, with a covered area of 10,300 square metres divided between offices and warehouses, will further enhance quality, efficiency and above all safety and provide a fast, complete and modern response to the continuous needs of global demand,” says Bergamaschi.
Internally, the company is increasing the level of automation, incorporating IOT (Internet of Things) to minimize the need for human data entry and process control, and is implementing a new Power Business Intelligence (PBI) system that optimizes data availability for process owners and specialists, supporting data-driven decision-making.
Smart and environmentally friendly
Significant investment has also been made in product development to reflect digitalization and electrification, the two major trends that drive today’s hydraulics market.
In this respect, Bergamaschi highlights two pioneering innovations: the new XHP/XLP 20 gear pump line for higher efficiency and reduced noise levels, specifically designed for electrified machines; and the new MVP piston pumps line for mobile applications, equipped with electronic controls and an ECU on board, featuring Casappa SW CSP/CSD software. The optimised performance and reduced emissions reflect Casappa’s focus on environmentally friendly products.
“Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us, but a guiding principle to transform the way we do business,” says Bergamaschi. “It is also a key business parameter that is increasingly demanded by our international customers.
For us, sustainability is a value that goes beyond simple compliance with government regulations. It is a strategic choice that drives real and lasting benefits – for our company, for the environment and for the society.”
Sustainability efforts are fully supported by the latest technologies. Casappa has launched smart power systems that combine digital technology, such as CSP and the newly upgraded CSD. These products integrate sensors and digital tools to achieve precise control and preventive maintenance of equipment, improving machine operation efficiency and stability.
Future-proof products
The company’s suppliers are an integral part of Casappa’s success. “Suppliers are a key and strategic asset for us,” says Bergamaschi. “Our relationship with our suppliers is characterized by an approach based on technology and reliability to assure quality, flexibility and on-time delivery. We strongly believe in collaboration and transparency. Our key suppliers are true partners for us and a key factor in securing competitiveness. ”
Looking ahead, he reflects that in an uncertain international climate, Casappa is set to face the challenges as a strong, unified group. “We like to see our company as a ship capable of sailing faster and faster, equipped with a close-knit crew and the most modern tools to manoeuvre across the seas of the international market. A ship with an entire crew working in unison, under the same flag, sharing high moral values and aiming high, flexible in meeting challenges upfront and ready to seize new opportunities.”
To this end, Casappa will continue developing new products and investing in further process automation and digitalization, enhancing employee competencies and creating a positive and motivating working environment where every employee feels valued. “These strategic initiatives will position us for continued growth and success, ensuring we remain at the forefront of our industry,” Bergamaschi concludes.