Ocrim marks 80 years with global industry gathering in Turin, Italy

ITALY – Ocrim celebrated eight decades of innovation and service in the milling sector by hosting more than 250 industry leaders at its “Wheat, Flour, and…2025” event in Turin.

The two-day gathering brought together experts, entrepreneurs, and academics from around the world to discuss the future of milling, sustainability, digitalisation, and strategic partnerships, highlighting Ocrim’s commitment to quality and Italian manufacturing.

The company emphasises its commitment to innovation and customer-driven solutions, which have been central to its longevity.

“Ocrim has always prioritised technological evolution and the needs of our clients, ensuring efficiency and reliability in milling operations,” the company stated.

In addition to its extensive work in flour milling, Ocrim has made strides in feed mill technologies, supporting industry demands with customised solutions. Its integrated approach to milling ensures high-quality processing while optimising efficiency.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, Ocrim is reflecting on key milestones and reaffirming its mission to drive advancements in milling.

The company continues to invest in research and development, aiming to enhance automation and sustainability in the sector.

Opening the event, Alberto Antolini, CEO of Ocrim, reflected on the company’s milestones over 80 years and stressed the strategic choice to maintain production in Italy.

“Our commitment to national expertise is not only a guarantee of quality but a responsibility toward global markets,” he said.

Federico Vecchioni, CEO of BF SpA, which Ocrim acquired a minority stake in 2015, highlighted the benefits of collaboration, particularly in driving innovation and sustainability across the agri-food supply chain.

Mills of the future

A highlight of the first day was a roundtable exploring artificial intelligence (AI) applications in roller mills, purifiers, and plansifters.

Moderated by Lorenzo Cavalli of Molini Valente SpA and Massimo Carpanelli of Molini d’Italia International, the panel included Ocrim experts Fabrizio Baccinelli, Marco Galli, Paolo Molinari, Emanuele Bigna, and Simone Pedrini.

Discussions focused on AI’s potential to predict maintenance needs, optimise energy consumption, and support operational planning by integrating historical and real-time data.

From the expert’s perspective, AI complements, rather than replaces, the miller’s expertise, enabling faster, safer, and more sustainable decision-making.

Ocrim took a concrete step toward digital innovation with its new after-sales ticketing portal. Carolina Ghilardi, from the marketing department, explained how digitalisation is not just a technological tool, but a true improvement in customer experience. 

Strategic partnerships and industry insights

Stefano Mazzini, Ocrim’s sales and marketing director, outlined two strategic initiatives: acquiring a minority stake in Meyer Italy, a leader in optical sorting machines, and acquiring Treviso-based Grespan Impianti, a 60-year-old feed mill technology specialist.

Annabelle Grespan, CEO of Grespan, emphasised the shared values of both companies in providing tailored solutions and listening closely to customers.

Entrepreneurs and academics also shared insights on milling logistics, agro-industrial complexes, and market dynamics.

Andrea Valente of Molini Valente SpA highlighted efficiency gains in modern mills, while Cosimo de Sortis of Amber Srl addressed maritime transport turbulence from geopolitical crises and environmental regulations, predicting higher freight rates and domestic price pressures.

Stefano Zangheri of Paglierani Srl and Riccardo Accorsi of the University of Bologna discussed integrated logistics, packaging, and digital automation as key drivers for efficiency and sustainability.

Ocrim capped the event by premiering its 2025 corporate video, blending historical and contemporary imagery, and hosting an 80th-anniversary postmark ceremony with Poste Italiane, symbolically linking the company’s legacy to its future.

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