London, 28 August 2024. IM GROUP has been awarded the title of Best Emerging Integrated Engineering Solutions Company 2024 in a survey conducted by SME News, UK. This prestigious recognition underscores IM GROUP's commitment to innovation, user experience, system efficiency, customer service, and excellence in engineering solutions.

Key Factors Behind IM GROUP’s Win
Several key factors contributed to IM GROUP being recognised as a leader in integrated engineering solutions. A standout element is its proprietary software, developed in-house by its IT division. The IM GROUP software suite, including IMAESTRO, IMPRIMO, IMAGO, and IMTECNO, is available in over 30 languages. It is highly customisable and can integrate seamlessly with leading management applications, making it versatile enough to support both small units and complex industrial systems.
 

IM GROUP’s strength lies in its ability to offer tailored solutions to meet specific customer needs. Leveraging the expertise of its various brands, IM GROUP provides fully integrated solutions across a range of industries. For instance, a comprehensive solution might include a dispersing and grinding mill from IEC+, a paint-dispensing system from Rexson, an ink-dispensing system from Inkmaker, and a filling-line system from Tecnopails.
 

In addition to its innovative software, IM GROUP has recently expanded its operations in the United Kingdom and the United States to meet growing demand. These expansions will soon enable IM GROUP to ship large, specialised machinery, such as the innovative Plusmill Evo by IEC+, from IM GROUP’s Mixing and Grinding division, which is already setting new benchmarks in pigment processing with its revolutionary Cowles-Impeller Technology. This move further strengthens IM GROUP's global footprint and commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to its clients across various markets.
 

IM GROUP Innovations
New technology is at the core of IM GROUP’s offerings, highlighted by several groundbreaking transformations:

1. Patented centre-point multi-stage dispensing valves: These innovative valves designed by Inkmaker, from IM GROUP’s dispensing division, can dispense into containers of any size and are activated pneumatically, eliminating the need for rotating mechanical parts or motors, thereby enhancing efficiency and user-friendliness.
    
2. Self-calibrating software, IMAESTRO: This software precisely controls dispensing valves based on real-time data from high-precision electronic scales, ensuring accuracy and reducing waste.
    
3. Optimised Recycle-Management: This system minimises waste by recycling over makes for future use, promoting sustainability.
    
4. 360°Access: A unique feature designed by Rexson, from IM GROUP’s dispensing division, which allows for the easy inspection and replacement of up to 32 high-precision multi-stage dispensing valves featured in the ColorPoint™ integral dispensing station. 
    

5. The Plusmill Evo: A revolutionary grinding solution that sets new standards in pigment processing featuring Cowles-Impeller Technology.
    
6. World’s first automated system for coupling lids with latches: Introduced by IM GROUP's Filling division, Tecnopails in 2021, this innovation is a testament to the group's leadership in automation.
    
7. New feed and closure filling-line series: Launched in 2022, also by Tecnopails, this series includes a line specifically designed to integrate with Rexson’s ColorPoint paint dispenser.
    

IM GROUP’s Path to Success
IM GROUP’s rise as a leader in integrated engineering solutions has been driven by strategic acquisitions and a strong focus on innovation. Between 2019 and 2020, Inkmaker expanded its capabilities by acquiring Rexson and Valtech in the UK, Tecnopails in Italy, and Swesa in Germany. During this period, Teko Tinting and Engineering in Malaysia and Indonesia also joined the group, followed by the addition of the Italian company IEC+ in 2021. These acquisitions were crucial in establishing a reliable supply chain for the ink, paint, and coatings industries, which ultimately led to the formation of Inkmaker Group.
 

On 22, April 2021, Inkmaker Group rebranded as IM GROUP to reflect its evolving technology and expansion into new markets. This strategic rebranding, coupled with the group's focus on innovation and customer-centric solutions, has positioned IM GROUP as a frontrunner in its industry.

Martin Black, the General Manager for IM GROUP and Inkmaker UK Ltd. in the United Kingdom, expressed his appreciation to SME News UK for awarding IM GROUP with this esteemed award.

Selection Criteria for the Award
The award for Best Emerging Integrated Engineering Solutions Company 2024 was determined by a rigorous selection process conducted by SME News’ judging panel and research team. The evaluation considered factors such as client loyalty, innovation, business growth, longevity, online reputation, customer feedback and business performance based on nomination information, voting data, and extensive independent research. SME News’ merit-driven approach ensures that winners are selected based on their contributions to their industry rather than solely on the popularity of votes.

About SME News
SME News is a UK-based publication which acts as a vital platform for promoting and supporting enterprises both in the UK and globally. With its awards programs, SME News showcases the accomplishments of successful SMEs, shining a spotlight on their contributions to various industries.

About IM GROUP
Founded in Turin, Italy, on 22 April 2021, IM GROUP is a global leader in technology and engineering solutions, combining the expertise of its brands Inkmaker, Rexson, Vale-tech, Swesa, Teko, Tecnopails, and IEC+. The group offers comprehensive process engineering solutions, focusing on mixing and dispensing for various industries, including paint, coatings, ink, chemicals, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and more. With a presence in 15 countries across five continents, IM GROUP is a trusted partner to Fortune 500 companies such as Boeing, Sherwin Williams, PPG, Akzo Nobel, Avery Denison, International Paper, and Tetra Pak.

To learn more about IM GROUP and its innovative solutions, contact us at IM GROUP

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