INTERVIEW WITH MIX

Since 1990 MIX projects and manufactures in Cavezzo (Modena, Italy) mixing systems and industrial components for bulk solids handling. In its mission, MIX stands not merely as a supplier, but as a reliable partner; for this reason, MIX s.r.l. focuses its research and development activities on the needs of its customers.

Right after the 20th anniversary in 2010, characterized by a continuous growth, MIX had to face one big challenge in 2012 with the tragic earthquake that devastated the area of Emilia Romagna in the North of Italy. After reconstruction in record time, MIX founded a new branch in India confirming its vocation for internationalization. This process has continued in 2014 with the creation of another branch in Germany. 

The year 2019 marks another important step in Mix history as it becomes the holding “MIX & CO SPA” with the aim to grow up as a group of companies specialized in the bulk solid handling. 

First important acquisition took place in 2021 with company COMAV that is a reference point in the supply of pneumatic conveyor parts, automatic and semi-automatic bag emptying solutions, Big Bags, Octabins, containers and related engineering solutions.

Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?

MIX: Our mission is to design and manufacture mixing systems and components capable of treating different types of products (powders, granules, fibres, pulps), in all sectors (food, chemical, plastics, construction, ecology, industry, lab, animal feed, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, batteries), under the banner of quality and service.  Working in Quality alongside our Partners consolidates our position and image on the national and international market.

E.E: What’s the news about new products?

MIX: MIX developed a new range of industrial mixers for food contact applications. All parts in contact with food products have its own declaration of conformity, for use in food application in compliance with Regulation (EC) n. 1935/2004. The design of the mixers aims to avoid the deposit of food products in hidden areas and to facilitate the complete cleaning of each part of the mixer.

MIX also developed an innovative mixer with a completely extractable rotor shaft on sliding support arms so that the operator can have easy access to every point inside the mixing chamber, allowing a complete cleaning of the mixer, the rotor shaft and the mixing tools. 

This solution is optimal for use in sectors where the cleaning of the mixer with every change of recipe is of utmost importance.

Also in the filtration field, MIX developed a new series of dust collectors equipped with bags filtering elements, complete with EC1395/2004 Certification, suitable for applications in food industry, with powder products.

E.E: What are the ranges of products?

MIX: MIX can offer to its customers a wide range of products related to the bulk solid handling word:

Mixers (batch, continuous, four ribbon, paddles, ploughshares, reactor/dryer, laboratory), filters suitable to many different applications and all the needed accessories, butterfly valves, slide valves, under-silo valves, pinch valves, different kind of silo control system like over pressure and vacuum valves and paddle level indicators, loading bellows, components for screw feeders and fluidizing plates and nozzles.

E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?

MIX: MIX has customers all over the world. Italy and Europe are two of the most important markets where our company is present but we also have partners in United States, South America, Middle and Far East, Australia. For this reason, we need to be open and flexible to fulfill the different requests in terms of needs and certifications. In spite of the difficult international situation, MIX is still having good results and is continuing on its growth trajectory.

E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?

MIX: One among the biggest challenges we are facing as human beings is how to maintain a sustainable growth, while preserving the resources of our planet. If we add to this the actual situation with the cost of energy that has gone literally crazy, it is obvious that one of the most important market trends concerns the production of batteries. 

In order to best support the manufacturers of batteries, MIX S.r.l. has created a specialized technical team for the development of the new LI-ION MIX range, specially designed for the production of batteries masses. 

Our mixers for batteries can guarantee no contamination (thanks to special coatings for the parts in contact with product), no accidental leakage (obtained with radial seals secured thanks to a barrier of pressurized air) and a perfect mixing thanks to the technologies we have developed in more than 30 years of experience in the manufacture of horizontal mixers.

E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?

MIX: I have already spent some words on our commitment in developing mixers and filters suitable for the food industry. The demand of the customers in terms of quality and certifications is always higher in this sector and I can proudly say that our efforts are recognized by the market and the results are very good. 

For this reason, MIX, which has always been close to its customers, is now a member of EHEDG (European hygienic engineering & design group).

Our machines are designed to make washing, sanitizing and disinfecting safe and easy.

EHEDG’s guidelines demand that machines comply with strict design and engineering standards, resulting in machines that are easy to clean and sanitize.

Speaking of a specific product I would like to point out or new bag dump station with integrated filter manufactured in mild steel or stainless steel AISI 304. This product has been presented in POWTECH 2022 fair and the feedback has been very positive. 

E.E: What estimations do you have for the rest of 2022?

MIX: Easy question! Joking apart it is quite difficult to make a forecast. International situation is very complicated and always in evolution. The cost of energy is currently out of control and I hope the politicians will find a solution to solve all these problems and bring the world back to a situation of peace and stability.

From our side we are making all the possible efforts to face this difficult period. As already said before the results are good and we try to be optimistic for the remaining of 2022.