17 machines installed over 20 years of partnership with Norel, a global leader in animal nutrition additives.

Since its founding, the company has grown from a local player to a global benchmark, exporting its products to over 70 countries. Its main plant is located in Tarragona, with a production capacity of 80,000 tons per year. It also has an international network that includes production plants in other cities across Spain, Mexico, Egypt, and the United States. 

The challenge of rapid expansion

Norel's rapid expansion during the 2000s brought operational challenges that required tailor-made technological solutions, including automatic bagging and palletizing equipment to help the company meet customer orders worldwide.

The added difficulty in this case was the need for machines capable of adapting to the wide range of products manufactured by Norel (currently around 45), with highly diverse characteristics such as being dusty or very greasy, on 24/7 production lines that require constant changeovers from one product to another.

Additionally, there were specific palletizing requirements, including the need to allow product breathability while ensuring its protection.

TMI’s solution

It was in 2008 when Norel first placed its trust in TMI, acquiring a semi-automatic bagging machine for the Tarragona plant. Juan María Muñoz, Plant Manager at the Valls facility in Tarragona (the largest in the group), explains:

“At the beginning, we chose TMI for our new machines because of their compelling proposal. Their ability to adapt to our needs marked the beginning of our collaboration.”

Although they had previously worked with another supplier, TMI's proposal was a much better fit for Norel’s technical requirements.

Thanks to the results, the flexibility, and the commitment shown, TMI became a regular supplier after this first collaboration, providing custom-made equipment tailored to Norel’s needs (including both semi-automatic and automatic machines, as well as complete bagging, palletizing, and wrapping lines).

This successful relationship, built on a deep understanding of the product and production processes, has lasted over 20 years. Today, Norel has TMI equipment in other plants across Spain (such as Cuenca) and globally, including Mexico, Egypt, and the United States.

The 3 keys to the success of the Norel–TMI relationship

According to Juan María Muñoz, there are three elements that have supported this long-lasting relationship:

• Technical capability.

TMI has always been able to meet Norel’s demanding production needs thanks to its deep understanding of the company’s specifics, environment, production system, and unique challenges—delivering highly reliable machines while maintaining very competitive prices.

• Technical support.

For an ongoing collaboration, having efficient technical support is crucial to avoid downtime of machines or lines at any plant around the world.

“For us, operating 24 hours a day, it’s crucial to always have someone available on the phone. This is key because our lines need extremely high availability. A stopped machine means major losses.”

• Trust in people.

Over the years, TMI’s team has shown great dedication and commitment in supporting Norel in any situation—going beyond purely technical matters.

The result: a relationship that goes beyond business

Over the years, TMI has adapted to Norel’s expansion needs, becoming a technological partner with machines installed in Spain, Mexico, the United States, and Egypt, totaling 10 production lines and 17 units including baggers, palletizers, and wrappers.

But beyond the numbers, the most valuable result has been building a relationship of trust that goes far beyond business and has lasted for over 20 years.

“Beyond technical support, with TMI we’ve built a relationship of trust that goes far beyond business. They’ve always been there to support us.”

The collaboration between Norel and TMI is a clear example of how mutual understanding and adaptability can turn challenges into growth opportunities. The relationship built over these two decades proves that innovation and trust are key to achieving success.

If you want to learn more about TMI's solutions and how they can help your company, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Summary:

• Client: Norel, a leading company in additives and raw materials for animal nutrition, with over 40 years of experience and presence in more than 70 countries.
• Challenge: Need for bagging and palletizing machinery to operate 24/7 with complex products, such as dusty and greasy materials.
• Solution: Installation of tailor-made equipment for Norel’s needs, along with continuous technical support.
• Results: A 20-year relationship of trust with 17 machines installed across Spain, Mexico, the United States, and Egypt.