The PFM Story
Over 60 years of flexible packaging technology
The story of PFM begins with a dream: to create something innovative in an era of epochal change.
It was 1964, and Pietro Fioravanti, together with his wife Elisabetta and a group of visionary friends, was building the future in his home garage.
The “Mignonette” horizontal packaging machine was not just a machine; it represented the first step towards a venture that would transform packaging in Italy and around the world.
From that small garage in Schio, PFM grew by facing challenges, technological and social changes, always keeping one mission alive: to make products accessible and well packaged, improving everyday life.
“Yesterday” is not just memory, but the starting point of a growth based on values such as innovation, quality and humanity.
It is testament to how ideas and courage can create something extraordinary, capable of leaving an indelible mark.
1960s
The Origins
In 1964, Pietro Fioravanti founded Pietro Fioravanti Macchine in Schio, in the province of Vicenza. The first premises were a garage, but the ambition was already industrial: to design horizontal packaging machines for the food sector. From this insight came the Mignonette, a machine initially designed for breadsticks and later adapted to various food products. It was the beginning of the journey that would lead to the birth of Italiana Pack and, subsequently, PFM.
1970s
From the first growth to the birth of PFM
The 1970s marked a phase of transformation. After the sale of Italiana Pack to the American group FMC, Pietro Fioravanti launched a new industrial chapter in Torrebelvicino. The company focused on rotary ovens, feeding systems and new technical solutions, building the foundations for the future. In 1977, series production of ovens began and the Super Compact was born, the first shrink-wrap angular packaging machine: a decisive step towards specialisation in packaging.
1980s
Specialisation in flexible packaging
In the 1980s, PFM firmly chose the path of packaging machines. New flow-wrap models were born, including the CC150, PFM80 and PFM2000, equipped with the exclusive oil-bath Long Dwell system. It was also the decade of strong development in the dairy sector: PFM became a benchmark for packaging mozzarella and progressively expanded its range of horizontal and vertical machines. In 1987, PFM UK was born, the Group’s first foreign branch.
1990s
Technology, foreign markets and generational continuity
The 1990s were dedicated to continuous technological improvement. PFM developed new machines, feeding systems and solutions for increasingly complex applications, strengthening its presence in international markets. In 1991, PFM Canada was born, a benchmark for the North American market. During these years, the new generation of the Fioravanti family also joined the company, while the organisation grew, consolidated its internal expertise and faced new commercial and production challenges.
2000s
Building the Group
The 2000s transformed PFM into a true industrial Group. In 2001, BG Pack joined; in 2002, MBP, specialising in multihead weighers and vertical machines; and in 2003, SPS Italiana Pack Systems, dedicated to automatic lines for bakery and confectionery. PFM Germany and PFMeccanica followed, a production centre for precision mechanical components. The strategy was clear: to integrate specialist expertise to offer more complete, customised and technologically advanced solutions.
2010s
New technologies and global expansion
In the 2010s, PFM strengthened its innovation and international presence. New branches and new technological platforms were born, including the D-Series for the stand-up pouch world. In 2014, the Group celebrated its 50th anniversary by inaugurating new spaces dedicated to Research, Development and after-sales Service. In 2018, PFMTECHLAB was born, an advanced engineering laboratory for special handling and packaging solutions. It was a decade of growth, specialisation and global vision.
2020s
Towards the future of packaging
The most recent years confirm PFM’s evolution as an international Group geared towards innovation, sustainability and technological integration. In 2022, a new production site adjacent to the PFM headquarters was acquired. In 2024, the Group strengthened its presence in bakery with the acquisition of Brevetti Gasparin, specialising in bread-cutting and packaging systems. At the same time, PFM is investing in the new Torrebelvicino headquarters, in energy efficiency and in the development of technologies compatible with more sustainable materials.
We write the future with you
PFM’s story is not just a sequence of dates, but the account of an industrial method: observing the market, listening to customers, investing in technology and building expertise capable of lasting over time.
From the first packaging machines to complete lines, from mechanics to robotics, from a local dimension to a global presence, PFM continues to design solutions to make flexible packaging more efficient, reliable and ready for the future.
