RST – Fiamma

Would you like a coffee? Of course! But where’s the coffee machine? Pedro Serra, Administrator of RST – Fiamma, will show you. To you and to more than 70 countries where the businessman exports his coffee machines.

RST – Fiamma is a manufacturer of espresso coffee machines and catering equipment. Let’s get to know our client a bit better in the context of European funds.

Interview

In 1977, RST – Fiamma was born from the vision of entrepreneur Nelson Serra and his automotive sector partners. How did this initiative transform into one of the leading espresso coffee machine manufacturers in Portugal?

It was pure coincidence. The company indeed started in the automotive sector, but we were also launching a business importing machines and accessories for hospitality. At a certain point, a decision had to be made about which coffee machines to import, and that’s when, during a trip to Italy, my father fell in love with the idea of manufacturing his own coffee machines. The idea quickly took shape, and coffee machines surpassed auto parts.

From the iconic FIAMMA GR 2 to the recent NAU, RST – Fiamma has always stood out for its innovation in approaches and products, combining technology with international market trends. Over more than 45 years, what have been the main management challenges in staying competitive in the sector?

Absolutely, the people. It may seem cliché, but without a team that is trained and focused on the company’s goals, there are no results. Designing and manufacturing good products that meet the real needs of customers is the minimum to participate in today’s market.

The people we count on in this process are what allow us to make a difference. The generational renewal in a 46-year-old company must be done in such a way that the know-how and experience of the older employees are maximized with the new ideas and training of the new employees who join, often from foreign countries, and who are highly motivated to grow, but also to make money and have free time for their personal lives. Balancing all of this has been and always will be the great challenge.

The company has always had a growth and expansion logic. In this context, the internationalization journey has been crucial. You even counted on the SME Internationalization notice from Portugal 2020. What was the impact of this investment support on the company’s business strategy?

Fundamental. Surely, the expansion strategy would be close to what it has been, but the support from Portugal 2020 was crucial for our internationalization ambition to be bold enough that we went from just over 15 countries to the current 70 to which we export our products.

Do you plan to apply for support from the new Community Framework – Portugal 2030?

Yes. Both in terms of internationalization and in terms of business digitization and energy transition and innovation, we are confident that Portugal 2030 will once again be the cornerstone of our strategy and evolution.

In the information age we live in, Industry 4.0 has become an obligation for manufacturing companies. How have you approached the incorporation of new technologies like automation, robotics, or even artificial intelligence in your processes?

For several years now, we have been investing in automation in our production and logistics processes. We currently have 8 automated or robotized systems. We don’t yet have experience with artificial intelligence, but I believe it won’t be long before it is part of our daily operations at RST.

Pedro Serra, Administrator

RST – Fiamma