Meltio, a pioneering Spanish SME based in Linares, Jaén, has been awarded the SME of the Year 2023 by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce and Banco Santander. Founded in 2019 and specializing in metal 3D printing for industrial parts, the company serves industries such as automotive, aerospace and marine. With its innovative production process that involves patenting the first head that pulls welding wire from a multilaser, Meltio has achieved lower costs and increased efficiency in industrial processes.
The award highlights the efforts of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in driving economic growth, creating jobs and adapting to market challenges. The CEO of Meltio, Angel Llavero, expressed pride in the company’s contribution to the revitalization of Linares. The company employs over one hundred people and exports 96% of its production to over seventy countries.
In his speech during the award ceremony, King Felipe VI emphasized the importance of technology and innovation in maintaining competitiveness. The Ministerial Body also emphasized the need to support SMEs for a strong and competitive economy. Innovation, sustainability, employment, and digitization were key factors taken into account when choosing the winners of this prestigious award.
The president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce praised SMEs for their role as creators of jobs and wealth. Meanwhile, Angel Rivera acknowledged that despite facing challenges, SMEs continue to create jobs and develop projects that contribute positively to society. This recognition is a testament to Meltio’s commitment to excellence in its industry while also creating opportunities for growth in Andalusia’s economy.
Meltio’s success story highlights how innovation can drive economic growth by reducing costs and increasing efficiency in manufacturing processes while generating new job opportunities for local communities. As an SME with a solid foundation built on innovation, sustainability, employment creation potentiality, digitization awareness should be encouraged by policymakers who understand their significance for national development.
Meltio’s achievement underscores how Spain can harness its entrepreneurial spirit to foster sustainable development through technological advancements that align with global trends towards digital transformation. With more than 190 companies competing for this prestigious award each year since 2017 alone.