Over fifty years of history and values

2026

Interpack 2026 – The Strength of a Great Group

Participation in Interpack 2026 provided an important opportunity for Colussi Ermes and the Middleby Food Processing Group to reaffirm their role as leaders in innovation for the food processing industry.

The Middleby booth became a meeting place where customers, partners, and industry professionals from around the world could discover cutting-edge technologies, engage with our specialists, and experience first-hand how innovation is applied to food processing operations.

Representing Colussi Ermes was a team of professionals united by expertise, passion, and an in-depth knowledge of the solutions on display. Alongside them, the Proxaut team showcased the value of intelligent automation through its AGV solutions, while the companies of the Middleby Food Processing Group shared a common vision: developing innovative solutions that create value for customers through integration, collaboration, and technology.

Behind every successful exhibition stands the work of dozens of people who, before, during, and after each event, contribute with passion and professionalism to every stage of the project. This is the true strength of the Group: people, know-how, and technology working in perfect synergy to deliver increasingly innovative solutions and help shape the future of the food industry.

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2025

Middleby Centro di Innovazione – A Vision Brought to Life

Following an intense journey of design and construction, the Middleby Centro di Innovazione officially opened its doors, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Middleby and Colussi Ermes.

Its inauguration represented far more than the unveiling of a new building. It celebrated a shared vision—one brought to life through the collaboration of people, expertise, and cultures united by a common goal: creating a place destined to become an international benchmark for innovation in the food industry.

Joining this milestone celebration were the Colussi Ermes team, led by President Giovanni Battista Colussi together with CEOs Andrea Colussi and Chiara Colussi, the Middleby Corporation Board of Directors, the Middleby Food Processing & Innovation Kitchens Team, local authorities, customers from around the world, partners, suppliers, and friends. Their presence reflected the strength of a project built together and the enduring relationships that made it possible.

Covering 7,500 square metres, the Middleby Centro di Innovazione represents one of the most significant investments ever made by the Middleby Group, bringing together technologies, expertise, and experience in a single international hub dedicated to the food industry.

The Centre features:

2,000 m² dedicated to the Bakery sector, with state-of-the-art technologies and production lines for bread, baked goods, pastry, and confectionery;
2,000 m² dedicated to the Protein sector, equipped with advanced processing systems for meat production and transformation;
1,500 m² dedicated to training, featuring classrooms and facilities for education, testing, and product development;
2,000 m² dedicated to Foodservice, designed for live demonstrations, real-world applications, and solution development.

More than an Innovation Centre, the Middleby Centro di Innovazione is a place where Group companies, customers, and partners come together to test new technologies, develop innovative products, exchange expertise, and shape the future of the food industry.

Nestled in the heart of Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Centre combines the excellence of Italian manufacturing with the strength of a global organization, offering a unique environment where innovation, research, education, and hospitality come together under one roof.

Dedicated to Giovanni Battista Colussi, the Centre reflects his entrepreneurial vision, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From the very beginning, he envisioned it as a shared home for all Middleby companies—a place where the Group’s finest technologies could work side by side and where customers from across the globe could experience innovation like never before.

Today, the Middleby Centro di Innovazione is far more than a building. It is a living environment where ideas, people, and technologies come together every day to shape the future of the food industry.

2025

Behind every great project lies a vision. But turning a vision into reality requires far more than expertise, passion, determination, and the tireless commitment of extraordinary people.

The Middleby Centro di Innovazione was born exactly this way. Its conception originated from the vision of the Middleby Corporation Board of Directors and, in particular, from CEO Timothy Fitzgerald and Mark Salman, President of the Food Processing Group, who chose Casarsa della Delizia as the home of a centre destined to become an international benchmark for innovation in the food industry.

That vision came to life under the leadership of Eng. Giovanni Battista Colussi, who, together with Andrea Colussi, Chiara Colussi, and the entire Colussi Ermes team, guided every stage of the project with passion, determination, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence, transforming a shared ambition into an extraordinary reality.

In just one year, an ambitious idea took shape thanks to the dedication of an exceptional team of architects, engineers, designers, and professionals who created a facility unlike any other in terms of scale, functionality, and beauty.

Equally fundamental was the contribution of outstanding local craftsmen, whose expertise, attention to detail, and uncompromising quality brought to life a project that represents the very best of Italian craftsmanship. Every element tells a story of expertise, dedication, and pride.

Above all, this extraordinary achievement is the result of the passion, commitment, and professionalism of hundreds of people who embraced a shared vision and worked side by side to transform it into an unprecedented reality. Thanks to their talent, dedication, and team spirit, the Middleby Centro di Innovazione now stands as an international benchmark for innovation in the food industry, inspiring people and fostering collaborations that will help shape the future of food processing.

2025

Colussi Ermes’ participation in IBIE 2025 represented an important opportunity to strengthen its presence in the international baking market. Together with the companies of the Middleby Bakery group, the exhibition highlighted the value of an integrated offering capable of covering the entire production process through innovative, perfectly complementary technologies.

At the Middleby Bakery stand, Colussi Ermes showcased its Advanced Washing Systems, including Pan Washers, Crate Washers, and Spin Drying Systems, designed to deliver the highest standards of hygiene, efficiency, and sustainability while integrating seamlessly into modern automated production lines.

IBIE 2025 reaffirmed the strength of the collaboration among the Middleby Bakery companies and reinforced Colussi Ermes’ position as a global leader in advanced washing systems, contributing to the development of a baking industry that is increasingly efficient, safe, and sustainable.

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2025

Participation in IBA 2025 marked an important milestone in the growth journey of Colussi Ermes and the Middleby Bakery group, reaffirming the value of a shared vision built on innovation, expertise, and collaboration.

Throughout the exhibition, the Middleby stand became a meeting point for bakery professionals from around the world, providing the opportunity to showcase cutting-edge technologies, engage with customers and partners, and foster new business opportunities and collaborations.

Together with the other companies of the Middleby Bakery group, Colussi Ermes presented its high-performance washing systems, engineered to deliver the highest standards of hygiene, efficiency, and productivity. The synergy between the Group’s different areas of expertise resulted in a comprehensive, fully integrated portfolio capable of meeting the evolving needs of the baking industry with innovative, turnkey solutions.

The success of the exhibition was also made possible by the joint commitment of the marketing, technical, and installation teams, whose dedication transformed an ambitious vision into a remarkable exhibition presence.

IBA 2025 once again confirmed Colussi Ermes’ position as a global leader in advanced washing systems and reinforced the belief that the future of the food industry is built on continuous innovation, integrated technologies, and strong collaboration between companies, people, and expertise.

2025

IFFA 2026 was an extraordinary experience.
The Middleby stand became a key destination for food industry professionals from around the world, showcasing the strength of a shared vision built on innovation, integrated technologies, and complete processing solutions.

Colussi Ermes once again made its mark by presenting its sustainable, high-performance washing systems, engineered to deliver the highest standards of hygiene, efficiency, and reliability.

One of the exhibition’s highlights was the integrated system developed together with Proxaut, Maurer-Atmos, and Vemac—a tangible demonstration of how washing, automated handling, cooking, and drying can work together in one perfectly synchronized process.

IFFA once again confirmed what we believe every day: the future of food processing is driven by collaboration, integrated technologies, and a constant commitment to sustainable innovation.

Thank you to everyone who visited our stand, as well as to our customers, partners, and the entire team who helped make this experience such a great success.

2024

2024 marked a memorable milestone for Colussi Ermes at Südback, the leading international trade fair for the bakery industry. Our participation proved to be an outstanding success: the interest shown by visitors in our technologically advanced machinery exceeded all expectations, reaffirming the strength and relevance of our solutions in the global market.

Through the synergy of #Middleby group companies — #ColussiErmes, #Proxaut, #Firex and #GBTgmbhBackereiTechnologie — we were able to showcase turnkey systems capable of meeting every industry need, with ideal applications for both industrial and artisanal production.

A result made possible by the extraordinary dedication of our team and the enthusiasm of the professionals who chose to discover our innovative solutions first-hand — designed to maximise productivity and efficiency across the entire processing line.

Spectacular stand, exceptional people, unmatched energy.

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2024

In occasione di Anuga FoodTec 2024, Colussi Ermes ha partecipato alla manifestazione all’interno dello stand del gruppo Middleby Food Processing, presentando la propria macchina lava formaggi, una soluzione progettata per garantire elevati standard di igiene, efficienza e automazione nel settore caseario. La fiera ha rappresentato un’importante occasione per incontrare clienti e partner provenienti da tutto il mondo, consolidare relazioni commerciali e valorizzare l’innovazione tecnologica che contraddistingue da sempre Colussi Ermes.

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2023

An exciting new experience united Colussi Ermes with the Companies Firex, Proxaut, Vemac, ArmorInox and Scanico: Cibus Tec 2023!

Together we showed everyone the competence and professionalism of a worldwide unique group: Middleby Food Processing!

An edition that exceeded all expectations with a huge turnout: the power of connections and innovation once again won over an attentive and demanding audience.

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2023

This has been the most unexpected and powerful experience for all the Middleby Bakery brands!

1750 sq meters of Experience, Know-how, INNOVATION, Smart People, where Strong Cooperation and attention to the Customer have engaged everyone who has been involved.

Because together solutions come faster.

Because sharing is revolutionary.

Because being part of a Big Group means doing everything even bigger, better.

Because offering the best in washing technology has always been our mission….

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2023

The #Interpack exhibition is an appointment that cannot be missed by those who work in the bakery, confectionary, food and beverage industry but also in non-food fields such as pharmaceutical, cosmetic and process equipment.

Colussi Ermes, Escher, Proxaut and Vyv – all Middleby group companies – were reunited in this beautiful booth where revolutionary equipment and innovative solutions inspired and impressed all visitors.

The strong cooperation and attention to the Client is what made this much-anticipated Interpack edition so engaging and interesting.

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2022

During this year, with a view to establish a more widespread presence in the global market, Colussi Ermes is acquired by Middleby Corporation – a food-service and food-processing equipement worldwide group – that offers a complete range of food-industry processing solutions. This is a new start for Colussi Ermes aiming to speed-up its development and broaden its horizons.

2022

Meat and protein alternative technology. IFFA 2022: global leader exhibition.

After a long challenging period during which we were forced to settle for long-distance business-relations, participating to IFFA 2022 has really been a great joy – words cannot describe the feeling of being back together.

A big thank you goes to our business-partners and collaborators that outdid themselves in order to make the #IFFA2022 edition a very special event for our clients and prospect clients!

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2021

Colussi Ermes does not stop: a new large plant is built reaching a total area of 17500 square meters. Improving every possible company aspect – also from a production point of view – has always been one of Colussi Ermes’ main goals.

2020

Udine, 8 luglio 2020 – L’Università di Udine ha conferito la laurea magistrale honoris causa in Ingegneria meccanica a Giovanni Battista Colussi, 70 anni compiuti il 4 luglio, inventore e imprenditore leader a livello mondiale nel settore dei sistemi di lavaggio e sanitizzazione industriale. Il massimo titolo accademico onorifico è stato assegnato a Colussi, come recita la motivazione, “in relazione al profilo professionale, alle competenze maturate, alla capacità tecnica e imprenditoriale, alla creatività e all’ingegno, alla capacità di promuovere innovazione di prodotto e di processo”.

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2020

In a difficult moment for the entire world, the Colussi Ermes team joins its clients, suppliers and partners in a great battle. The company highest priorities are scrupulous care, safety and the well-being of its Clients, employees and partners as well as food-safety.

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2019

“Economy and development prize” awarded to Colussi Ermes as a cutting-edge company that has become successful thanks to the quality and high specialisation of its products and services.

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2019

Colussi Ermes is continuing its expansion by further extending its production surface.
Another 2 factory sheds have been added, totally 15000m2 and representing the company’s ongoing growth.

2019

CIBUS TEC is among the most innovative food technology exhibitions and a complete showcase of the best solutions for all segments of the food and beverage industry.

For more than 46 years, customization, innovation and the upholding of human values have been the main assets of Colussi Ermes, as acknowledged at CIBUS TEC 2019 by the worldwide visitors!

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2019

IFFA 2019 – The no.1 exhibition for the meat industry
We were born 46 years ago designing the first ham washer in the world. At IFFA 2019, just like then, we were able to win our clients and our new visitors over with our innovations along with the quality, the solidity and the enthusiasm that have always characterized us.

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2018

Colussi Ermes chosen as ambassador from the best examples of family-run companies out of the top 500 firms in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region.

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2018

Presenting Colussi’s new vision: “Pursuing ongoing improvement guided by our natural instinct.”

Watch the video »

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2018

Great success at the most important trade fairs.
Especially at IBA 2018, Colussi Ermes stood out for its extremely beautiful stand and for the amazing technologies presented.
400 astonishing, top-level square metres!

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2018

Colussi Ermes exports all over the world reaching many locations in many countries. Spain, germany, australia and north america are the markets where we achieve increasingly more significant sales goals

2017

To meet the ever increasing demands for custom tailored products, Colussi Ermes, with the involvement of its entire internal staff, consolidates and promotes the concept of “Tailor Made”. Each washing system is designed, developed and configured for each individual customer, realising unique systems which meet specific and even complex requirements.

2017

Interpack 2017

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2016

Colussi Ermes USA continues its whirlwind growth with the creation of the COLUSSI AWS INC. brand.

2016

IFFA 2016

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2015

Growth continues in foreign markets, highlighted by significant achievements in the Spanish market and the enormous success in North America with washing systems designed specifically for the meat and fish industry. There is also continued success in the pharmaceutical and logistics sectors! The largest international companies continue to choose Colussi Ermes!

After continued investments and research, the R&D department gives light to the first “super-compact” dryer, a machine able to combine a large capacity for drying crates in small spaces with a minimum footprint.

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2015

Thanks to continuous evolution over the last decade, Colussi Ermes has become the absolute leader in drying systems, above all with the development of compact crate spin drying systems.

Large capacities of up to 4200 crates/hour, speed and perfect drying, are just some of the features which, together with the possibility of handling crates of different types and sizes, set the new generation Colussi Ermes “super-compact” centrifugal dryers apart from the rest.

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2014

Expansion and increased potential of the test laboratories, the Quality Assurance department, the production area and offices. Investments in research, innovation and development continue with the aim of realising new projects in the meat and logistics sectors.

Important commercial goals, above and beyond any and all expectations, are achieved.

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2013

Expansion continues for Colussi Ermes with a further increase in surface area dedicated to production and the complete renovation of its office space. The company celebrates its first 40 years with the achievement of new goals, making good use of both the great passion which gives it life and the work of a skilful and ingenious team. Colussi Ermes is a recognised brand, synonymous with excellence, innovation and cutting edge technology.

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2012

Development, manufacture and testing of the most important automated system for washing, drying and storing of variable dimension collapsible crates in partnership with Tanzer Maschinenbrau Srl.

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2011

In 2011 Colussi Ermes designs the most compact washing machine for racks, pans, pallets and equipment placed on racks.

Its unique and innovative centrifugal system allows a significant reduction of energy consumption and space while guaranteeing the maximum efficiency. Thanks to a slow rotation of the loading platform, the wash solution reaches the whole surface of the rack and components.

Research, development and manufacture of a highly innovative system for the continuous washing, drying and cooling of polycarbonate moulds. Manufacture of a pallet washer/dryer for the pharmaceutical industry, with the highest levels of sanitary and hygienic performance.

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2010

Colussi Ermes launches its new corporate image with a new logo, new graphic design and its strong presence at the most important industry trade shows, such as the IFFA in Frankfurt. A revolution which, as with all internationally renowned and respected companies, Colussi Ermes feels the need accomplish; one where its brand image achieves the same level of recognition as the technological and production value for which is known. Investments continue in the research and development of new technologies which increase the efficiency and production capacity of its systems, increasingly tailored to the performance demands of the customer. The company continues to develop and grow, structuring itself in order to consolidate the position it has gained as a world leader.

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2009

Design and manufacture of the first system capable of washing and drying over 8,000 crates per hour.

2008

Conception and development of the first large-scale system, completely automated for the management of folding crates. This is the only system in the world which has a new patented system for opening, washing and closing crates with collapsible sides, using only water.

2007

Construction of a new, fully-equipped and independent facility, covering over 2500 Sq m, dedicated to R&D and the production of highly innovative, speciality systems. Colussi Ermes LLC is established in San Diego, California for the purpose of increasing market share in North America.

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2006

Significant investments in research and development have resulted in increased performance in drying systems, achieving levels of capacity and production which are at the top of the category. The first centrifugal dryer capable of achieving a drying capacity between 300 to 4000 crates per hour is created.

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2005

Construction of the fourth facility, which expands and increases potential of its headquarters in via Valcunsat 9, bringing the covered surface area to 8,000 Sq m. Colussi Ermes consolidates its presence in Italy and abroad, in the U.S, South America and, above all, Australia where it sends various tunnels for washing and drying of crates used by the “Coles Supermarket” chain.

2003

Testing on 2 systems for the production of the Oscar Myer Kraft ‘Lunchables’ range.

1999

Costruzione del terzo stabilimento, come estensione dei 2 precedenti, in via Valcunsat 9. L’azienda oltre ad estendere i settori di competenza, introduce e brevetta nuove tecnologie che incrementano l’efficienza e le prestazioni degli impianti. Inizia l’esportazione non solo in Europa, ma anche in Russia e negli USA collaborando con aziende molto prestigiose come: Eledweiss Kasewerk, Danish Crown, Fiorucci USA, Galbani, Sara Lee, Kraft, Nestle, Coop Swizerland, Migros ed Esselunga.

1991

Construction of the second facility, an expansion of the existing facility, in via Valcunsat 9. Colussi Ermes, specialist manufacturer of washing systems for the food industry, diversifies into the chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors.

1980

Giovanni Battista Colussi partnered with his father Ermes to patent the first vertical ham washers. Construction of the first facility in via Valcunsat 9. Colussi Ermes srl is now an established company, specialised in the production of washing systems for the food industry in a variety of sectors, such as: cured meats, dairy, fishery and confectionery industries.

1973

Ermes Colussi founded Colussi Ermes Srl, specialising in the manufacture of systems and equipment for the food industry.