The Carbonell family has managed to find a market niche in the textile industry, for which it manufactures machines that make awnings, curtains and large-format advertising.
The company, called Matic, bills about 12 million euros a year and sells 70% of its machinery abroad, mainly to distributors in the United States (30%), Europe, Latin America and Asia.
The path that has led him here is the result of a process of adaptation to the new globalized times. Matic was founded in 1969 as a distributor of products for the then thriving textile and clothing sector. But as production shifted to Asia – and local factories closed down – Matic ran out of steam. In fact, the company went so far as to suspend payments in 1995 due to the change in the global landscape.
So, the Carbonell family decided to change course and focus on the distribution of large machines in the textile sector whose transport cost was too high for the globalized market. At the request of some clients, Matic began to develop machinery tailored to its clients and that is how it became a supplier of manufacturers of awnings, curtains and large-format advertising. An activity that today continues to be combined with the distribution of third-party machinery.
With headquarters in Granollers and 46 workers on its team (both direct and indirect), the company claims to be a 100% family business, which rejects the entry of financial or industrial partners.
Jordi Carbonell, the second generation at the head of the company, explains that future plans include continuing to grow in a sustained manner. "This year, we anticipate reaching 14 million in income and continuing to register an Ebitda (gross operating profit) of around 17%," says the owner.
Despite maintaining the growth rate that has always characterized it, the company has just opened the door to integrate competing companies into its operations. "We have a budget of 8 million euros to make between three and four business acquisitions that are aligned with our culture and service."
Carbonell wants to value Matic's particular governance style. The owner ensures that the company is not led by the figure of the CEO, but that all decisions are made from the bottom up. “I don't coordinate or supervise, but rather I set objectives and make myself available to the team to resolve doubts or queries”, he affirms.
