Meltio, a company based in Linares, Jaén, has been recognized as the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) of the Year 2023 by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce and Banco Santander. Founded in 2019, Meltio specializes in metal 3D printing for industrial parts and is a significant employer in the Andalusian town. The company was recognized for its innovation and professionalization in the VII Edition of the SME of the Year Award.
Meltio has developed a pioneering method of metal 3D printing that extracts welding wire from a multilaser using its patented head. Employing over a hundred people and exporting 96% of its production to over 70 countries, the company serves industries such as automotive, aerospace, and naval. With its innovative manufacturing process, Meltio achieves lower costs and increased efficiency in industrial processes.
The CEO of Meltio, Ángel Llavero, expressed his pride in the company’s contribution to the revival of Linares area. The Minister of Economy, Carlos Body, King Felipe VI were invited to visit Meltio’s facilities to see firsthand how it has positively impacted on local economy. This award highlights that SMEs play an essential role in driving economic growth by creating jobs and adapting to market challenges.
Felipe VI emphasized that technology and innovation are crucial for maintaining competitiveness while Minister Corps highlighted the importance of supporting SMEs for a strong and competitive economy. Innovation, sustainability, employment creation and digitalization were key factors that were considered while selecting Meltio as winner among nearly 2000 applicants with 21 finalists.
The President of Spanish Chamber of Commerce José Luis Bonet praised SME’s vital role as creators of jobs and wealth while Banco Santander’s CEO in Spain Ángel Rivera acknowledged their resilience against challenges despite their continuous efforts towards job creation project development