With an annual capacity of around 500 machines and more than 17,000 units in operation, the company founded in 1958 by Carlo Biglia in the Monferrato hills faced the challenge of rethinking its approach to small-part manufacturing.
As early as 1986, Biglia had put its first FMS system into operation, making automation a priority. Today, however, the evolution of production systems requires another technological leap. The existing system with 1000x800 pallets imposed operational limits: efficiency was hampered by multiple clamping operations and long loading/unloading times—on average twice as long as for larger components. These factors led to the decision to introduce a new machining center with a robot cell to optimize production even for smaller parts.
The choice fell on GROB’s G350a 5-axis universal machining center, equipped with a flexible clamping system that can safely handle both small and very heavy parts. Thanks to the slim spindle design and the wide swivel range of the A-axis, workpieces can be machined optimally from every angle. Complex, multi-sided operations can thus be performed without reclamping. The machine table is designed to absorb cutting forces effectively and ensure stability, even with hard materials or complex geometries. In addition, the system can be equipped with special fixtures for customized applications.
After integrating the new GROB machine, Biglia recorded an immediate productivity boost, with cycle times reduced by up to 20 percent. Automation relieved operators of repetitive tasks and allowed them to shift to other production steps, streamlining the entire workflow. In the long term, the gradual renewal of older systems will raise the company to a new level of efficiency.
But the partnership between GROB and Biglia goes far beyond the mere delivery of machines. “As in any company, it is ultimately the people who make the difference—and at GROB Italy we experienced exceptional customer orientation throughout the entire collaboration,” explains Edoardo Biglia, Head of Production Planning at the family business.
“Even in the sales phase, we were impressed by how quickly our inquiries were answered. In after-sales, we particularly value the efficient remote support and spare parts supply, which always arrives within 24 hours. GROB’s expertise, their rapid and competent problem-solving, and the excellent relationship we have built make them a manufacturer we definitely want to involve in future projects as well.”
Through its Italian subsidiary in Pianezza near Turin, GROB will continue to support Biglia on its growth path. With a portfolio ranging from individual machines to complete production lines, GROB helps the company optimize processes and offers customized, scalable solutions for sustainable development—always precisely aligned with Biglia’s real production needs.
