How EFSI benefits SMEs in Europe - BPER case study: Aurel (Italy), electronic shop

Founded in 1970, Aurel has become one of the leading actors in the development and manufacture of electronic circuits in thick film technology, which is used for the production of electronic micro-circuits. Relying on 40-years of experience, Aurel’s team of specialists is able to offer assistance on the best use of the thick film technology at every phase of a project.

What differentiates Aurel from its competitors is its strong drive to innovate. Roberto Chiarini, Aurel’s Sales Manager, confirms this: “We have tried to position ourselves on the market as specialists in a very specific field. We have developed the possibility to print all kinds of metallic material, not only ceramic as our competitors do, but also aluminium for instance.”

Aurel has always been strongly committed to the investment in research and development that has been central to its success. This is why Aurel eventually secured an EU-guaranteed loan provided by BPER, one of the first banking groups in Italy, and backed by EIF under the Investment Plan for Europe. This EU initiative, which aims to generate new investments by facilitating access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, helped Aurel to acquire new machinery, but also to hire additional specialists in the fields of engineering and chemicals. The loan has also allowed for further research in the areas of power lighting and power resistors among others, working towards improved quality standards.

With 70 employees, and in a space of over 4 500 square meters, Aurel continues to develop innovative projects, which aim at being effective, easy to understand and inexpensive in relation to both research and supply.

Company: Aurel (Italy)

Type of business:  Electronic shop

EIF financing: InnovFin SMEG, EFSI

For further information abiout EIF intermediaries in Italy, please refer to:
http://www.eif.org/what_we_do/where/it/