Scotland: the discerning choice in Europe 

The firm discovered stiff competition when weighing up other European locations such as England and Ireland to expand its business in this niche sector. However, Scotland won on the strength of its well-connected and globally-renowned spirits industry, distilled over centuries in craft and expertise. 

Europstampa holds family values that are key to instilling a sense of belonging and trust across colleagues and customers. The firm was founded in 1966 by CEO, Luciano Cillario. He still works in the company with his three sons who will ensure the firm remains 100% family owned for the next 20 years. This robust succession planning is the bedrock of the business's plans to achieve stability across its operation, employees and customers.

The company already had a premises in Glasgow - but the new Cumbernauld facility will be double the size, located centrally with easy access to Scotland’s transport networks and distilleries throughout the country and globally.

Steven adds: “The Italian investment into Scotland is a remarkable story. Not only is Eurostampa committed to growing its operation on a global scale, investing in Scotland is the company’s single biggest financial commitment in its 50 year history. As part of our business strategy, the family reinvests 90% of profits into the company annually." 

The perfect blend: Team Scotland partner support

Steven believes that Eurostampa’s vote of confidence in Scotland is a testament to its customers and employees. Supported by a £2.5 million Scottish Enterprise grant, the firm has invested this in new technology and equipment and in further developing its apprenticeship programme. 

The company received further support from Team Scotland partners, including Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) that helped to secure data to ensure its factory layout was correctly configured.

With an ambitious vision to train new and upskill existing talent, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) assisted the company to develop and run training programmes. 

In June 2023, Adrian Gillespie, CEO of Scottish Enterprise and Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, visited Eurostampa to unveil its state-of-the-art facility in Cumbernauld. 

Invaluable business support for growth

Steven describes the process of Team Scotland partners connecting the company with supply chains, and providing help and guidance on business development as “absolutely invaluable”. The company’s success in the bottle labelling industry from Scotland has made a massive contribution to boosting its business from a £6 million turnover in 2011, with 62 employees, to £30 million with 210 employees in 2024. 

Scaling growth and innovation in one of Scotland’s major industries like food and drink, valued at £14.9 billion, reflects the company’s commitment to inward investment. All this depends on Eurostampa fostering a fitting company culture.   

Steven explains: “The owners knew that integrating its family ethos and vision into Scotland was vital for the business’s people, values and development plan.” 

Eurostampa’s footprint in Scotland has been a major contributor to the firm’s growth and has created over 150 new jobs. The company employs professionals across many roles, including graphic designers, tech professionals, engineers, customer service, sales and printing. 

Innovative spirit: Eurostampa's turnover has increased from £6 million in 2011 to £30 million in 2024.

A mission with innovation in Scotland   

But investing in Scotland is much more than monetary: The company’s mission, similar to those of Team Scotland partners, is all about innovation, sustainability and further improving quality and service assurance. This will help the firm to contribute to Scotland’s productivity and economic output, especially since many segments of the whisky supply chain are offshore.

Steven adds: “We’re committed to energy transition, working towards net zero targets by 2050, although the family may have earlier ambitions! Our new, modern facility will be fully equipped with solar panels as a green energy power source, and we will also upgrade our waste management processes.”

Gian Franco Cillario, CEO of Eurostampa European Operations, sums up: “We decided to make a a strategic investment in this brand-new, great facility — because we saw it as an opportunity for future growth. Our commitment is not just to stay in Scotland, but to continue to invest in the long term future by diversifying into cosmetic and pharmaceutical labelling. 

It’s clear that Scotland’s spirit – tipple and otherwise – is testament to its entrepreneurship, expertise and innovation. We’ll drink to that. Slainte!