On the occasion of 40 years of dynamic and successful growth, the founder of Theodorou Group, Dr. Evangelos Theodorou, and the Development Director, Dr. Marios Chatzianandreou, discuss the original vision, key milestones, core values, and the strategic evolution of a company that connects industrial packaging with the future of production and the modern supply chain.
The Original Vision
E.T. Forty years ago, industrial production, and particularly product packaging, was at a critical stage of transformation. New technologies supported by industrial automation, advances in electronic systems, and information technology needed to be integrated into the existing technologies of the time, which were primarily based on classical mechanical engineering.
Theodorou Group was founded precisely at the beginning of this critical transition, with the vision of helping the Greek packaging industry smoothly integrate these new technologies.
From the outset, we placed strong emphasis on acquiring in-depth know-how, investing in highly skilled technical personnel and continuous training in Greece and abroad.
Greek industries embraced our effort and regarded us not only as equipment suppliers, but also as reliable advisors who contribute meaningfully to their growth and improvement.
On our side, we strive to build long-term partnerships with our clients, based on trust and on elevating every transaction into a unique experience.
Earning Our Customers’ Trust
M.H. We recognize that in order for customers to place their trust in us, even provisionally, they expect:
Solutions and systems that meet their customized needs while remaining adaptable to future requirements- Smooth integration into existing production processes
- Reasonable acquisition cost, along with minimal operating and maintenance costs
- Reliable long-term equipment performance and high-level after-sales technical support
- Tangible contribution to increased productivity, cost reduction, and enhanced flexibility
- A strong commitment to safety, social responsibility, and sustainable development.
With a team of more than 90 experienced and well-trained engineers and technicians (40 of whom work in the field), partnerships with leading international manufacturers, and a ready stock of spare parts, we can confidently state that we meet these requirements to a high degree.
Key Milestones
E.T. We started 40 years ago with product and packaging coding systems. The ability to print readable codes, such as expiration dates, lot numbers, etc., is crucial for production operations, consumer information, and supply chain facilitation.
We then expanded our portfolio with key technologies such as industrial electronic weighing, product checkweighing systems, labeling systems, thermal label printers, pallet wrapping systems using stretch film, automatic case packing systems, and robotic palletizing.
A major step was our entry in the early 1990s into the production of self-adhesive labels and thermal transfer ribbons. Today, we operate a state-of-the-art production facility—one of the largest in Europe—with exports to 19 countries.
In the late 1990s, we introduced the PPU (Pay Per Use) system, an innovative approach to acquiring industrial equipment that offers flexibility and stable cost per produced unit. It was widely embraced by our customers.
In the early 2000s, we began developing Tracer Factory, an MES system incorporating Industry 4.0 technologies well before they became widely known, with connectivity as its core principle. Today, Tracer Factory is a key tool for ensuring traceability, proper production management, automation, and product quality assurance.
Today, we offer integrated automation lines for both packaging and logistics, featuring robotic technologies, full product-level traceability (serialization & aggregation), and, most importantly, full synchronization with factory production systems and enterprise systems (e.g., ERP).
Over the past decade, we have carried out a series of international acquisitions, giving us direct access to markets in the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and emerging Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Today, we are also focusing on artificial intelligence applications and the use of GS1 2D codes in modern packaging, technologies that will shape the near future.
The Group’s Solutions for Industrial Packaging & Supply Chain
M.H. Theodorou Group’s industrial solutions include:
Automatic coding and marking of products and transport units (boxes and pallets)- Automatic labeling of products and cartons
- Automatic checkweighing and quality assurance with rejection of non-compliant products
- Serialization systems for unique product identification and aggregation systems for tracking products grouped into cartons and pallets
- Robotic case packing
- Robotic palletizing
- Automatic pallet wrapping with stretch film, labeling, and handling for storage or shipping
- Design and turnkey delivery of fully integrated packaging lines synchronized with ERP systems
- Auto-ID and mobility equipment (handheld terminals, barcode scanners, thermal printers, wireless networks, etc.)
- Consumables (labels, thermal ribbons, stretch film, industrial inks)
- Custom Industry 4.0 applications
For supply chain & logistics, solutions include:
Automated warehouses operation using conveyors and/or cobots/AGVs- Automated order execution (for pharmaceutical warehouses / e-commerce)
- Automated sorting and parcel dispatch (for courier and logistics centers)
- Automatic labeling, weighing, and dimensioning of packages
- Automated palletizing and wrapping
- Auto-ID and mobility equipment
- Consumables
- Software for system integration, code management, and traceability
- Custom Logistics 4.0 applications
Our solutions follow a modular design approach, where systems consist of distinct modules that integrate seamlessly to deliver optimal results.
Advice for Companies Considering Digital Transformation
E.T. Industry 4.0 includes a range of modern industrial technologies based on digital computing systems, such as robotics, IoT, MES, 5G, cloud computing, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence.
However, these technologies remain tools, designed to solve real problems or enable useful applications. A clear distinction must always be made between tools and applications.
Each company’s management must define its strategic roadmap and appoint an implementation team, including experts in Industry 4.0 technologies, even external consultants if necessary.
Key principles for integration:
- Digital transformation is continuous and should be implemented step by step
- Cross-department collaboration is essential
- Consider acquiring technology “as-a-service” due to rapid technological evolution
- Ensure smooth integration with existing processes
- Management must actively monitor and support implementation efforts
Recent and Planned Investments
M.H. Over the past decade, we have made significant acquisitions in countries including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Cyprus, and the UK.
At the same time, a new production plant for labels and ribbons is already underway in Hungary, expected to be completed by 2026, to serve Central Europe.
We are also investing significantly in real estate. Our state-of-the-art facilities are located in Paiania, covering 35,000 square meters of land with 15,000 square meters of building space.
Looking to the Future
E.T. In the coming years, integrating artificial intelligence into our solutions will be a major focus.
We are also placing strong emphasis on partnerships and acquisitions to expand into more markets, particularly in Europe.
Finally, investing in our people is a top priority and commitment. We continuously invest in employee development and future talent, maintaining close ties with the academic community to help cultivate the next generation of skilled professionals.
Dr. Evangelos Theodorou is the President & CEO of Theodorou Group. He holds a degree in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering – NTUA (National Technical University of Athens) and holds a Ph.D. in Electronic Systems from the University of Cambridge, England. He has been a lecturer at the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers of the NTUA.
Dr. Marios Chatzianandreou is Development Director of Theodorou Group and CEO of its international subsidiaries. He has previously worked as a management consultant at EY. He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering and a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge.