The Bulgarian company Spesima, whose name is an abbreviation of “specialized systems for production automation,” is one of the few in the country with more than 35 years of history. It was founded in 1989 under Decree 56 by Dr. Eng. Ventsislav Slavkov.

After the fall of the regime, Spesima entered the free market, practically starting from scratch: without its own equipment or buildings. In the early years of the transition, when industrial production in Bulgaria sharply declined, the company survived as a supplier of small machine parts for West German partners.

A turning point in the company’s history was one of its deliveries for the German firm Oskar Frech – a global leader in the production of horizontal high‑pressure aluminum die‑casting machines. The first order from Frech for the small Bulgarian company was the development of a manipulator for removing hot aluminum castings from the die‑casting machine. The project was successfully completed and marked the beginning of a long‑term partnership. In 1997, Oskar Frech decided to invest in Spesima by purchasing an equity stake, which enabled the company to accelerate its development and confidently enter international markets.

Dr. Eng. Ventsislav Slavkov recalls a curious incident from the negotiations with Frech: he included in the pricing a line item that surprised his future partners — 50,000 German marks for “know‑how.” When the owner, Mr. Wolfgang Frech, asked what stood behind this amount, Slavkov replied: “You are not buying a vegetable shop; you are buying a company that has 10 years of experience in production automation.” After a comment that the price was high, he offered a symbolic discount to 49,000 marks — an amount corresponding to the 49 percent that the German side was purchasing.

Entering global markets

This agreement transformed the company from a small office with 18 tiny rooms, where each robot was assembled in a separate space, into an established name in the sector.

To date, more than 3,500 specialized robots and peripheral devices produced by Spesima operate in over 30 countries on 3 continents. The company’s robots are used by companies such as Renault, Audi, Dacia, Danone, Sensata, Nidek, and Husqvarna, as well as by suppliers of components for BMW and ABB.

The company’s base is in Sofia and occupies approximately 4,000 square meters, including an 800‑square‑meter engineering office. Spesima’s team consists of 30 highly qualified specialists, including four PhDs in various engineering fields. The company maintains close cooperation with experts from the Technical University of Sofia and the institutes of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Spesima holds more than 25 patents and trademarks for original designs created to operate in harsh conditions — high temperatures, dust, and continuous heavy workloads.

The second generation in the business

The company’s management now actively includes the second generation, represented by Ivana Slavkova‑Boteva — daughter of Dr. Slavkov. After completing her higher education in Manchester and a four‑year career in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa division of Hewlett‑Packard, she returned to Bulgaria in 2014.

Her path to her current role as Procurator and Business Development Manager, however, has been far from easy. “When I started working at Spesima, I often had to prove that I understood my job before anyone would listen to my opinion. Sometimes it was because of my age, sometimes because I am a woman, or because I am the boss’s daughter,” Ivana shares. According to her, there were meetings where she sensed skepticism even before the conversation began, as well as moments when she was on the verge of giving up.

“Over time, I realized that respect is earned through consistency, competence, and results. Today I increasingly see women in engineering, technical, and managerial roles. In my view, the most important change is that we are gradually stopping talking about ‘women in industry’ as something unusual,” Ivana says.

She recounts one of the biggest challenges in the company’s history, although at the time she was still a student. In the period 2006–2007, the Taiwanese technology company Foxconn ordered 250 specialized robots (extractors) from Spesima for the production of laptop casings within just 18 months. Since the volume far exceeded the company’s capacity at the time, the situation required the creation of a new working model: the firm prepared the design documentation, while ten other Bulgarian enterprises manufactured 80% of the mechanical components.

This successful partnership gave rise to the Mechatronics and Automation Cluster, established jointly with the Technical University of Sofia and the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. According to Eng. Slavkov, the project is an example of how, when industry works together, it can accomplish major tasks at a world‑class level. The cluster continues to operate today as an organization based on mutual trust and resource sharing among companies.

Several crises later

As a global company, Spesima has not been spared from the shocks of world markets. During the 2009 financial crisis, turnover dropped to 17 times below the peak levels of 2006. Instead of mass layoffs, however, the management dismissed only seven employees in order to preserve key engineering know‑how. Dr. Slavkov’s philosophy is that during crises one must invest in assets and technologies so that when the crisis passes and economic growth returns, the company can take off with a flying start.

During this period, the company expanded its market presence in Turkey, Serbia, Korea, the USA, and China.

An important direction for Spesima has become the so‑called re‑engineering of industrial robots. Instead of scrapping equipment with fully functional mechanics from major automotive plants, the team completely replaces the hardware and software, adapting their control systems to the needs of its clients. At present, more than 150 such re‑engineered robots are operating in industry, applying the principles of zero‑waste circular economy.

Beyond foundry automation

For many years, Spesima worked mainly on automation systems for the foundry industry, where machines operate under extreme temperatures and heavy dust. The accumulated experience has proven to be a solid foundation for the company to expand into other manufacturing sectors.

Today, Spesima designs and implements complex automation systems covering activities ranging from palletizing and machine tending to precision grinding, welding, and machine‑vision inspection.

Ivana Slavkova gives several examples of complex projects completed by Spesima: a system for controlling specific construction bolts, developed over a year and a half for a client in France. A robotic cell sorts mixed parts and uses three intelligent cameras to check for deformations and the presence of threading. Another specialized line, equipped with gripping devices, operates for Danone, where it automates the palletizing of yogurt cups. For a Croatian partner, the company invented an innovative dry‑ice cleaning technology for BMW components.

In these projects, the company follows a closed‑loop model: the process begins with detailed analysis and conceptual design, moves through engineering documentation and in‑house manufacturing, and concludes with programming, installation, and long‑term service support. Ivana emphasizes that this distinguishes Spesima from mass robot integrators, as the team does not offer a standalone machine but a complete solution for a specific production process.

A look into the future

In its new stage of development, Spesima is focusing on digitalization and the principles of Industry 5.0. In recent years, the company has been developing digital twins in a cloud‑based platform for modeling robotic systems in heavy industry. This enables process optimization, reduced maintenance costs, and early prevention of failures. The company is also interested in collaborative and humanoid robots, with the latter used mainly for demonstration purposes and for developing specialized software. “Despite their limited capabilities at the moment, these robots have great potential for the future,” says Spesima’s procurator.

Today, the visions of the two generations at Spesima converge into a shared goal. For Ventsislav Slavkov, the dream is simple: “what I have not managed to accomplish so far, may my daughter achieve together with the team.” For Ivana Slavkova‑Boteva, the path forward lies in strengthening the company’s presence on international markets and establishing an increasingly strong position within Bulgarian industry.

Source: Mediapool; Photos: Spesima

Ivana Slavkova-Boteva, Procurator and Business Development Manager at Spesima, for Robotics-Bulgaria.com

How does the idea of continuity in business look through your perspective and through that of Spesima – a company with nearly four decades of market experience?

For me, continuity has never been just a matter of family or inheriting a position. I literally grew up in Spesima.

My father founded the company in 1989. Even as a child, I spent a lot of time at the office. I remember watching him work, seeing how many people sought his opinion, and observing the way he approached everything he did. Back then I didn’t understand exactly what his work involved, but I was impressed by everything happening at Spesima.

At the age of 12, I was already consciously helping him during school breaks – organizing documents, answering the phone, and gradually starting to understand how a business operates.

Now I see that same curiosity in the eyes of my children, who come with great enthusiasm and can’t wait to see the new robots. I’m excited to show them the humanoid robot we delivered last week.

Continuity is part of the company culture. To me, it is very telling that today we have team members who are sons of long-time colleagues who have been part of Spesima since the very beginning. This is a special form of trust and continuity that cannot be artificially created.

My professional path at Spesima began in 2017, after completing my higher education in Manchester and gaining several years of experience in an international company. Honestly, the beginning wasn’t easy. I had to find my own place in a team of proven engineers with decades of experience. I was often perceived first as “the boss’s daughter” rather than as a professional.

Over time, I realized that continuity doesn’t mean doing things the same way, but building upon what has already been achieved. Today, I see my role precisely in this – preserving the engineering culture and reputation built over almost 40 years, while simultaneously developing new markets, new technologies, and a new way of thinking.

What is needed for traditions and innovation to meet – for engineering experience and the next generations of specialists to work together? How has Spesima supported this process over the years?

In manufacturing, there is no shortcut. Many types of knowledge cannot be learned from a textbook or a video. They are passed from person to person, from generation to generation.

At Spesima, we have colleagues who have been part of the company for more than 25 years. Their accumulated practical experience is invaluable. At the same time, new generations bring a different perspective on digitalization, robotics, software, and process management. The best results come when these two worlds work together.

That is why over the years we have actively worked with students, interns, and young engineers. We give young people the opportunity to see the real application of technologies in industry. I believe that the future of manufacturing depends not only on machines, but also on our ability to pass knowledge forward.

How is the role of women changing in sectors and professions traditionally dominated by men? Do you observe a shift in attitudes and career opportunities?

I definitely see a change. When I started working at Spesima, I often had to first prove that I understood my work before someone would listen to my opinion. Sometimes this was related to my age, sometimes to the fact that I am a woman. There have been meetings where I felt skepticism even before the conversation began. There were moments when I was close to giving up.

But over time, I learned that respect is earned through consistency, competence, and results. Today, I increasingly see women in engineering, technical, and managerial roles. In my view, the most important change is that we are gradually stopping the conversation about “women in industry” as something unusual.

Automation and robotics offer an entirely new interpretation of traditional manufacturing tasks. Which technologies and trends are shaping the future development of industry?

In recent years, automation has ceased to be a topic only for large manufacturing enterprises. Today, companies across almost all industries are looking for ways to increase productivity, reduce dependence on labor shortages, and achieve higher and more consistent quality.

Several trends stand out clearly. First is the increasingly widespread adoption of robotic systems – not only for heavy and dangerous operations, but also for tasks such as assembly, processing, inspection, palletizing, and internal logistics. Machine vision systems are becoming more important, enabling robots to be more flexible and adaptive to changing production environments.

At the same time, we are seeing significant development in digitalization and data analysis. Manufacturing systems no longer operate in isolation but are connected in a unified environment that allows real-time tracking, analysis, and optimization of processes. We also increasingly see the implementation of technologies related to artificial intelligence and autonomous mobile robots.

But if I had to point out one main trend, it is the shift in how companies view automation. Today, clients rarely look for a standalone robot, machine, or specific technology. They look for a solution to a production problem.

That is why I believe the future belongs to companies that can combine engineering expertise, manufacturing experience, and modern technologies into a complete solution. Companies that understand the process from start to finish and can handle everything – from analysis and design to manufacturing, integration, programming, and service support.

This is exactly the direction in which Spesima is developing. Our accumulated experience in automating complex and heavy manufacturing processes allows us today to work not only in the foundry industry, but also in mechanical engineering, metalworking, logistics, and many other sectors where clients seek a reliable partner for complete automation.

Source: TLL Media; Photos: Spesima

On May 21, Spesima opens the doors of their production to show in a real environment what implemented industrial automation looks like – not as a concept, but as working solutions with measurable effects.

The event is aimed at manufacturing companies that are looking for a practical approach to increasing efficiency, quality and sustainability through robotization and digitalization.

📅 Basic information
Date: May 21
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Spesima OOD
👉 https://maps.app.goo.gl/2HfBgEyqPGEVpN2q9
Parking: provided, free access
Registration link

The format is entirely oriented towards real applications and engineering solutions that are already working in an industrial environment.

What you will see:

Presentation of production capabilities during a company tour
Demonstrations of real solutions, including:

– robotic palletizing
– robotic contour grinding
– powder coating with a collaborative robot
– peripheral devices – conveyors, parallel threading device, etc.
– robot for working in ATEX environments
– other solutions in and outside the foundry industry

Special focus: During the event, with the participation of experts, upcoming funding opportunities under EU Operational Programs (Industry 4.0, digitalization, efficiency) and how Spesima can be your partner will be presented.

Discussion: An open discussion will be held with participants about the real challenges of implementing automation and what companies expect from their suppliers

Networking: The event will conclude with an informal networking session during a cocktail and an opportunity for individual conversations with the Spesima and PARAi teams

All attendees will be able to request a free on-site visit by the Spesima team for an automation consultation, including an analysis of a specific production process, a budget offer and guidance on securing financing.

Places are limited. Please confirm your participation in advance.

SPESIMA GmbH’s Foray into the Indian Manufacturing Landscape: Bridging the Future of Foundry Automation!

SPESIMA, or Specialized Systems for Automation, originates from a Bulgarian-German collaboration, boasting cutting-edge solutions in foundry automation. Its German connection is strengthened by Frech Internationale Beteiligungen GmbH, a subsidiary of the globally esteemed Oskar Frech GmbH + Co. KG, known for their world-class hot and cold chamber die-casting machines.

With its roots tracing back to 1989, SPESIMA GmbH has consistently paved the way for automation innovations. Their expertise spans mechatronic systems, VPN diagnostics, industrial engineering, CAD design, and CNC processing, making them a holistic solution provider in automation.

It was at the illustrious The Bright World of Metals GIFA 2023 exhibition in Dusseldorf, an event that beckons leaders in foundry technology from across the globe, Hari Shanker A G, the Managing Editor of Machine Maker, had the privilege to meet Rakesh Ghag, the Director of FRECH INDIA MACHINERY PRIVATE LIMITED. This meeting opened doors to a deeper understanding of the plans in the pipeline, as Rakesh introduced Hari to Ivana – Boteva, the Business Development Manager of SPESIMA. Ivana elucidated on how the group, with its vast experience and technical prowess, envisions serving the global and, particularly, the Indian die-casting industry.

While the GIFA 2023 provided the backdrop for this impending collaboration, the GDC Tech show at the Chennai Trade Centre, taking place from 1-3 December 2023, where SPESIMA’s offerings for the Indian market will be officially unveiled. This event promises technological advancements and a revolutionary shift in India’s manufacturing narrative.

See the full interview of Mrs. Ivana Slavkova-Boteva, SPESIMA GmbH’s Business Development Manager, for Machine Maker – India’s topmost media platform that provides insight into the latest trends, updates, regulations on the various manufacturing industries.

SEE MORE HERE

SPESIMA proudly participated in the MachTech InnoTech Exhibition 2023, held in Sofia, Bulgaria, where we unveiled our latest advancements in automation and robotics. The event, which took place from April 10th to 13th, was a remarkable success, attracting a large number of industry professionals and further solidifying SPESIMA’s position as a leader in the Bulgarian market.

Introducing the FANUC Extractor Robot with Double Gripper

One of the highlights of our booth was the FANUC extractor robot equipped with a double gripper designed for both the insertion and extraction of parts. This innovative system incorporates advanced camera control technology, enabling precise and efficient handling of components in die casting operations. Visitors to our booth were particularly impressed by the robot’s versatility and the seamless integration of visual inspection capabilities, which ensure the highest levels of accuracy and quality.

Strengthening Our Presence in Bulgaria

The overwhelming interest and positive feedback we received at MachTech InnoTech 2023 underscore the growing demand for SPESIMA’s cutting-edge solutions in Bulgaria. Our participation in the exhibition provided an excellent opportunity to connect with key players in the industry, explore new partnerships, and reinforce our commitment to the Bulgarian market. The strong attendance and engagement at our booth highlighted SPESIMA’s role as a trusted partner in the region, dedicated to driving innovation in manufacturing.

STEM Education and Future Workforce Development

This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting the next generation of engineers and technicians by providing educational tools that inspire and equip students with the skills needed for future success in the field of automation and robotics. The demo received enthusiastic responses, with many educators and industry professionals recognizing the importance of investing in STEM education to build a skilled workforce for tomorrow.

We extend our sincere thanks to all who visited our booth and look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.