ULMA Servicios de Manutención S. Coop., based in Oñati, Spain, is a member of the prestigious ULMA Group, one of the largest industrial cooperative groups in Spain and a key player within the Mondragon Corporation. Operating within the broader industrial machinery and logistics automation sector, ULMA Servicios de Manutención specializes in the maintenance, rental, sale, and lifecycle support of material handling equipment and lifting solutions. With a strong engineering foundation and cooperative governance model, the company has built a reputation for reliability, safety, and innovation in industrial operations.
Core Business and Product Offerings
The company delivers comprehensive solutions that span the entire spectrum of intralogistics and material handling requirements. Its offerings include:
- Forklift Trucks: Sale, rental, and servicing of electric, diesel, and LPG forklifts for industrial and warehousing applications.
- Handling Systems: Customized logistics and lifting solutions for complex warehouse and factory environments.
- Conveyor Components: Durable and efficient conveyor systems for packaging, distribution, and manufacturing.
- Packaging Equipment: Automation solutions integrated with logistics systems for optimized warehouse management.
- Construction Equipment: Including scaffolding and formwork for civil and commercial construction sectors.
In addition to equipment sales and rentals, ULMA Servicios de Manutención provides preventive and corrective maintenance, spare parts, and technical consultancy services tailored to clients’ operational needs.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition
ULMA’s unique position within a worker-owned cooperative framework allows for a high degree of employee engagement, service continuity, and long-term client relationships. The company specializes in:
- Comprehensive lifecycle management of material handling fleets.
- Integration of sustainable technology, including energy-efficient forklifts and lithium-ion battery systems.
- Custom-built automation solutions to reduce operational costs and enhance safety.
- Industry 4.0 capabilities, incorporating IoT sensors, remote diagnostics, and predictive maintenance tools.
Its customer-first approach and technical customization are key differentiators in a market dominated by standardized equipment providers.
Financial Performance
As part of the ULMA Group, detailed financial disclosures for the individual cooperative are limited, but group-level data provides insights into operational scale:
- ULMA Group Revenue (2022): Over €800 million
- Employees (ULMA Group): Approx. 5,500
- Global Presence: Operations in over 20 countries
ULMA Servicios de Manutención contributes significantly to the group’s industrial automation and services segment, supporting both domestic Spanish industries and regional expansion across Europe.
Export and International Operations
While ULMA Servicios de Manutención primarily serves the Iberian Peninsula, its equipment and systems are integrated into larger international projects through the ULMA Group’s construction, logistics, and engineering divisions. Exports include:
- Automated warehouse systems for logistics centers in France and Germany
- Industrial trucks and handling systems in Latin American joint ventures
- Packaging and conveyor integration within multinational food production companies
Although direct export records for the cooperative unit are not independently listed, its participation in multi-country projects through the ULMA Group confirms its international relevance.
Target Market
The company caters to:
- Manufacturing industries (automotive, aerospace, food processing)
- Logistics and distribution centers
- Retail and wholesale warehouses
- Construction and civil engineering firms
- Public infrastructure projects
Its client base includes both small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and large multinational corporations with complex handling and lifting requirements.
Capabilities
- Fleet Management Systems: Advanced software tools for equipment tracking, usage optimization, and predictive maintenance.
- 24/7 Maintenance Network: Technicians deployed across Spain with mobile support units.
- Rental Flexibility: Short-, medium-, and long-term rental contracts adaptable to project demands.
- Engineering Services: Customized system design and deployment for both indoor and outdoor applications.
The company’s capabilities are reinforced by a lean operations model rooted in cooperative efficiency and reinvestment in technology and training.
Certifications and Compliance
ULMA Servicios de Manutención maintains high standards for quality, safety, and environmental management:
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
- ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
- ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety)
- CE Compliance on all equipment
The company also participates in sustainability initiatives aligned with the European Green Deal and promotes the electrification of its industrial fleet.
Customer and Industry Recognition
Clients and industry stakeholders recognize ULMA for its long-standing track record of technical excellence and reliable service delivery:
- “ULMA’s preventative maintenance program reduced our downtime by over 25%.” — Logistics Manager, Major Retail Chain in Spain
- “Their team not only supplies equipment but actively helps us rethink our warehouse flow for efficiency.” — Plant Operations Director, Automotive Manufacturer
Major Achievements
- Integration of IoT Solutions: Launched a real-time diagnostics platform for forklift fleets in 2021.
- National Service Expansion: Established one of Spain’s largest maintenance networks for industrial handling systems.
- Awarded Multi-Year Contracts: Long-term service agreements with leading logistics providers and government infrastructure agencies.
- Sustainability Leadership: Transitioned a significant portion of the rental fleet to electric vehicles, reducing CO₂ emissions by over 200 tons annually.
ULMA Servicios de Manutención S. Coop. represents the intersection of cooperative business ethics, advanced industrial engineering, and client-focused service. Its capabilities and commitment to sustainability and innovation continue to make it a trusted partner in Spain’s evolving industrial landscape.