40 years of GDM: A Journey in Innovating the Hygiene Market
Over the past 40 years, GDM has become a global leader in automated converting and packaging lines, for disposable hygiene products, including baby diapers, baby pants, feminine pads, adult incontinence briefs, protective underwear and underpads.
Driven by continuous innovation and a strong customer focus, GDM has consistently anticipated market needs, supporting manufacturers in improving productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
To date, GDM has installed over 700 machines and upgrade kits worldwide, helping customers scale production, modernizing existing lines, and remaining competitive in fast-evolving hygiene markets.
Built on engineering excellence
Born from the legacy of two Italian companies, Tekma and Nuova Red Italiana, GDM based its foundation on research, design, and manufacturing of machinery for disposable hygiene products. This heritage left from the previous two companies established GDM’s engineering DNA: precision, reliability, and a deep understanding of customer production needs.
The acquisition and merger of the two companies by the Coesia Group officially formed GDM and marked the beginning of a new phase of structured growth.
Just a few years later, in 1999, GDM strengthened its technical capabilities through the acquisition of a multinational engineering department, bringing in over 50 years of engineering expertise in disposable hygiene machinery.
From machinery supplier to global partner
Between 2000 and 2018 GDM expanded beyond national borders, establishing technical support branches in the United States, Brazil, China, and Turkey.
At the same time, it broadened its portfolio to include packaging solutions, introducing turnkey projects based on a single-source supplier model that simplified project management and ensured seamless line integration.
GDM pioneered high-speed production lines capable of exceeding 1200 pieces per minute. These lines feature machine designs, servo automation, and vision-based quality control systems. Thanks to the acquisition of the Norwegian Engineering Department GDM also gained the expertise required to design and manufacture production lines for adult care products for some of the most recognized brands on the market.
In 2021, GDM introduced GDM Core Plus, a technology that helps customers create products that are more comfortable, flexible, and high performing, all while optimizing production costs. With this innovation, manufacturers can predict product performance before production begins, ensuring the result meets consumer expectations. This leads to faster development cycles, fewer iterations, and a smoother path from concept to market-ready product.
Together, these advances have significantly improved efficiency, product consistency, and operational flexibility, while enabling customers to adapt quickly to changing product formats and evolving market demands.
Modularity as a strength
Modularity is a key part of GDM’s high-speed, customizable, and efficient machinery solutions, both in its machinery and production lines, allowing for flexible, scalable, and highly customizable solutions. By leveraging modularity, GDM not only enhances operational efficiency and reduces downtime but also empowers customers to adapt quickly to market changes, making each production line a versatile and future-ready investment.
Today the other important pillars for GDM are innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions, all to keep addressing the best way the evolving needs of global hygiene markets.
A global footprint with local expertise looking ahead
Headquartered in Italy, GDM supports customers worldwide through international facilities, combining global expertise and local service.
Spread across three worldwide operating units that collaborate closely with customers; it’s able to deliver reliable, high-performance solutions throughout the entire production lifecycle.
Looking ahead: a glimpse into the future
Celebrating 40 years is also a commitment to the future.
Rooted in Italian engineering excellence and driven by a global perspective, GDM is shaping the next era of disposable hygiene manufacturing. We lead industry transformation through continuous technological innovation, smart solutions, and sustainable practices that streamline processes and deliver lasting value for both people and the planet.
Our vision for progress rests on four strategic growth pillars: enhancing efficiency and simplification, pioneering product innovation, reducing total production costs, and championing sustainability.
Together with our customers and partners, we look forward to driving progress, efficiency, and sustainable growth for many more years to come.
Contact us today to discuss how GDM's 40 years of expertise can transform your hygiene production.