“Techsolids is much more than a business association; it is a space where companies can grow together.”
Following the General Assembly on June 18, Techsolids has begun the term of its new Board of Directors for the period 2026-2029. In this new phase, David Chumillas Villalba, of Chumillas Technology, has assumed the role of Secretary of the Board, a position from which he will help consolidate the association as the leading catalyst for innovation and cooperation in the solids handling sector.
His experience in the process industry will be key to addressing the efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness challenges that are transforming the sector today. With the firm conviction that industrial competitiveness stems from mutual trust, Chumillas analyzes the new Board of Directors' roadmap for the coming years in this interview.
From the impact of the recently approved “Good Practices Manual” to the integration of artificial intelligence and sustainability, the new secretary offers us a clear overview of the challenges in the sector and explains why the collective strength of Techsolids is, now more than ever, the best ally for member companies.
On June 18th, your appointment as Secretary of the Board of Directors of Techsolids 2026-2029 was formalized. What does assuming this responsibility mean to you, and what do you believe you can contribute to the association from this position?
Taking on the role of Secretary of Techsolids is, above all, a responsibility and a commitment to a sector that I have been a part of for many years and which I deeply respect.
For me, it is an opportunity to contribute, along with the rest of the Board of Directors, to the growth of an association that represents very diverse companies but united by the same objective: to promote technology for solid and strengthen the competitiveness of our companies.
In this role, I aim to contribute a personal touch, open communication, and a vision focused on generating value for all members. I firmly believe that industry associations should be spaces for sharing knowledge, identifying opportunities, and building joint projects that benefit the entire sector.
We are living through a time of great technological and industrial change, and precisely for this reason, it is more important than ever to work in a coordinated manner. My commitment is to help Techsolids remain a useful, dynamic, and increasingly representative association within our industrial ecosystem.
The new Board of Directors begins a new term. What will be the main lines of work and strategic objectives for the coming years?
Our main objective is to continue consolidating Techsolids as the leading association for solids technology in Spain.
We want to continue strengthening the sector's visibility, fostering collaboration among companies, promoting training, and providing spaces for sharing experiences and technical knowledge. We also believe we must continue supporting the internationalization of our companies and strengthening relationships with universities, technology centers, and other stakeholders that contribute to industrial innovation.
Another important aspect will be to continue generating activities that provide real value to members: technical workshops, industrial visits, professional meetings and actions that allow the exchange of best practices and firsthand knowledge of the trends that will shape the future of the sector.
Ultimately, we want any company that is part of Techsolids to perceive the association as an ally that helps it grow, innovate, and face the challenges of an increasingly demanding industrial environment with greater confidence.
Techsolids was founded in 2009 with the aim of raising the profile of and uniting the solids technology sector. Seventeen years later, the association has experienced significant growth. How do you assess Techsolids' evolution during this time, and what do you consider to be the most important milestones in its history?
The evolution has been very positive. Techsolids has managed to bring together companies with very different profiles (manufacturers, engineering firms, integrators, service providers and knowledge centers) creating a true meeting point for the entire sector.
One of its greatest achievements has been precisely to strengthen that shared identity. Today, there is greater visibility for solids technology and greater recognition of the value our companies bring to industries as diverse as food, chemicals, ceramics, cement, mining, and pharmaceuticals.
I would also highlight the growth of the activities organized by the association, its presence at national and international trade fairs, its collaboration with institutions, and the promotion of training initiatives that help keep the sector up-to-date.
All of this demonstrates that Techsolids has been able to evolve by adapting to the needs of its associates and that it continues to have enormous growth potential in the coming years.
During the last General Assembly, the first 'Techsolids Best Practices Manual' was approved. What message does it convey to the members and how do you think it might affect the relationship between members?
I believe this is a very important step because it reflects the maturity the association has reached. A "Code of Good Practices" is not intended to limit competition between companies; on the contrary, it establishes a common framework based on respect, transparency, and professional ethics. These are principles that strengthen trust among members and contribute to creating a much more robust collaborative environment.
When there is trust, it is easier to share experiences, develop joint projects, and face common challenges. And that benefits both companies and the sector as a whole.
I am convinced that this document will help to strengthen Techsolids' image as an association committed to professional excellence and business relationships based on mutual respect.
One of Techsolids' greatest strengths is bringing together companies that, in many cases, may be competitors in certain sectors. How do they foster a climate of collaboration and trust among them?
It is precisely because we understand that, although we may agree on some projects, we share far more common interests than differences. We all face similar challenges: attracting talent, innovating, internationalizing, adapting to new regulatory requirements, and incorporating new technologies. Sharing experiences on these aspects benefits the entire sector without affecting natural market competition.
Techsolids has created an environment where respect and a willingness to contribute prevail. Technical workshops, industrial visits, and working groups foster a highly enriching exchange of knowledge. When relationships are based on trust and shared objectives, collaboration arises naturally.
In recent years, the association has strengthened its range of activities, from technical workshops and webinars to industrial visits and participation in trade fairs. What kind of initiatives do you think are being best received by members?
I believe all initiatives have their place, but if I had to highlight some, I would say that those that allow for the direct exchange of experiences are the most valuable. Visits to industrial facilities, technical workshops, and meetings between professionals offer the opportunity to learn about real solutions, share common challenges, and learn from practical cases that can then be applied in one's own company.
We are also seeing a great reception of webinars and more flexible formats, which facilitate access to knowledge regardless of the geographical location of the participants.
In any case, beyond the format, what's truly important is that all these activities help build community. Techsolids doesn't just organize events; it creates spaces where professionals with very different backgrounds can meet, build relationships, and share knowledge. This exchange of experiences is one of the greatest benefits of belonging to an association like ours.
In addition to being a member of the Board of Directors of Techsolids, you lead a major company in the sector, Chumillas Technology. What do you believe are the main challenges facing the solids technology sector today?
We are in a time of profound transformation. Customers demand increasingly efficient, sustainable solutions tailored to their specific needs, which compels us to constantly innovate and develop technologies capable of providing added value.
At the same time, there is a significant challenge related to talent. The industry needs to incorporate new technical profiles and spark the interest of younger generations in a sector that, although sometimes overlooked, is essential for the functioning of numerous industries.
Another important challenge is internationalization. Spanish companies have a high level of technology and great engineering capacity, but we must continue to strengthen our presence in increasingly competitive international markets.
At Chumillas Technology, we experience these challenges every day and are convinced that only through continuous innovation, specialization, and close customer relationships can we continue to offer solutions that meet the needs of the industry of the future.
Innovation, digitalization, sustainability, and artificial intelligence are transforming the industry. How can Techsolids help member companies like yours navigate these changes?
Technological transformation is advancing at a rapid pace, and no single company can face all the challenges it presents alone. This is precisely where one of the greatest strengths of an association like Techsolids lies.
Our role should be to facilitate access to knowledge, promote the exchange of experiences, and bring the technologies that will shape the future of the sector closer to our members. Artificial intelligence, advanced automation, process digitization, and sustainability are no longer trends, but realities that are changing how industrial facilities are designed, manufactured, and operated.
Techsolids can act as a meeting point for sharing best practices, learning about success stories, and fostering ongoing dialogue between companies, technology centers, and universities. This collaborative ecosystem accelerates learning and reduces the uncertainty that typically accompanies any transformation process.
Ultimately, shared knowledge multiplies its value. If we can enable companies to learn from each other, we will be contributing to a more robust and competitive sector.
After several years involved with the association, what do you value most about belonging to Techsolids?
Without a doubt, it's the people. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to meet outstanding professionals and companies with vast experience and in-depth technical knowledge. Beyond the activities organized by the association, what's truly valuable are the relationships that develop among its members.
Techsolids has fostered an environment of trust where sharing experiences, discussing industry challenges, and seeking collaborative solutions feel natural. This close-knit community allows everyone to learn from one another, making the association truly valuable to its members.
Furthermore, being a member of Techsolids allows you to stay connected with the evolution of the sector, learn about new trends, and actively participate in initiatives that contribute to strengthening our industry. I believe that sense of belonging and collective effort is one of the association's greatest assets.
What would you say to a company in the sector that isn't yet part of Techsolids? Why is it worth joining?
I would tell him that Techsolids is much more than a business association; it's a space where companies can grow together.
Becoming a member means joining a network of professionals who share knowledge, drive innovation, and work to increase the visibility of a sector that is strategic for the industry. It's an opportunity to establish valuable contacts, access relevant technical information, participate in specialized activities, and actively contribute to the sector's development.
We live in an increasingly demanding environment, where collaboration is as important as competitiveness. Belonging to Techsolids allows us to face the major challenges of the industry from a stronger position, relying on the collective experience of companies that share the same commitment to continuous improvement.
The more companies that join this project, the greater our capacity to represent the sector, promote initiatives of common interest, and continue positioning solids technology as a benchmark within the industry. Therefore, I would encourage any company in the sector to learn more about the association and become a member.