Cimbali Group: Transitioning to Cost-Effective, Flexible Digital Language Training Globally
Cimbali Group S.p.A. needed to shift from face-to-face to digital language learning to extend training to the entire workforce within a sustainable cost plan. The challenges included offering an easy-to-use platform, more learning flexibility, and clear pathways with concrete objectives.
About
Cimbali Group S.p.A. is an Italian company with three factories in Binasco (Milan), Ghisalba (Bergamo), and Cappella Cantone (Cremona), producing over 200 coffee machines daily. In 2017, the Group expanded by acquiring the Slayer brand, adding a fourth production plant in Renton (Seattle), which also serves as its U.S. headquarters. In 2019, Cimbali acquired Keber, a brand pecializing in professional steel grinders for the coffee industry, based in Dolo (Venice), increasing its production sites to five.
The company has built a global distribution network covering more than 100 countries and 700 distributors. Despite its international reach, Cimbali Group remains wholly Italian. To support global expansion, the Group prioritizes online language training and plans to extend digital training to other areas.
Challenge
Until 2019, all Cimbali Group’s staff training was in-person; therefore, the first barrier was to convince people that online training could be just as effective. It was crucial to address biases and mitigate concerns about the perceived lack of quality in online learning.
Another challenge was the need to extend language training to the entire workforce while keeping costs sustainable. By opting for online training, the Group found a cost-effective solution that eliminated the expenditures associated with traditional in-person classes.
The ability to train anytime and anywhere allows for great flexibility. Speexx helped us successfully overcome initial resistance to online language training, which some people believed would be of lower quality than in-person classes. I have also greatly appreciated how Speexx has evolved over the years, continuously adapting to the changing needs of our people.
Roberta Mastretta, People Manager, Cimbali Group
Solution
The collaboration between Speexx and Cimbali Group S.p.A. began in 2020, tailoring language training solutions to meet their evolving needs. Initially, Speexx Essentials was offered globally, allowing users to improve language skills through micro-learning activities, videos, and articles adapted to their interests. For targeted communication improvement, Speexx 1:1 provided one-on-one virtual conversation sessions.
Later, the company transitioned to Speexx Core, adding “Daily Activities” based on CEFR levels to help users progress. Speexx 1:1 was replaced by Speexx Smart and Expert Pro, which offer multiple learning levels, a revamped interface, and options for individual or group virtual conversation sessions.
Outcome
The Speexx platform has enabled Cimbali Group S.p.A. to offer language training company-wide, including to employees less familiar with digital tools. Its ease of use has been key in overcoming any resistance to online language learning.
This resulted in employees feeling more involved and satisfied with their achievements, both in terms of language skills and their experience using the platform. The transition to online language learning was the first step toward introducing the Digital Campus—Cimbali Group S.p.A.’s e-learning platform—which rounded out the online training offerings available to employees worldwide.
Outlook
Cimbali Group S.p.A. has strengthened its commitment to the Speexx project, transforming the ongoing collaboration into a true partnership.
This approach provides employees with a flexible, accessible language training solution tailored to their professional needs. By emphasizing practicality and adaptability, the partnership ensures effective language training that supports professional growth across the entire workforce.
