In 1874, Antoni Lleal opened a small boiler workshop in Badalona (Barcelona), which quickly expanded with the addition of a mechanical workshop, responding to the need to modernise the processing industry. Very quickly, machines were designed and manufactured to serve the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical industries of our country.
The successors of Antoni Lleal expanded the project and shaped it to become a leader in the industry, whose most characteristic image is the signature above the name, created in the 1960s by Josep Lleal Riembau.
Guided by the desire to grow alongside our customers, the chapters that describe our history over these 150 years are numerous, among which it is worth highlighting the opening in 2004 of the current facilities in Granollers (Barcelona) as well as the expansion of the laboratory in 2016, the creation of a pilot plant for semi-industrial testing to improve advisory and testing capabilities, and a cleanroom for cosmetic products.
Lleal, in its commitment to the environment, has been evolving towards a more respectful and sustainable model, installing photovoltaic modules, and adapting the manufacturing process to a more efficient use of energy, allowing us to obtain ISO 14001 certification.
Research and development are also part of Lleal’s business vision. That’s why the assets of Sar Labortecnic were acquired to start a new range of products specially oriented towards the chemical, pharmaceutical, and related industries. Additionally, the automation of all equipment and technical improvements have led to obtain of the SME Innovative seal in 2018.
And we continue to search for new talent. Over the past two decades, we have opened the doors of Lleal to different universities and institutes so that their students can expand their knowledge of the process industry by attending informative sessions and applying for internships positions. Additionally, in 2014, Lleal collaborated with the Institut Quimic of Serria (IQS) in setting up a new Speciality Formulations Laboratory through the donation of three pieces of equipment that enhance its technological capabilities. A laboratory that the IQS, as an homage and recognition, named after Josep Lleal Riembau.
The next chapters of our history are yet to be written.
