Innovative Technology marks 30 years of its regional office in Spain

Innovative Technology marked the 30th anniversary of its regional office in Spain, opened in Barcelona in 1996, and announced the retirement of its sales director, Mustapha Hadj-Ahmed, after leading the subsidiary for thirty years. The company credits the consolidation of its leadership in the Spanish market to the bill recycler NV22 Spectral, which became the predominant choice among operators and original equipment manufacturers.

History and milestones since the Barcelona opening in 1996

Innovative Technology's Spanish office opened in Barcelona in 1996 with the aim of expanding the group’s European presence. In its early years the firm focused on cash-management solutions for the gaming sector, achieving rapid adoption by local operators and manufacturers. The NV22 Spectral, a mixed-denomination, compact-format bill recycler, is cited by the company as the product that established ITL's dominant position in Spain.

Technological development at the Spanish office has followed two parallel lines: on one hand, an expansion of the cash-handling device portfolio and, on the other, the incorporation of biometric technologies to prevent sales to minors. The subsidiary today serves both the gaming and retail sectors and operates with local Approved Service Centres that manage maintenance, support and repairs.

Local leadership and transition: Mustapha Hadj-Ahmed’s departure

Mustapha Hadj-Ahmed has led the Spanish office since the regional branch was founded and is retiring after thirty years at the head of sales in Spain. Hadj-Ahmed said that "seeing how far the Spanish office has come and celebrating it with colleagues from Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom was very special" and added that it has been a “great privilege” to lead the Spanish arm and build “a great team to support our customers.”

"As I prepare for retirement, I want to thank the whole team, past and present, for their work and commitment, and our colleagues in the United Kingdom for their support over the years," said Mustapha Hadj-Ahmed.

Group chairman David Bellis MBE issued a congratulatory statement highlighting Hadj-Ahmed's contribution to Innovative Technology's international growth: "I want to give special mention to Mustapha for the exceptional commitment and service he has given the organisation. He has run a successful Spanish office for three decades and has played a key role in our growth in Europe and South America."

Products and offer: from the NV22 Spectral to biometrics

The Spanish subsidiary maintains a catalogue that combines traditional cash-management equipment with emerging age-verification solutions. The NV22 Spectral stands out for its compact format and its capacity to recycle bills of different denominations, which made it the preferred device for “the majority of operators and original equipment manufacturers” in Spain, according to the company.

In addition to the NV22 Spectral, ITL Spain distributes equipment aimed at the retail sector and has added biometric devices intended to reduce sales to minors. The company supports its network with local Approved Service Centres responsible for installation, maintenance and repair of equipment.

Commercial and operational implications for customers and suppliers

For operators and manufacturers working in Spain, the longevity of the regional office means continuity in technical support and availability of local spare parts. Local Approved Service Centres provide a maintenance chain that reduces downtime at critical installations.

Suppliers that provide components and services to Innovative Technology in Spain face the stability of a client with a consolidated presence since 1996. For terminal manufacturers and integrators, the NV22 Spectral’s market-reference status can influence integration and compatibility decisions.

Relevance for markets in Europe and South America

David Bellis MBE linked the role of the Spanish office to the group's international expansion, citing specific contributions to growth in Europe and South America. The Barcelona office has acted as a regional platform for projects on both continents, coordinating sales, service and logistics since its opening.

What the anniversary means for ITL's strategy in Spain

The 30th anniversary gives the company an opportunity to reaffirm its focus on local service and on modernising its product portfolio. The combination of cash-handling devices and biometric controls reflects a dual strategy: maintain leadership in proven hardware while addressing regulatory and social demand for measures that reduce minors' access to gambling.

"Reaching 30 years is a milestone this regional office can be proud of," said David Bellis MBE as the tributes concluded.

Next steps and operational continuity

The company did not name a successor to Mustapha Hadj-Ahmed in its public statement; it said the Spanish office is “in very good hands.” The local service centres will continue to operate and the company will keep supplying both the gaming and retail sectors. Operators interested in integrated cash and verification solutions will find in ITL Spain a contact with local technical support and a portfolio ranging from bill recyclers to biometric controls.

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