2025 was a year full of changes for Zanardi Fonderie!
Technological innovation, investments in sustainability, process digitization, and projects with a high social impact have marked a path of growth that focuses on people, quality, and responsibility.
Let’s take a look back at the most important milestones of 2025!
More automation in deburring
Among the most significant achievements of the year was the installation of the new automated deburring cell, which has reduced manual operations in the cabin. The new system has also led to a 50% reduction in cycle times, with immediate benefits in terms of productivity and overall efficiency. The technology adopted guarantees superior quality, greater reliability, and a reduced risk of plant downtime. The automation process will continue in 2026 with the arrival of a second cell.
Energy transition: new millstone and expansion of photovoltaics
A new Savelli grinding mill has been installed at the heart of the foundry, equipped with advanced software that optimizes energy consumption. At the same time, the expansion of the photovoltaic system and the introduction of a battery storage system have increased production capacity from renewable sources and improved the continuity of the plant’s power supply. The next step will be the installation of a compaction plant for chip recovery and cooling lubricant emulsion recycling.
Process digitization: an integrated system to empower people
The introduction of the Zucchetti management system marked an important evolution in human resources management. A single portal now integrates recruitment, payroll, training, skills, health surveillance, and risk assessment, enabling
IDI cast iron opens up to Europe
This year, we decided not to renew the patent for IDI cast iron in favor of the free marketing of the material and production method, initiating its inclusion in European legislation. The decision to share knowledge and technology stems from the desire to be at the forefront of technological development in European foundries.
Valuing people: “Worn out by whom?”
During the mid-year event, “Usurati a chi?” (Worn out by whom?), we overturned the image of workers “worn out” by physical and repetitive work in factories, demonstrating that with tools such as job rotation and continuous training, working in a foundry can become a place of growth, dignity, and future prospects.
In 2025, we achieved significant results in this regard:
- 43 participants in the job rotation project
- over 7,000 hours of education and training
- more than 350 training courses
- 225 individual performance review meetings
Sustainability and inclusion: giving materials a new lease of life with QUID
For the creation of our new workwear, this year we have chosen to partner with QUID, a Verona-based company that transforms textile surplus into opportunities for employment and inclusion. With a concrete commitment to social inclusion, QUID offers training and work to vulnerable people and women at risk of exclusion. Today, the company has 160 employees from 22 different countries.
The skilled hands of QUID created T-shirts and sweatshirts for our production department employees, along with work bags and backpacks designed for internal gifting initiatives. Thanks to the collaboration with the Verona-based social enterprise QUID, 389 meters of high-quality fabric were recovered, avoiding disposal, and 1,120 hours of dignified work were guaranteed for vulnerable people.
