Piero Zanolo, born in 1936, began working at a very young age in the textile industry, which at the time was the main industry in the lower Valsesia area.
After a few years, Piero’s entrepreneurial spirit prevailed, and together with a business partner he opened his first precision engineering workshop, producing fuel tank taps for motor cultivators.
In 1963, Piero had the vision that would lead to the founding of Metaltecnica Zanolo, today a thriving company based in Prato Sesia and a global leader in the gate valve industry: the double-flanged gate valve for wastewater treatment.
Year after year, Metaltecnica grew, embarking on two decades of evolution, innovation, and expansion into international markets worldwide, from Europe to the Americas.
During these years, Piero’s sons, Giovanni and Marco, joined the company.
At the same time, the production and tooling departments were expanded.
We are now in the heart of the 1990s: the warehouse area is expanded.
Significant investments are made in new machinery.
Lisa, the youngest of the Zanolo siblings, joins the team, immediately getting hands-on in the sales department.
Metaltecnica has always focused strongly on international exports, but this year marks a milestone, with exports consistently accounting for more than 90% of total sales.
Over the past twenty years, Metaltecnica Zanolo has also expanded into new sectors - virtually every field where water and wastewater treatment issues arise - including wastewater treatment and biogas.
50 years celebrated together with family and the entire company, including colleagues and former employees who have contributed to Metaltecnica’s growth.
We are witnessing further expansion - the company’s fifth - despite the challenges posed by the pandemic years. A new facility is built in front of the historic building, featuring an automated warehouse and a dedicated assembly and shipping department, as well as state-of-the-art offices.
From a single employee, the company has grown to around 60 employees.
In 2025, the sudden passing of the company’s founder, Piero Zanolo, leaves the reins of the company in the hands of his children and grandchildren, who continue his legacy with strength, courage, and determination, successfully carrying his work forward.
The company continues to grow steadily and now employs more than 70 people.
Development remains constant, with a strong focus on expanding into emerging markets.