Manufacturers of scrap metal recycling plants and machinery since 1999

Zato solutions are 100% Made in Italy

The entire production process of Zato plants, including mechanical and electrical design, choice of raw materials, assembly and testing, takes place at the Brescia headquarters. The care and precision of the team during all these phases ensure that each plant meets the highest standards of quality, efficiency and sustainability. The rigorous choice of materials translates into quality, robustness, stability and resistance to wear and tear over time. Each machine is tested prior to shipment to ensure correct operation and to avoid delays during installation.

Thanks to continuous production, plants and equipment are available for delivery within 2 weeks, reducing waiting times for customers. Zato’s approach ensures high product quality, fast delivery times and reliable service to meet the needs of customers all over the world.

Mission statement

We are deeply committed to circularity, recognizing that metals are permanent materials that are never truly consumed but continuously transformed.

We design and manufacture machines and plants equipped with cutting-edge technologies to process scrap metal, providing the recycling industry with effective solutions for the recovery, recycling, and reuse of metals. This approach creates a valuable “mine” of raw materials that will benefit future generations.

Vision

We firmly believe in the potential to regenerate natural resources, achieve climate neutrality, stimulate economic growth, promote social inclusion, and ensure equitable prosperity within the communities we serve.

Our commitment lies in making our processes increasingly environmentally friendly and efficient, minimizing resource consumption while maximizing the value of our waste. We are dedicated to producing innovative and sustainable products and services that align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the 2030 Agenda.

The beginning

In 1999, near Brescia, in northern Italy, Valerio Zanaglio, an expert in the scrap metal sector and in the management of metal recycling at industrial level, founded Zato together with a small group of experts. His aim was to create a company capable of supplying – to steel mills, foundries and scrap yards – equipment, machines and systems capable of optimising the processes of scrap reduction, cleaning and recovery.

Initially, Zato specialised in the production of shears, quickly acquiring a reputation for excellence in the field of demolition equipment. Over the years, the company has expanded its offer to include industrial shredders, hammer mills and separation lines, integrating innovative technologies. These solutions make it possible to increase production efficiency and reduce operating costs, while ensuring a high level of safety at all stages of the process.

Zato manufacturers metal recovery plants 1999

In the last ten years

Zato has continued to expand, acquiring customers all over the world and consolidating its capacity for innovation and growth. Thanks to the excellent technical and professional training of its team, the company is now present on international markets and continues to grow steadily, as evidenced by the opening of an office in the United States in 2022.

Zato’s plants respond to the needs of a market that is increasingly oriented towards waste reduction and resource recovery. With its constant focus on quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, it continues to evolve as a leader in the sector.

Valerio Zanaglio and the Zato team are also resolutely dedicated to the issue of sustainability.

A future of innovation and sustainability

Zato is dedicated to integrating solutions and technologies that minimize the environmental impact of metal recovery and recycling operations, while promoting energy efficiency and the responsible use of natural resources.

Additionally, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive work environment that respects human rights and prioritizes the well-being of our employees and the communities we serve. For Zato, the circular economy is a foundational pillar for a sustainable future in the industry.

Commitment to sustainability

Our story in brief

1999

Production and sale of demolition shears on the European market begins. The first twin-shaft shredder study is born.

2001

Development of the first industrial range of twin-shaft shredders.Development of the first industrial range of twin-shaft shredders.

2003

Design and start of production of the new hammer mill line.

2004

Design and production start-up of separation plants, dedicated to the cleaning, sorting and valorisation of metals.

2007

The company grew and established itself in Italy and Europe: from equipment manufacturer it became a benchmark in the industrial recycling sector.

2011

Expansion of the hammer mill range with more compact models.

2017

Strengthening international presence and expansion in key markets such as Asia and the United States.

2020

Adoption of new digital technologies for remote management and monitoring of production data: AR and Industry 4.0.

2021

Opening of the Atlanta office and further expansion of the US market.

2022

Launch of the single-shaft shredder and expansion of the twin-shaft range with a model dedicated to new applications. Entry of private equity fund LBO France into the company’s capital.

2025

Opening of new offices in the US (Hebron, KY) and expansion into Latin American markets.

2025

Exit of private equity fund LBO France from the company’s capital, entry of private equity fund Abenex.