Between innovation and tradition
Founded in 1977 as a family business specializing in precision mechanical machining, Vecchiato Officine Meccaniche Srl has established itself over the last 30 years as a leader in the design, construction, supply, and commissioning of forging plants. Based in Gonars, Friuli Venezia Giulia, the company boasts a product portfolio ranging from hydraulic presses to mobile and rail-mounted manipulators, including automatic straightening machines, handling systems, and revamping services.
“We started as a simple mechanical workshop,” says Luca Bertoldi, Sales Director, “but today we offer complete solutions for the entire forging process under a single point of responsibility. This means the customer has one point of contact for all phases, from design to production, installation, and after-sales support.”
Integrated plants: Technology and precision
Thanks to a mix of experience and innovation, Vecchiato designs and builds integrated forging plants that ensure high performance, maximum productivity, and minimal energy consumption. “Our plants are characterized by a high level of integration between the press and manipulators, controlled by a single operator,” explains Bertoldi. “This reduces downtime and optimizes the process, ensuring precision and reliability.”
Vecchiato’s hydraulic presses, available in versions from 600 to 10,000 tons, are designed for open-die forging. Equipped with position control and automatic cycle sequences, they can be customized with accessories such as clamping devices, rotating tables, and temperature control systems.
Manipulators and straightening machines: Tailored solutions
Vecchiato’s rail-mounted and rubber-tired manipulators, with capacities from 1 to 50 tons, are designed to support the most demanding forging operations. Thanks to patented systems and innovative design, they guarantee precision, reliability, and ease of use, even for operators with average experience.
The automatic straightening machines, on the other hand, represent an excellence in the sector. “These machines automatically detect deformation points and apply the optimal straightening sequence,” explains Bertoldi. “The process is fully automated, ensuring maximum efficiency and quality of the finished product.”
Mechanical machining and support: A 360-Degree service
Vecchiato has a state-of-the-art mechanical machining department, with a CNC machine park that includes milling machines, lathes, and large boring machines. “This allows us to be self-sufficient in producing components for our machines,” emphasizes Bertoldi. “Additionally, we offer third-party machining services, with a strong focus on quality and flexibility.”
The company also stands out for its after-sales support and spare parts service, ensuring operational continuity for customers. “Our machines are remotely connected, allowing us to provide online support and rapid interventions,” adds Bertoldi. “We also offer preventive maintenance programs and critical spare parts packages to minimize downtime.”
Sustainability and innovation: The future of forging
One of Vecchiato’s strengths is its focus on sustainability. Thanks to patented solutions like the HP3 hydraulic system, introduced in 2015, the company can reduce energy consumption without compromising performance. “We have developed technologies that harness accumulated kinetic energy, reducing the size and power of motors,” explains Bertoldi. “We are also working on new patents to further optimize consumption, aiming to reduce it by 5-15% during repetitive forging processes.”
A global vision
With an eye always on the future, Vecchiato is expanding its international presence. “In recent years, we have increased our workforce by 10-15% and are building a new 6,000-square-meter facility,” announces Bertoldi. “This will allow us to increase production capacity and take on new challenges, such as entering the Indian market, where we already have two contracts, and the American market, tariffs permitting.”
The company will participate in an international trade fair in Cleveland, USA, to explore opportunities in the North American market. “The American machine park is very outdated, and there is a strong need for renewal,” says Bertoldi. “We believe this could represent a great opportunity for us.”
The strength of a tailored approach
What sets Vecchiato apart from more structured competitors is its personalized approach and close collaboration with customers. “We don’t sell from a catalog,” emphasizes Bertoldi. “Every solution we offer is tailor-made, designed to meet the specific needs of the customer. Moreover, we manufacture everything in Italy, ensuring the highest quality and reliability.”
Innovation is also driven by collaboration with long-standing customers, with whom the company shares knowledge and develops new solutions. “The forging market increasingly demands quality and precision,” concludes Bertoldi. “Thanks to our ability to listen and our flexibility, we can anticipate market needs and offer solutions that make a difference.”
Officine Meccaniche Vecchiato confirms itself as an Italian excellence ready to conquer the world, with a winning mix of tradition, innovation, and customer focus.
