Acciaierie Valbruna

Valbruna, now a globally recognized manufacturer of stainless steel, has undergone a fascinating evolution since its humble beginnings in 1925. That year, Ernesto Gresele founded a small company, Ferriera Valbruna, focused on manufacturing forged products for the agricultural sector.

In 1939, the company launched first steel shop and rolling mill, marking its first major expansion in production capacity. However, this progress was severely impacted in 1944 when the facility was completely destroyed by air raids during World War II. Immediately after the war a major reconstruction has begun and in 1947 new name was adopted: Acciaieria Valbruna Ernesto Gresele - AVEG.

A pivotal moment came in 1957 when Nicola Amenduni joined the company. Under his leadership, Valbruna shifted its focus to stainless steel, setting the course for its future. In 1972, the company fully relocated its production to the industrial zone of Vicenza, setting the foundation for its modern operations. The installation of two electric arc furnaces and two AOD converters (10 and 50 tons) marked a significant boost in production capacity. The following year hit another milestone with the introduction of a four-strand continuous casting machine and the installation of a 1,000t Schloemann forging press.

Over the following decades, the company continued to grow and innovate. In 1987, a modern bar and wire rod mill was put into operation, strengthening Valbruna’s position in the market. In 1994, the steel plant underwent a complete modernization, and in 2002, a new continuous casting machine was installed. Another major investment came in 2009 with the addition of a 3,000t forging press and a 70t AOD converter.

Through continuous innovation and modernization, Valbruna has become one of the world’s most advanced stainless steel companies. Its history is a testament to determination, technical progress, and the ability to adapt to changing market demands.

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