From a family-run workshop to a global leader in safety washers and custom fasteners, Growermetal plans to celebrate its 75th milestone anniversary with a special event that will include innovation, expansion and a new product launch at Fastener Fair Global 2025.
Growermetal, specialists in the development and manufacturing of washers and special parts, is a reliable partner for the fastener and fixing industry worldwide, providing more than 3,500 designs and 2,500 customised products for the most diverse needs. Its reach extends from more traditional applications to those where innovative and technical components play a key role. These include the automotive, aerospace, rail and infrastructure worlds, but also the automotive electric mobility sector, which last year saw the company’s growing attention – resulting in specific projects for battery pack applications.
One of the key strengths of Growermetal lies in a centralised production system, which combines flexibility, agility and precision. Such benefits are made possible by the direct interconnection between the production departments, enabling efficient workflow, facilitating supervision and preventing downtime during the process. The variety of services – from tooling design, blanking, embossing, coining, part assembly, steel wire rolling and surface finishing treatments – is completed by quality controls, goods management, as well as storage. Through its fully automated warehouse, the company ensures a logistic system in-line with the requirements of the market, where ‘just in time’ approaches are essential.
A brief look at Growermetal’s history
Growermetal heritage has been built over the years, starting in 1950, when Virginio Cattaneo founded the first site in the north of Italy. At that time the company was just a small, family-run business, but in 1962 it experienced its first expansion. This led to the relocation to Calco, where the company’s headquarters is still based today.
This evolution continued in the late 1960s and that was followed by another development between the 1980s and 1990s, with the passage to the second generation of the Cattaneo family. In those years, the company introduced new automatic machines, quality control equipment, as well as implementing an IT system for the production processes, setting new standards that led to the product range extension and the obtainment of the ISO 9001 quality system certification.
New designs and geometries kept arising at the beginning of the new millennium, and the service lived another great enhancement when Growermetal built its surface treatment department in 2007.
“Such a phase is representative of the modern course taken by the business strategy, with growing attention to combining complete in-house services with a commitment to accelerating a sustainable transition,” states Paolo Cattaneo, CEO at Growermetal. “It’s no surprise that during this period, Growermetal obtained the ISO 14001 certification for environment management and the IATF 16949 certification for the automotive industry.”
The improvements involved goods management and customer service too, with a global expansion that saw the founding of two new offices in North America and Brazil – Growermetal USA (in 2014) and Growermetal Do Mercosul LTDA ( in 2016).
Growermetal’s innovation path began after the launch of the Grower TenKeep® safety washer in 2019, with the company also awarded with the EN 9100 standard for the aerospace industry in 2021 – opening unexplored opportunities for development in the field. The achievements also boosted the production of exclusive solutions, such as Grower SpheraTech®, Grower Detecto® and Grower Reaction®.
The company’s commitment to quality, reflected in the attention given to internal management, also resulted in the business obtaining the ISO 45001 certification for health and safety management and the ISO 50001 certification for energy management, in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
2024: A milestone year
As proof of the company’s evolution, last year Growermetal increased its global presence through the opening of Growermetal Germany GmbH. Characterised by a particular focus on the Swiss, Austrian and German areas, the new sales branch is aimed at consolidating the service in Europe, providing more efficient and quicker support to customers.
Other major milestones achieved in 2024 regarded the innovation strategy of the company, which went in two different directions. On the one hand, Growermetal expanded its branded product line with the introduction of Grower OhmLock®, a conical washer designed for electric mobility. The product strikes a balance between electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance, which are crucial in battery pack applications, as well as in car underbody uses.
On the other hand, the company inaugurated the new GIC – Growermetal Innovation Center, a new multifunctional building located in the same area as the production departments. Born with the purpose of increasing the innovation potential of the company, the centre is now fully operative and includes areas dedicated to research and development, training classrooms, technical and quality offices, new laboratories and the tool shop.
Celebrating at Fastener Fair Global
From 25th – 27th March 2025 Growermetal will attend the 10th edition of Fastener Fair Global, where the celebration of its 75th anniversary will be held. “If we are here today, this is thanks to the people who share our culture, mission, and have accompanied us along these first 75 years. We’ll be honoured to welcome them at Fastener Fair Global to celebrate this incredible journey together,” reports Paolo Cattaneo.
Paolo adds: “Focused on the international scenario of the manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and suppliers of fastener and fixing technology, the trade show will take place in Messe Stuttgart, Germany, and will foster important insights opportunities on the evolution of the industry and its latest developments. On the occasion, the team couldn’t miss the opportunity to launch an exclusive new product, which will be unveiled during the event and will compete for the prestigious Route to Fastener Innovation award.”
“Our latest washer design is the result of the dedication of our entire R&D team, who during last year have worked on both Grower OhmLock® and this new product,” highlights Filippo Pia, new product development manager at Growermetal. “Competing in the innovation contest for the third time reaffirms our commitment to continuous technological advancement. Matching the success of Grower TenKeep® and Grower SpheraTech®, or even surpassing it, would be the greatest gift in this 75th anniversary.”
Beyond product innovation, Fastener Fair Global 2025 will also be the perfect stage to showcase Growermetal’s legacy, expertise and vision for the future. “Our booth has been designed with a dual-purpose – to showcase the company’s history and values while highlighting its broad product range, including key sectors of expertise and emerging areas of investment,” points out Michela Mauri, marketing manager at Growermetal.
Blending tradition and innovation, the booth will feature several exhibition areas, digital totems, interactive displays and video presentations – allowing an engaging exploration of the company’s solutions.
“We are particularly proud to unveil new product updates and a brand new solution that will define the years ahead. We look forward to welcoming customers and visitors to our booth, where they will have the opportunity to discover more about our history, our innovations and our commitment to excellence,” concludes Paolo.
Growermetal’s complete range of washers and parts will be available for the whole three days of the event on stand 946 in hall 1.
growermetal.com
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
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