SASPI Talleres S.A has been supplying thread rolling machines to the global fastener industry for over 60 years. Exporting 99% of its machines, Deputy Editor Claire Aldridge visited its Spanish headquarters in Azkoitia to see how it has developed machinery to meet the needs of high-end industries such as automotive and aerospace.
Mikel Zaldua, commercial engineer at SASPI, proudly states: “Technology, quality and history – that’s what it’s all about. We are a reliable machine partner who makes it our business to know what our customers want – working with them very closely to fulfil all their needs.”
Still a family-owned company, ‘zazpi’ in Basque language means ‘seven’ which reflects the seven original founders of the company in 1961. Since its inception SASPI has focused on the international market where it has exported its machines despite other similar companies having major reservations.
“When my father took over the company in 1986 he focused on further boosting exports and increasing our product range to cover all fastener manufacturers’ needs. We soon became one of the market leaders in our field with SASPI machines operational in more than 15 countries,” comments Mikel.
SASPI’s product range now includes flat die thread rolling machines; rolling machines with pointing units; rolling machines with stud selectors; rolling machines with washer assembly; high-speed automatic pointing machines; secondary operation machines; form rollers; rotary thread rolling machines for nails; and washer assembly units.
“SASPI still retains its core family business structure – we still have sons and daughters of the original founding seven working at SASPI today and I strongly believe that to be one of SASPI’s biggest advantages. Our 60 successful years are the result of our hardworking employees and at our core we are still a family-ran company with decision makers on the ground. This means we know these machines inside out and can make decisions quickly if any issues arise.”
It’s this knowledge and expertise that has led SASPI to focus on supplying high-end markets. “The automotive and aerospace markets are elite specialised industries where part quality matters more than price. It’s a logical fit for us as SASPI guarantees high-quality, reliability and accuracy,” explains Mikel.
To ensure this quality, all SASPI machines are designed and assembled in-house, with all parts manufactured locally in Spain. “To further satisfy our customers’ demands, most of our machines are custom-made to order. Therefore, it’s important that we have an on-site painting and machining department where minor adjustments to a machine can be made. This further demonstrates the benefits to SASPI of having all its designers in-house, as well as having a pool of experienced staff at its fingertips,” proudly comments Mikel.
With the core of the machines not changing in 60 years, Mikel is clear that SASPI needs to stay one step ahead through technology and innovation. “Our machines are designed to maximise production times and reduce down time for set-ups and changeovers, as well as allowing an operator freedom to manage multiple jobs. The machines are also automated and motorised in order to avoid the use of tools as much as possible and increase the efficiency and precision of adjustments.”
A prime example is SASPI’s patented system for its motorised die block, which makes the machines quick and easy to changeover. The user simply presses a touch screen to adjust the pressure between the dies with high precision – saving a lot of manual work and time.
“We know our machines are high-quality, reliable and equipped for Industry 4.0, however it’s no good supplying a machine to the market if your aftersales and training can’t match up. At SASPI we do not just take the final sale and bid farewell – we never forget our customers. It’s a relationship business to us and I strongly believe that’s how we’ve got where we are today. Customers want service and support and you can only offer this through close relationships. I pride myself on customers knowing all our team personally, by name. We personalise our customer service and I’m so proud of that. We also offer full training to our customers on-site, as well as provide a spare part service for longevity,” comments Mikel.
“We will continue to look ahead and learn every day from our customers, by working on the ground and ensuring we’re close to the action. This will enable us to build on our history as a quality machining partner and fulfil our strategic aim – to make things easier for machine operators,” concludes Mikel.
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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