On 23 April 2026, in Rome, Gianni Schiavon, CEO of Zintek, was awarded the “Master of Made in Italy 2026” prize in the construction sector, as part of the first edition of the award promoted by the Foundation “Imprese e Competenze per il Made in Italy”.
The ceremony was held in the presence of the Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, the Minister of Education and Merit, Giuseppe Valditara, the President of Unioncamere, Andrea Prete, and the President of the Foundation, Giovanni Brugnoli, who presented the awards to the selected national excellence.
The recognition was granted to entrepreneurs who have distinguished themselves in their ability to pass on skills and knowledge to younger generations, making a tangible contribution to the development of the Italian production system and to the preservation of the technical and cultural heritage of Made in Italy.
A recognition rooted in a shared journey
The award granted to Gianni Schiavon represents a significant milestone not only on a personal level, but for the entire growth path of Zintek and the cultural project it has developed over time.
Over the years, Zintek has complemented its industrial production with an increasingly structured cultural programme, aimed at preserving and transmitting a body of knowledge that risked to be lost. This has taken shape through editorial and educational activities, including:
- the publication of the treatise Zinc-Titanium in Architecture, a unique reference work for designers, contractors and the academic world, bringing together years of hands-on experience and field research;
- ARCHITYPES, a bilingual editorial project that presents the company’s activities while addressing contemporary themes in architecture and design, with the aim of fostering debate and inspiring new visions for the cities of the future;
- the organisation of events, conferences and round tables, which over the years have involved professionals, institutions and universities, contributing to the dissemination of a shared and informed design culture.
Within this framework, Zintek positions itself not only as a manufacturing company, but as an active contributor to the creation and sharing of knowledge.
Zintek Academy: training as responsibility
At the core of this commitment is the Zintek Academy for Buildings, the first training body in Italy certified UNI ISO 21001:2019 to offer a structured pathway leading to the “Professional Sheet Metal Worker Certification”, in line with UNI 11966:2024.
Through both in-house and travelling courses delivered across the country, the Academy has become a key reference point for professional qualification within the sector.
At a time when skilled labour is increasingly difficult to find, Zintek has chosen to invest in human capital, restoring value and attractiveness to a profession that combines technical expertise and craftsmanship — “mind and hands”.
A forward-looking model that provides young people with concrete tools to enter the workforce and contribute to the development of the construction sector.
A model recognised at national level
The Foundation “Imprese e Competenze per il Made in Italy” has recognised Zintek’s approach as a virtuous example of a company capable of combining manufacturing, innovation and training, identifying the transmission of skills as a strategic lever for the competitiveness of the production system.
The “Master of Made in Italy 2026” award therefore acknowledges a commitment that goes beyond the product itself, rooted in the ambition to create long-term value: for people, for the territory and for the future of architecture.
A recognition that belongs to the entire Zintek team and that strengthens the company’s commitment to continuing to invest in training, technical culture and the sustainable development of the sector.
