Screws and bolts making machines
Inside Saspi’s strategy: Mikel Zaldua on aerospace, automation, and high-precision thread rolling
From modular thread rolling machines to aerospace fasteners and the shortage of skilled operators, Saspi CEO Mikel Zaldua discusses the challenges shaping the fastener machinery industry.
Based in the Basque Country, Saspi specializes in high-precision thread rolling and secondary operation equipment for the fastener industry, with a strong focus on demanding applications such as aerospace.
In 2026, the company strengthened its international presence through participation in wire Düsseldorf and International Fastener Expo in Phoenix, while continuing to invest in advanced machining technology and its modular EVO series.
We spoke with Mikel Zaldua, CEO of Saspi, about the company’s competitive positioning, the growing demand for automation, and the challenges shaping the future of fastener manufacturing.
Saspi operates in a competitive global market. How would you describe the company’s positioning, and what sets it apart from lower-priced competitors?
Saspi holds a premier position in the global fastener machinery industry, particularly in high-end flat-die thread rolling and secondary operation equipment. Our focus is on high-precision, heavy-duty applications and advanced automation rather than standard, commodity machinery.
Our equipment is widely adopted by tier-1 suppliers manufacturing critical aerospace fasteners, high-tensile automotive bolts, and specialized structural hardware.
While our prices remain competitive within the high-end machinery segment, cost is rarely the deciding factor. Customers choose us for structural reliability, technical expertise, and our ability to develop solutions for specific manufacturing challenges.
What is the one problem your customers bring you most often?
One of the biggest challenges is finding qualified machinery operators. Fastener manufacturing is a highly specialized field that is rarely covered in traditional vocational training, making skilled personnel increasingly difficult to recruit.
This has significantly influenced our approach to machine development. We have introduced automated adjustments, advanced motorization, and intuitive setup procedures to reduce operational complexity and setup times. Our technology makes it possible for a single operator to manage multiple production lines efficiently without compromising product quality.
What makes the latest EVO generation different from previous Saspi machines?
The EVO series was developed around the concept of modularity. Historically, providing highly customized equipment made maintaining a standardized frame inventory nearly impossible.
With EVO, we have introduced a universal base frame that can accommodate different configurations and additional equipment, including induction heating systems, washer assembly units, secondary operation stations, and specialized feeding systems for headless parts.
This allows us to deliver highly customized manufacturing solutions while preserving the precision and structural reliability that characterize Saspi machinery.
Aerospace has become an important market for Saspi. What makes your technology particularly suitable for this sector?
Our machines have always been characterized by the rigidity and precision of their heavy-duty cast-steel frames. Cast steel provides excellent vibration damping and thermal stability, helping maintain tight tolerances even under demanding operating conditions.
These characteristics are particularly important in aerospace fastener manufacturing, where precision, consistency, and reliability are essential. Our machine architecture is well suited to these requirements.
How much of your customer base actually asks for connected machines, and how much of it is still a “nice to have”?
Our customers are at different stages of digital transformation. Some actively use machine connectivity to integrate real-time production data into their smart factory systems, while others are primarily focused on reliable manufacturing performance.
Full smart-line connectivity is integrated into our machines as a standard feature, rather than offered as an additional option.
Saspi recently invested in a new machining center. What motivated this decision, and what benefits do you expect?
Most of our machine components are manufactured by highly qualified local machining partners, while particularly critical, high-precision components are produced in-house.
The new machining center replaces older equipment and allows us to further improve the precision of these components.
However, the investment has another important purpose. Having modern, advanced manufacturing technology on our shop floor also makes Saspi a more attractive workplace for skilled technical professionals.
The United States has historically been a key market for Saspi. Why did you decide to establish a dedicated showroom on the West Coast?
The US has traditionally been our primary market. As we have increasingly focused on aerospace fastener manufacturing, establishing a presence on the West Coast became a logical decision because of the concentration of aerospace manufacturers in that region. The showroom provides two important advantages. First, American customers can see our machines on site without having to attend major European trade shows. Second, we can carry out tests with customers locally, avoiding the need for them to travel to Europe or ship components overseas.
You started at Saspi as a commercial engineer and now lead the company. How has your perspective changed?
Not as much as you might expect. Naturally, I have more responsibilities today, but because Saspi is a family business, I was already closely involved in most of the company’s decisions long before officially becoming CEO.
Although there is a specific date associated with my appointment, the transition was actually a gradual process that had been taking place for quite some time.
As fastener manufacturers face growing pressure to improve productivity and reduce dependence on specialized labor, Saspi’s strategy combines heavy-duty machine construction with modular design, automation, and closer customer support.
From the EVO platform to its expanding presence in the US aerospace market, the company’s direction reflects a clear priority: providing equipment that adapts to increasingly complex manufacturing requirements while maintaining the reliability expected in high-precision thread rolling.
