New generation, same passion: Elisa Santoro shares the evolution of Sapa Acciai

Founded as a family business, Sapa Acciai has become a prominent name in the distribution of wires, strips, and flat bars made from special steels. With a wide-ranging product portfolio, dependable services, and efficient logistics, the company continues to expand in both domestic and international markets.

We spoke with Elisa Santoro, who now leads the company alongside her sister Valentina, to discuss the generational handover and the company’s vision for the future.

A generational transition is underway at Sapa Acciai. How are you experiencing it?

We see it as an opportunity rather than a challenge. It’s a chance to plan long-term, grow the business, and preserve the legacy our father built. We're proud to carry on his work while staying true to the company’s original values.

What are the main innovations introduced?

We’re fully digitizing our procedures to improve efficiency. We've also restructured around a model of shared responsibility—each person is encouraged to treat the company as their own, taking full ownership of their work.

How are you managing the growth of staff and departments?

As we grow, our departments are becoming more specialized. We plan to expand our warehouses by 2026 and strengthen our international footprint. The goal is to enter new market segments while maintaining high-quality standards.

Which aspects of the company’s identity have you chosen to preserve?

We remain committed to our identity as a family-run business that puts people first. Listening, collaboration, and mutual respect continue to define our work culture. On the service side, our customer-centric approach remains unchanged—we simply keep updating it to reflect today’s needs.

What is it like being a woman in a predominantly male industry like steel?

Things are changing—more women are entering the field. I believe competence is key. If you’re willing to learn and listen, gender and age stop being an issue. What truly matters is the desire to grow.

How are you dealing with the current market uncertainty?

In a volatile environment, readiness is crucial. We’re expanding our infrastructure and adding new talent to improve responsiveness. Our commitment to reliability and quality remains firm. That’s why our slogan, “Ready quality,” continues to define us.

For more information on Sapa Acciai’s product range, please contact the company using the details on this page.