Gazebo. A history of growth and continuous investment.
On 20.04.1963 Gazebo was incorporated as a public limited company and registered at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Craft and Agriculture of Forlì and Cesena.
Ever since it began working in the prefabricated cement product sector, Gazebo S.p.A. has proved to be a dynamic, up-and-coming company, keen to take on and meet market requests and demands.
The factory premises covered a total surface area of 48,400 m2 of which 3,030 m2 was covered by industrial warehouses for production and services (2,960 m2) and office buildings (70 m2) and there was 17,100 m2 of outdoor space used for internal traffic and to store materials.
In the ‘60s production focused on ring tanks, ovoid piping, chimney flues, slabs for enclosures, etc.
Following the so-called “ecological trend”, the company began to take an interest in wastewater treatment systems in general.
Gazebo concentrated its research on the purification process and studied the possible applications of reinforced concrete prefabricated elements. It designed and built its first wastewater treatment plant for a small community in Rimini.
Gazebo designed and built its first experimental wastewater treatment plant for a pig farm (commissioned by the province of Forlì) with excellent purification results.
In conjunction with researchers from the faculty of Environmental Engineering at the University of Padua, Gazebo designed and built numerous wastewater treatment plants for pig farms in Emilia Romagna.
Gazebo began production of prefabricated elements in vibrated reinforced concrete called “Maxioxidi”. They were later assembled on building sites as large-volume tanks for wastewater treatment “activated sludge with 2 compartment tanks”. At the same time it began production of monolithic systems called “Minibioxy/BC”, using small tanks.
Vibrated reinforced concrete tank covers, pedestrian and/or driveway, were produced using two special moulds (cover formwork no. 1 + no. 2).
Gazebo S.p.A. enrolled in the National Association of Constructors of the Ministry of Public Works, no. 4263910 in the S 23 category (formerly 12 a) “ Special Works – Lifting, water purifying and depuration plants” for projects of a value of Lire 3,000,000,000.
This year saw the beginning of production of prefabricated v.r.c. concrete elements called “panels for polygonal tanks”. They were later assembled on building sites as large-volume tanks for wastewater treatment “activated sludge with separate tanks”. At the same time the company began production of monolithic systems called “Minibioxy/BC”, using medium-sized tanks.
Production of v.r.c. tank covers was widened to include a new mould (cover formwork no. 3).
Production of v.r.c. prismatic tanks began. Gazebo was the first manufacturer of prefabricated elements in Italy to use new hydraulic rotating formwork to manufacture tanks which held a net volume of between 10.00 m3 and 35.00 m3 (tank formwork no. 1).
Production of v.r.c. prismatic tanks was widened thanks to a new hydraulic rotating formwork which manufactured tanks that held a net volume of between 3.00 m3 and 9.00 m3 (tank formwork no. 2).
Gazebo S.p.A. obtained SOA certification to carry out public works in the OS 22 category – “Water purifying and depuration plants” – Class V – for projects of a value of € 5,165,000.00 –.
Production of v.r.c. prismatic tanks was widened. The company used a new hydraulic rotating formwork to manufacture tanks which held a net volume of between 10.00 m3 and 40.00 m3 (tank formwork no. 3).
Gazebo S.p.A. certified its quality management system, meeting the requirements of standard UNI EN ISO 9001:2008 for the construction and maintenance of wastewater purifying and depuration plants and the design, production and installation of reinforced concrete tanks.
The surface area of the heating plant was increased with the installation of a new boiler to produce steam with a power of 1,200,000 K cal.
A new silo to hold the cement (silo no. 1) was also installed to replace the old disused model.
Production of v.r.c. tank covers was widened to include a new mould (cover formwork no. 4).
A new electrical power substation (with 200 kW power) was built, a new concrete batching plant was installed to produce concrete and a new silo was built to increase cement capacity (silo no. 2).
The surface area of the warehouses and services was increased from 2,960 m2 to 4,070 m2 and the outdoor space for internal traffic and to store materials grew from 17,100 m2 to 21,700 m2.
The surface area of the offices went from 260 m2 to 316 m2.
Production of v.r.c. prismatic tanks was widened. The company used a new hydraulic rotating formwork to manufacture tanks which held a net volume of between 10.00 m3 and 50.00 m3 (tank formwork no. 4).
Production of v.r.c. tank covers was widened to include two new moulds (cover formwork no. 5 + no. 6).
Production of v.r.c. prismatic tanks was widened. The company used a new hydraulic rotating formwork to produce tanks which held a net volume of between 10.00 m3 and 50.00 m3 (to replace tank formwork no. 1).
A laboratory was set up on the premises to conduct tests on the concrete produced, equipped with an automatic press, vibrating table, thermostatic tank, concrete curing meter and digital weighing scales.
An 87 m2 garage was built and the outdoor space for internal traffic and to store materials was increased from 21,700 m2 to 25,500 m2.
Gazebo engineers began experimenting with a self-compacting concrete (SCC) mix design in its research and development laboratory with the help of external technologists in the sector.
After about a year of in-house trials and tests, the new “SCC Gazebo System”. technology was definitively applied to production of its prefabricated elements.
The “SCC Gazebo System”. produces compact, uniform concrete which is perfectly watertight. The concrete curing process is quicker and does not require steam curing.
A technological plant to load and stock the aggregates used in concrete production was built.
A photovoltaic plant to produce electricity (overall nominal power of 76.37 kWp) was installed.
The warehouses and services buildings were enlarged from 4,157 m2 to 5,434 m2 and the outdoor space for internal traffic and to store materials was increased from 25,500 m2 to 27,800 m2.
Production of v.r.c. prismatic tanks was widened. The company used a new hydraulic rotating formwork to manufacture tanks which held a net volume of between 10.00 m3 and 50.00 m3 (to replace tank formwork no. 3).
A new water-bearing well was also built, a technological system was installed to recover water from the washing of the concrete batching plant and a new silo to hold the filler was erected (silo no. 3).
In conjunction with BASF Construction Chemicals Italia S.p.A. of Treviso and Prof. Luigi Coppola (engineer) of theUniversity of Bergamo – Faculty of Engineering, Department of Design and Technology – Dalmine (BG), a research and development programme was set up to produce highly resistant structural concrete.
Gazebo, together with the R&D department of BASF Master Builder Solutions, has come up with fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC).
Gazebo now produces monolithic tanks using latest generation concrete which boasts highly innovative characteristics.
This is the FRC Gazebo System.
The tanks have outstanding ductility, enhanced durability, greater resistance to flexural stress, they pollute less and therefore provide more peace of mind.
Yet another success from Gazebo.
The design stage was completed and production began of steel reinforcements with upgraded adhesion for prefabricated reinforced concrete tanks.
Characteristics:
internal type B450C steel reinforcements with upgraded adhesion for prefabricated tanks, with increased “cover” of up to 40 mm, in compliance with Italian Ministerial Decree of 14.01.2008.
Benefit:
increased durability of the prefabricated structures over time.
New prefabricated reinforced concrete tank with a 53,000-litre capacity.
A new prefabricated reinforced concrete tank was designed and manufactured in compliance with Italian Ministerial Decree of 14.01.2008. External dimensions are 250x1017x250 cm and capacity is 53,000 litres.
The process to obtain environmental and health and safety certifications began.
In order to optimise and improve conditions in the working place, Gazebo began the process to certify its OHSAS 18001 – Occupational Health and Safety management System and ISO 14001 environmental management system.
Goodbye President.
On 21 February 2016, Remo Bonci, President and founder of Gazebo S.p.A., passed away suddenly.
This man, father and manager had encouraged, guided and praised us every day for more than fifty years.
The business he set up and loved will continue as he would have wanted it to, inspired by his teachings. We believe it is the most respectful way of honouring his memory.
For him and all the clients and friends who knew him.
We’ll miss you, President.
The collaboration between GAZEBO S.p.A and the R&D laboratory of BASF, Master Builders Solutions, continued with yet another success.
The study to produce water-repellent concrete with superior features was completed:
- Impermeable concrete with very low degree of water absorption;
- High strength concrete (Rck > 600 kg/cm2);
- Concrete with greater chemical resistance suitable for installation in aggressive environments.
This remarkable result was obtained by determining the correct dosage of nano-silica in the cement mixture. Nano-silica has a very high degree of fineness, so is able to eliminate almost all capillary porosities which are created between the cement particles.
As a result, Gazebo S.p.A. obtained water-repellency certification for its concrete.
Once again GAZEBO S.p.A. followed the principles it has always lived by:
continuously high quality, respect for the environment, health and safety of its workers, ensuring maximum protection at all times.
Gazebo has been awarded important certifications aimed at improving and optimising its system which manages quality, the environment and occupational health and safety.
Certifications obtained:
- Quality Management System
in compliance with UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 - Environmental Management System
in compliance with UNI EN ISO 14001:2015 - Occupational Health and Safety Management System
in compliance with BS OHSAS 18001:2007
GAZEBO completed installation of the extension to its photovoltaic system which will generate 25 kW (overall power of photovoltaic system = 100 kW).
This project confirmed Gazebo’s commitment to the environment, energy savings and keeping use of non-renewable resources to an absolute minimum.
And endorsed Gazebo as a green-oriented company.
The extension of the UPS system (uninterrupted power supply) was also completed and the 18 kW power generated by this system will be used in the offices (overall power of UPS system = 45 kW).
Gazebo quality is unstoppable. Even in a black-out. Now efficiency has been taken to its highest level, just like Gazebo Quality, and this is no more than its clients deserve.
Installation of the LED lighting systems was completed in all the production and storage warehouses, outside areas and offices.
This was another important accomplishment in Gazebo’s commitment to the environment.
This decision led to a significant reduction in industrial energy consumption, increasing the company’s respect for the environment.
Gazebo is extremely proud to be able to call itself a green company.
Gazebo’s design process, which is based on specific high-level techniques, diligent production management and continuous quality control, enabled it to obtain “DECLARED MASS PRODUCTION” certification from the Central Technical Service of the Italian Public Works Authority for its “prefabricated reinforced concrete monolithic tanks and cover slabs”.
In accordance with Italian Ministerial Decree of 17.01.2018 “Technical building standards” and pursuant to Art. 9 of Italian Law No. 1086/1971.
Large Systems, Major Customers.
This sums up Gazebo S.p.A.’s run of technological and commercial successes from 2018 to 2020.
Innovative large Reinforced Concrete Tanks and Large Wastewater Treatment Systems for the Italian Army, Airforce and Post, ACEA Ato 5 and Ato 2, A2A, Football Club Internazionale Milano, Orogel, Vitroplant Italia and Buzzi Unicem.
Large, high-performance systems constructed with record-breaking installation times: 7/14 days.
All thanks to precise industrial planning, amazingly flexible production and the large amount of preassembly work completed in the factory.
Looking at the data, we can safely state that this period has further reinforced Gazebo’s irrefutable leadership.
The process of certification for the implementation of Minimum Environmental Criteria will be completed in January 2022.
Certification to UNI/PdR 88:2020 will thus become an integral part of Gazebo’s identity.
It strongly underlines Gazebo’s focus on the environment, also due to its leveraging of the circular economy.
This certification will enable Gazebo to Bid for Public Contracts.
The need to meet the ever-increasing demand for superior quality products prompted the management of Gazebo S.p.A. to install a new silo for storing cement and micronised products for the production of high-performance concrete (Silo No. 4).
With a view to offering an even faster service, the open area for product storage was expanded from 27,800 square metres to approximately 34,000 square metres.
Gazebo has thus increased its capacity to stock products and offer ready-made solutions for the usual complete customer satisfaction.
Gazebo turns 60!
Gazebo S.p.A. was founded on the cool spring morning of 20 April 1963 by enlightened entrepreneurs from Romagna. In the 60 years since then, we are proud to say that Gazebo has built a history of Innovation and Quality, recognised by thousands of customers the world over.
Our thanks go to them on Gazebo S.p.A.’s 60th anniversary for inspiring us, every day, to tell a great story of success.
