Dalmine Logistic Solutions, in close collaboration with leading companies in their respective sectors, is building an innovative facility for the aging of Grana Padano cheese at Caseificio Zanetti S.p.A. in Marmirolo (MN).

The new aging facility, called GRANMAG, enables the fully automated loading, turning and brushing, grading, and shipping of Grana Padano cheese wheels.

How It Works

The GRANMAG system uses racks that replicate the traditional wooden shelves called scalere on which cheese has been aged for centuries in Italian dairies, preserving the traditional maturation method.

The true innovation lies in the separation between the aging area and the turning/brushing area:

Aging area: constant temperature and humidity ensure consistent quality.

Processing area: robots perform turning and brushing operations with speed and continuity previously impossible to achieve.

A Pioneer Company

Zanetti S.p.A., founded in the early 1900s by Cav. Guido Zanetti, has always invested in innovation. In 2018, his great-grandson—who, interestingly, bears the same name—oversaw the installation in Castelbelforte of the company’s first automated cheese-aging warehouse (capacity: 180,000 wheels). After confirming its benefits, he is now leading, together with the younger generation (Rodolfo and Antonio), the new Marmirolo project, with almost three times the capacity: over 500,000 wheels.

Construction

Dalmine Logistic Solutions is responsible for the construction of all the metal structures, made from galvanized steel coils profiled in the company’s highly automated production lines.

The structure complies with all seismic safety and operational standards.

Both structures and systems are designed to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with minimal human presence.

A Winning Partnership

The project is the result of the joint efforts of Dalmine Logistic Solutions and Zanetti S.p.A., together with specialized partners such as:

DERO Group (robotics)

Advantages of the GRANMAG System

With over 1 million cheese wheels already managed or under construction, GRANMAG sets a new standard in the aging of hard cheeses, offering:

• 40% reduction in air volume required per wheel;
• Improved hygiene;
• Significant reduction in required labor;
• Substantial decrease in waste;
• Notable energy and operational savings.