The trade of ferrous materials in Brianza has a name that stands the test of time: Novati. A story rooted in the early 1900s, when Silvio Novati launched the original business on Via Verdi, specializing in the sale and distribution of ferrous materials and semi-finished products for industry. In the 1930s, the business passed to his sons, Abele and Lino. In 1958, the company moved to a new site, expanding both capacity and product range. In 1974, the third generation took over: Silvio Novati (namesake of the founder) and Roberto Michieli modernized management and opened up new markets. Since 2009, with the entry of the fourth generation, Novati has embarked on a path of continuous innovation: digitalization, lean logistics, product range expansion, and certifications. Today, Novati is considered a historic point of reference in Lombardy for the marketing of steel products sourced directly from steel mills and distributed rapidly to local companies. To explore the company’s philosophy, methods, and vision, we spoke with Massimo Michieli and Andrea Novati.
by Roberta Imbimbo
Mr. Michieli, Novati is considered a benchmark in Brianza for steel trading. Where does this reputation come from?
It comes from a long history and from family continuity dating back to the early 1900s. As a formally established company, we have been operating since 1948, but our roots go even deeper. Brianza has a strong tradition in metalworking, furniture, and structural steelwork. Being present on the market for nearly a century has allowed us to build solid relationships and to deeply understand those who work with metal every day. Today we offer a complete range of merchant steel products—tubes, beams, sheets, profiles, gratings, welded wire mesh, and materials for carpentry, window and door manufacturers, and mechanical engineering—always available for immediate delivery. This responsiveness has consolidated our brand reputation.
What are your main strengths today in the steel market?
Certainly the breadth of our offering and the immediate availability of materials. Supplying industries, designers, and fabrication workshops with certified products always in stock is a major competitive advantage. Added to this is a decisive factor: speed. Our lean structure allows us to manage deliveries extremely quickly; orders can even be placed by phone and are often dispatched the same day or within 24 hours. Another strength is family management: relationships are direct, without bureaucratic layers. Decisions are fast, and trust is built naturally.
What does it concretely mean to have 76 years of direct experience in the sector?
It means having gone through generations of technological and regulatory change, turning every change into expertise. Experience allows us to clearly interpret customer needs, anticipate problems, and offer reliable solutions. Our solidity stems precisely from the combination of family tradition and continuous updating.
What role does material quality play in your offering?
A central role. We source directly from the best steel mills to ensure consistent standards. We are certified ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, demonstrating our commitment to quality, safety, and the environment. The results are tangible: virtually no returns, no significant disputes, and reliable materials for any type of requirement.
Mr. Novati, many customers describe you more as partners than simple suppliers. Why?
Because we don’t just deliver materials—we support production processes. Many customers consider us their external warehouse: if a material is needed, we ensure immediate availability, in the required format, with any cuts or processing. We also source special materials not available on-site through a well-established supplier network. Ours is a long-term relationship, not a simple transaction.
How has your service changed in recent years?
The market has accelerated, and we have adapted—indeed, we anticipated the change. We streamlined processes, sped up logistics, and digitalized orders. Today, a customer can call us and receive the material the same day. Our philosophy is simple: customers must be able to keep producing without interruptions.
Customization is a recurring theme in your business. What does it mean to you?
It means listening. Every construction site, workshop, or project has specific needs. We offer custom cuts, profiles configured for specific applications, semi-finished products, and dedicated processing. We serve large industries and small artisans alike: for us, this is the true added value.
What is Novati’s future mission?
To remain a stable point of reference for Monza, Brianza, and all of Lombardy, expanding services and product ranges. Our goal is clear: to provide what is needed, in the shortest possible time and with high quality standards, while preserving the culture of direct relationships that has accompanied us for four generations.
