ZAI uno - ZAI storica (historical area)
History up to 1955
In 1948, the economic aspects linked to agriculture and the mercantile skills of the North East came together with the Legislative Decree that set up the Consorzio Zai. The first Industrial Agricultural Zone in Italy was established in the area to the immediate south of the city's historical centre where the Magazzini Generali (general warehouse company) had been active since 1926.
It was in that same year that the Agricultural Fair moved to the area that would later be known as Zai Storica (traditional Industrial Area), a fair that was destined to become one of the world's most important in the sector, giving the area an international aspect. In the mid '50s the possibility of adding further businesses to the area, even those not connected to agriculture, was considered as complementary to constant economic development. Accompanied by facilitating policies and easy credit for traders and craftsmen to encourage their transfer to the area, it turned out to be a good decision.
In 1955, 42 businesses, distributed over a total surface area of 230,000 m², had set up shop in the historical Zai area, also called Zai Uno.
From 1960 to date
At the beginning of the 1960s, 230 businesses were operating in the industrial zone, including 137 manufacturing companies and 61 metallurgical and mechanical firms. 67 companies belonged to the commercial sector, 49 of which traded fruit and vegetables. There were also 15 service companies (agencies, shipping and advertising offices) and 10 food sector businesses.
At the beginning of the '70s, the number of companies had risen by 100% to 409, 263 of which operated in manufacturing.
The processing of agricultural produce in a strategic area in terms of international trafficking, required more space and so, in '52, a new 100,000 m² Fruit and Vegetable Market was set up. The number of companies in the historical area continued to grow and now there are over 600, employing more than 20,000 workers. There is a large number of agro-industrial companies even though the arrangement has been organised to house other activities.
