Why Sustainability is Central to ZAGO Manufacturing Co’s Mission and Operations
In a recent conversation with Kim Keating, Director of Customer Success at ZAGO, we discussed the company’s commitment to sustainability and climate action. ZAGO Manufacturing Co. is based in Newark, New Jersey and recently celebrated its 30th year of operations. The manufacturer specializes in self-sealing fasteners— screws, nuts, bolts, and washers engineered with rubber rings to form a 360-degree, unbreakable seal when tightened. This seal protects both internal equipment and the outside environment from potential contaminants, making the products inherently sustainable. The sealing fasteners are
reusable and corrosion resistant, further increasing their environmental benefits, particularly when used in outdoor applications like energy generation.
Sustainability is top of mind given the nature of the product, and this is reflected in the company’s vision and culture. The team at ZAGO recognizes that climate inaction causes climate change, and the company has accordingly implemented sustainable initiatives beyond the design of its products. These include actions that reduce the company’s carbon footprint, such as operating on solar energy, and implementing programs like ZAGO Sustainability 360 to promote economic and social justice.
ZAGO Sustainability 360 was established in 2019 with the mission of introducing students and graduates of all ages to careers in engineering and manufacturing. ZAGO recognizes that being sustainable involves not just products, but people, and ensuring climate action at an adequate scale requires them to help educate the next generation. The company uses this initiative to expand access to training programs and apprenticeships like the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP), which provides opportunities to the surrounding community and enhances ZAGO’s ability to hire locally.
Kim Keating, Director of Customer Success, spearheads Marketing, Sales and ZAGO’s Sustainability360 community outreach and education program. Siddharth Katoley (center) is advancing New Jersey offshore wind and is a senior advisor at NJEDA. Newark resident Gino Lindor is a Machine Operator at ZAGO and completed the Registered Apprenticeship Program offered through the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP). Gino graduated from Essex County School of Technology and works full-time at ZAGO.
Looking Ahead: Policy Developments and Networks like NJSBC
The leadership team at ZAGO Manufacturing Co. is committed to advocating for policies that align with New Jersey’s decarbonization targets, support local manufacturers, and promote sustainable supply chains. The company has made sustainability an integral part of their operations, recognizing their responsibility as environmental stewards and active members of the local community. By championing policies that encourage industries such as offshore wind, not only does ZAGO benefit and uphold its values, but it also aligns with the imperative of addressing the detrimental consequences of climate inaction.
Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich (left), Co-Founder & CEO, ZAGO Manufacturing Co. as a panelist at NJ Community Colleges’ NJ Pathways Manufacturing & Supply Chain Management Collaborative Meeting held last September at Raritan Valley Community College. Gail spoke about manufacturing as a viable career and the different education pathways to get there.
As the clean energy economy in the state expands, particularly through the development of the offshore wind sector, ZAGO is positioning itself in the wind turbine supply chain and leveraging new grants and incentives. This endeavor involves navigating the necessary certifications for participation in offshore wind projects, including becoming a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and collaborating with organizations such as the NJEDA and NJMEP.
While ZAGO anticipates certain challenges in their pursuit of greater involvement in the clean energy sector, such as allocating resources to overcome bureaucratic barriers, the company acknowledges the importance of embracing emerging green industries. Being among the first suppliers to adapt not only indicates a strong commitment to decarbonization goals, but also provides a competitive advantage in the marketplace. In fact, the company has already made inroads in wind energy and is providing sealing fasteners to Primus Wind Power, a manufacturer working to improve and optimize wind turbine design as part of a project with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Notably, networks like NJSBC play a pivotal role in helping ZAGO Manufacturing Co. discover resources, connect with others in the industry, and gain exposure that promotes their work. Moreover, NJSBC enables the company to engage in broader policy advocacy efforts. As a member, ZAGO is a part of a growing coalition of sustainable business voices in New Jersey pushing for climate action both within their business and through state level legislative action.