An Engineering-Led
Manufacturing Partner

Zero Manufacturing is a U.S.-based engineering and manufacturing company specializing in protective solutions for mission-critical equipment. For more than seven decades, we’ve supported organizations operating in high-risk, high-consequence environments by delivering precision manufacturing, technical expertise, and dependable execution.
We exist to help teams protect what matters—through disciplined engineering, controlled manufacturing, and long-term partnership.

Our Vision:

To provide our customers with innovative and sustainable solutions that protect, perform, and endure.

Our Mission:

To think outside the box - Always seeking creative ways to improve our products, our processes, and the value we deliver to our customers.

How We Succeed:

Manufacturing products that consistently meet or exceed customer quality and delivery expectations. Build Strong, lasting partnerships with our customers. Maintain financial and operational strength. Provide a safe and supportive environment for all employees.

The Zero Legacy

Founded on the ingenuity of German immigrant Herman Zierold, Zero Manufacturing traces its origins to 1929, when Zierold, then working for Halliburton in the California oil fields, crafted a rugged aluminum case to protect his engineering documents from harsh field conditions. That innovation sparked a legacy of precision metalwork, beginning with Zierold’s metal shop in 1931 and evolving into Zierold Manufacturing and later Zero Manufacturing, the creator of the iconic Zero Halliburton aluminum case and a trusted supplier to the aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors. From crafting the cases that carried Apollo 11’s moon rocks to pioneering deep‑drawn aluminum and molded plastic enclosures under one roof, Zero has earned a reputation for engineering excellence and durability. Today, under the leadership of Rockwood Equity Partners and CEO Evan Nazal, Zero continues advancing mission‑critical protection solutions built for the world’s most demanding applications.

1908

German Immigrant Herman Zierold, founder and father of Zero Manufacturing, was born.

1929

Herman Zierold, while working for Halliburton in Southern California oil fields, struggled with documents damaged by oil and debris during site visits. This led him to design and develop his first aluminum clamshell attache to protect them in the field.

1931

Herman Zierold establishes a small sheet-metal business in Los Angeles, doing precision aluminum and sheet-metal work for local customers.

1945

Zierold’s shop grew to around 10 employees and approximately $300,000 in annual sales; often, Zierold personally delivered precision aluminum and sheet metal products to his customers.

1951

Herman Zierold sells his Los Angeles sheet-metal business to Jack Gilbert, who focuses it on precision sheet-metal products for the emerging electronics industry and renames it Zierold Manufacturing Co.

1952

Demand for deep-drawn boxes and the capital cost of new dies are straining the business: Zierold Manufacturing secures a Small Business Administration Loan to stay afloat.

1957

Venture Capitalist Alfred Reddock invests $250,000, joins the board, and gives the company the credibility needed to pursue a public offering.

1959

The company goes public and, in response to customers repeatedly confusing “Zierold” with “Zero,” officially changes its name to Zero Manufacturing Co., marking the formal launch of the “Zero” brand that Zero Cases later trades on.

1960

Zero continues adding dies/toolings (eventually exceeding 1,500), expands beyond California after interest from Bendix, and opens additional manufacturing facilities in Massachusetts and Florida to serve aerospace and electronics customers nationwide.

1967

In the late 60’s, Zero became 16 companies with multiple divisions, offerings, and product lines.

1969

In early 1969, Zero purchased Halliburton’s luggage-making operations, creating the Zero Halliburton aluminum luggage line that rapidly became internationally known; this consumer brand sits alongside the industrial case business that evolves into Zero Cases / Zero Manufacturing. July 11-24, 1969, the Apollo 11 Mission used Zeros cases to bring back moon rock samples collected by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. Zero Cases/Boxes will subsequently be used in follow-on Apollo Missions and the greater NASA Organization.

1970

Zero Diversifies into heating and cooling equipment

1973

Zero returns profitability, earning roughly $600k on $22 million in sales, and changes its corporate name again, from Zero Manufacturing Co. to Zero Corporation. Obtained TA Instrument Cases, which were manufactured and fabricated case assemblies

1977

Zero purchased Moorlee, a competitor in the deep-drawn cases.

1979

Late 1970’s – Zero’s die/tooling library well exceeds 1,500 and supports approximately 40,000 box sizes; sales reach approximately $66 million dollars by 1979 with net earnings of $4.7 million, and the “Zero Box” becomes a generic term in aerospace and electronics.

1980

CEO Jack Gilbert retires from day-to-day operations and is succeeded by Howard W. Hill as CEO

1982

Attorney and former corporate counsel Wilford “Woody” Godbold joins as executive vice president.

1985

Howard W. Hill retires, and Godbold becomes CEO; Zero’s sales reach approximately $117 million, with approximately $11.5 million in net earnings, including gains from divestitures.

1986

Mid- 1980’s – Under Godbold, Zero acquires multiple electronics-oriented companies (e.g., Contempo Engineering) and expands its presence in electronic thermal management and system packaging; its customer base grows to 187 of the 200 largest electronics manufacturers and around an 85 percent share of the enclosure market.

1987

Zero purchased Micrite, a company that produced miniature drawn housings.

1988

Late 1980’s – Revenues rise from approximately $139 million dollars to $171 million dollars between 1987 and 1988.

1991

Zero relocates its main Los Angeles manufacturing to the Salt Lake City/North Salt Lake City, Utah area and consolidates remaining California plants; the Utah move becomes the manufacturing base that later supports Zero Manufacturing/Zero Cases operations.

1994

Achieved ISO 9001 Certification and various military-related quality certifications (including MIL-STD-based sampling, SPC-certified supplier status to key customers, and multiple other Mil-Spec approvals); Certifications are still active today.

1995

Between 1993 and 1995, Zero acquired J.H. Sessions & Sons (case hardware), Precision Fabrication Technologies (modular enclosures and data-communications products), Electro-Mechanical Imagineering (CCTV enclosure and mounting devices), and G.W. Pearce & Sons (UK deep-drawn aluminum products), adding roughly $16 million dollars in revenue and broadening the enclosure and hardware portfolio.

1996

Zero continues to expand its Zero Halliburton line (including laptop and wheeled cases) and launches Zero Integrated Systems to provide fully integrated electronic systems and related services.

1997

Purchased IE Instrument Enclosures – fabricated enclosures similar to TA

1998

Zero Corporation is acquired by Applied Power Inc. (APW) in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $386 million, making Zero a subsidiary within a larger global electrical and electronic enclosure group.

1999

Secured a notable airline contract to supply baggage/cargo systems to 50 United Airlines’ Airbus Aircraft, illustrating long-standing transport and baggage expertise.

2002

APW sells the Utah Industrial operations (Zero Manufacturing) to Blue Point Capital and the principals of Cascade Consolidated Industries. Purchased Hydro Deep Draw – located in California, and consolidated their operations to SLC.

2007

Sold Zero Haliburton, and it was purchased by ACE out of Japan – purchase was for the brand & double bead trademark.

2010

Approximately mid-2000s-2020, Zero positions itself as the only supplier offering both metal (deep-drawn/fabricated aluminum) and plastic cases and enclosures under one roof, highlighting this dual-material capability as a competitive differentiator in military/industrial markets. Application focus includes military defense, energy, aerospace, EMI/RFI-shielded enclosures, transit/storage cases, 19-inch rackmount cases, modular reusable containers, and instrument cases, covering much of the rugged-case and mission-critical enclosure space.

2012

Zero emphasizes ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100 Rev D/AS9100D certifications, alignment with ATA-300, and Mil-Spec requirements, underscoring a strategic focus on aerospace and defense programs.

2014

Partners with Guardian Injection Molding from Italy

2016

CE Star Holdings acquires Zero Cases/Zero Manufacturing.

2024

Evan Nazal appointed as CEO

2025

Rockwood Equity Partners Acquires Zero Cases/Zero Manufacturing

Proven performance. REcognized Excellence.

ISO Certification:

AS9100D including ISO 9001:2015,
Cert #5560
System for Award Management SAM.gov
Military-Certifications
Also, other certificates, such as FCC, CE, and RoHS, can be provided upon request; for data cables, we offer MFI-certified cables. Products can be RoHS-compliant upon request and specification. Registration Active; FARS and DFARS Complete.

The Team That
Makes It Possible

At Zero, our people are the foundation of everything we build. From engineers and machinists to welders, assemblers, and quality specialists, every team member plays a critical role in delivering mission-critical protection. Their precision, discipline, and pride in craftsmanship ensure that each case meets the highest standards for performance, durability, and reliability.

We foster a culture built on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Our team works together with purpose, knowing that the products we manufacture protect equipment, operations, and in many cases, human lives. It is this shared commitment to excellence that defines Zero and drives us forward every day.

Our Team

Evan Nazal
CEO

Kevin Wilson
CFO

Chris Read
Director of Engineering

Gregg Benoit
Director of Sales

Rebecca Rue
Human Resource Manager

Nadine Soweidan
Quality Manager

Dawn Austin
Supply Chain Manager

Ross Ferrin
Engineering Manager

Scott Sparrow
Facilities Manager

Felipe Alatorre
Production Manager

Scott Colagrossi
Business Development & Marketing Manager

Join Our Team

Join our team and build what cannot fail while enjoying competitive benefits, every other Friday off, and a full week off between Christmas and New Year’s to recharge with the people who matter most.

See Available Roles