Ducati Building New Factory
Cycle News Staff | March 5, 2011
Just 300 meters from the factory where Ducati first began making electrical components in 1935, Ducati is building a new larger manufacturing plant which will not only increase the size of the production floor, but also include more space for other functions.The new 134,600 square meters (15% larger than the current site) site will include 55,000 square meters of floor area, of which 13,500 square meters will be office and educational/communication/services and 41,500 square meters for production, R&D, Ducati Corse and warehouses, with the possibility of building an additional 11,000 square meters of floor space for future expansion.”The company has embarked on an important globalization project to seize opportunities that arise in markets around the world,” Ducati CEO Gabriele del Torchio said at a news conference prior to Ducati MotoGP Night. “Borgo Panigale will be the company’s head, its heart, but also its hands. It’s not that we’re unaware of the opportunities for globalization these days, but Borgo Panigale’s role will always be one of strategic importance. It’s extremely satisfying to be able to make such an announcement on this magical evening.”Del Torchio appealed for support of the project by the unions, who are concerned, among other things, about Ducati’s intention to move some production to Thailand. The Thai plant is said to be only for assembly of bikes sold in the region, but the union’s concern is that it may someday also include production of motors.