Bulgari Unveils the World’s Biggest Single-Brand Jewelry Factory in Valenza

VALENZA, Italy

On Wednesday, Bulgari formally opened its recently enlarged production plant in Valenza. CEO Jean-Christophe Babin enthusiastically stated that this expansion has made it “the biggest single-brand jewelry manufacturing site globally.”

This serves as a symbol of
Bulgari

‘

Its dynamism and drive help the nation stand out during this time of ambiguity as a product of ingenuity.
Italy
“symbol,” stated Babin, asserting that
Bulgari
It is the sole jeweler worldwide that manufactures all its pieces exclusively within its home country.

To be sure, the mood at the facility was upbeat and Babin, together with Toni Belloni, president of LVMH Italy, expressed confidence in the future of luxury.
LVMH
Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton revenues in the first quarter dipped 2 percent and sales at its jewelry and watches unit was flat in the period,
as reported
on Monday. While Belloni admitted it was not possible to “make any forecasts in this moment of uncertainty, we have confidence that in the medium [and] long term, luxury will continue to grow and the distinctive values of the group’s brands will continue to create emotions.”

Belloni was also confident in Italy’s “favorable context, creativity, appreciation of art and culture, and human relationships that are unparalleled. The best response to the uncertainties is to do our job in the best possible way and offer products that are increasingly desirable.”

Among some of the LVMH investments channeled into the country, he cited the restoration of three Belmond hotels, the Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina, the Splendido Mare in Portofino and Cipriani in Venice, and two new industrial projects – a new
Louis Vuitton
atelier in Pontassieve, Tuscany, and a new Loro Piana industrial campus in Ghemme, near Novara.

Babin,
who in March was named CEO of LVMH Watches and now also oversees watchmakers Hublot, Zenith and Tag Heuer in addition to his current position, underscored how Bulgari is creating new jobs in an area traditionally known for its goldsmithing excellence. Currently covering 355,200 square feet, the Manifattura Bulgari, first unveiled in 2017 and now expanded by nearly 20.450 square feet, will hire more than 500 new craftsmen by 2029. Eight years after its initial opening, the new plant has grown to 1,100 jobs from 370 jobs in 2017, with the goal of exceeding 1,600 employees by 2029 and doubling its production capacity by then.

Babin stated that the Manifattura “captures the brand’s comprehensive approach to production facilities; integrating ecological accountability, passing down the skills of jewelry making and craftmanship to upcoming generations, along with ensuring the welfare of staff members.”

Certainly, during a walkthrough, it was evident that this wasn’t just an afterthought; there were ample lights and open spaces filled with foliage. The property also boasted a large dining area along with recreational zones for resting and playing games. Additionally, there was a remarkable installation created by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, which was originally showcased at Milan Design Week back in 2015, situated within one of the courtyards.

The company has erected two new buildings alongside the complex inaugurated in 2017: one dedicated to production while the other housing the Scuola Bulgari of more than 10,700 square feet, both linked by an external suspended bridge to the existing structure.

Babin stated that the site represents “a significant step in Bulgari’s vertical integration strategy, covering everything from raw material procurement to finished product development, with an aim to manage every aspect of manufacturing in an environment that encourages constant innovation and enhancement.”

He pointed out that “Manifattura Bulgari boasts artisans from over 30 distinct countries, with an average age of 39 years, and 55 percent being female,” making it “a dynamic melting pot of cultures driven by a collective commitment to excellence.”

The inaugural public Bulgari training institution, known as the new Scuola Bulgari, dedicated to jewelry, is set to launch in September. This addition complements the previously established Bulgari Jewelry Academy from 2017. The curriculum at this facility includes specialized programs in goldsmithing and gemstone setting using microscopes. Developed and operated collaboratively with TADS (Tarì Design School), an esteemed goldsmith education hub within Centro Orafo Il Tarì located in Marcianise, Italy, the school anticipates enrolling eighty pupils for its one-year-long courses.

“Preserving and promoting traditional arts and crafts is a core aspect of Bulgari’s heritage, and these students will receive training from experienced master goldsmiths,” stated Babin, noting that the institution has been acknowledged by the Italian Ministry of Education and meets European standards.

Babin also highlighted that sustainability was crucial for the project since the site depends on renewable energy sources to guarantee that the expansion’s operations will be largely carbon free.

The factory expansion includes measures that fulfill up to half of the site’s energy requirements, while the remaining portion will be provided by entirely renewable energy sources.

A bold solar power project encompasses over 4,100 photovoltaic panels mounted atop the main structure as well as the parking zones.

The recently added expansion utilizes cutting-edge technologies and environmentally friendly materials to attain LEED GOLD certification, similar to what was accomplished with the facility inaugurated in 2017.

Moreover, Bulgari has restored an area of 86,000 square feet with indigenous trees and worked alongside a nearby beekeeping specialist to set up ten beehives, accommodating approximately one million bees—resulting in complimentary locally sourced honey being presented to guests during the launch event.