Bianchi opens new factory at Italy HQ

Rome: Bianchi opened its brand new factory this week, painted its signature turquoise shade, on the site of its traditional headquarters in Treviglio near Milan.

The new factory for the world’s oldest bike manufacturer took two years to build and features a fully-automated production line, in-house training academy and showroom of iconic models through the years.

The production line has the capacity to produce 500 bikes per shift and is among the first in Italy aligned with Industry 5.0 standards, which include sustainable, environmentally-friendly and digitised measures.

These include a 500 Kw photovoltaic system that provides energy autonomy during the summer months and keeps the temperature at a constant 23°C, as well as fully automatic plant management functions.

Situated on Via delle Battaglie in Treviglio, where the company has been headquartered for over 50 years, the new factory was inaugurated by its president, Salvatore Grimaldi. It was built in collaboration with the City of Treviglio and designed by the Domus architectural firm.

“I am proud of this new factory that best represents the innovative spirit of Bianchi,” Grimaldi said. “Despite the challenges the bicycle industry is currently facing, today we are inaugurating one of the most advanced manufacturing plants in the world.

“The new plant also represents a symbol of resilience. We have invested not only in a factory, but in our new home — this is a sign of the enormous confidence we have in our people, our brand, and our products. The future of Bianchi starts here.”

The company has also appointed a new chief executive to coincide with their new base, Marco Gentili, who joined the company in December 2023 after a long managerial career.

“I am proud to join the Bianchi family at this very significant stage, one in which Bianchi 5.0 is born,” Gentili said. “It will be a privilege to lead this company into the future. We have ambitious goals, and this new factory will help us achieve them.”