Bianchi opens new factory; names new CEO

TREVIGLIO, Italy (BRAIN) — Bianchi officially opened its new factory here Tuesday with a manufacturing capacity of 500 bikes per shift.

"I am proud of this new factory that best represents the innovative spirit of Bianchi," said Salvatore Grimaldi, Bianchi's president and owner. "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 factory, part of an urban renewal in Treviglio, was completed in two years and is among the first in Italy to comply with Industry 5.0 standards with the use of sustainable solutions. Each production line position has been fully digitized, eliminating all material handling steps in favor of greater efficiency, according to Bianchi.

A 500-kilowatt photovoltaic system provides energy autonomy during the summer with indoor temperature constantly around 23°C (74 degrees), and all plant management functions are automatically controlled.

Employee features include ergonomic workstations and the creation of an in-house staff training facility. A new showroom includes its most iconic historical models.

In other Bianchi news, Marco Gentili has been named CEO, replacing Fabrizio Scalzotto. Gentili has managerial experience nationally and internationally. Most recently, he was founder and owner of Deucalion Management Consulting AB. Before that, he was president and CEO of WAM Group for greater China and South Korea, which develops and manufactures equipment and plant components for bulk solids handling and processing.