Fendi, the prestigious luxury brand under the LVMH umbrella, is making strides towards expansion in Tuscany with the upcoming launch of a new production facility in Bagno a Ripoli, near the enchanting city of Florence. Spanning an impressive 13,000 square meters, the ‘Fendi Factory’ is gearing up to become the brand’s central hub for manufacturing exquisite bags and leather goods, with an anticipated opening date set for 2022.
Carefully crafted by the esteemed Milan-based architectural firm Piuarch, the ‘Fendi Factory’ is not just a factory but a well-rounded complex that will encompass offices and warehouses, showcasing a significant enhancement to Fendi’s production capacity. Nestled within an expansive eight-hectare expanse previously home to the historic Fornace Brunelleschi kiln in Capannuccia, which Fendi acquired through a meticulous auction process in 2017, this transformative project has been in the works since August 2018. Despite encountering some delays along the way, construction is now on the verge of taking off, supported by a hefty investment totaling around €57 million.
An outstanding aspect of this initiative is the collaboration and financial backing from the Italian Ministry of Economic Development and the Tuscany region, underscoring the project’s vital importance to the local economy. The establishment of the ‘Fendi Factory’ is expected to generate job opportunities for 133 fresh recruits, supplementing the current workforce of 243 individuals at the existing Fendi plant in Ponte a Ema, who will transition to the new location.
Tuscany’s renown as a haven for luxury goods production receives further validation with premier brands such as Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Furla, and Prada also investing in manufacturing facilities within the region. Balenciaga has recently announced plans for a bag manufacturing factory in Cerreto Guidi, while esteemed labels like Saint Laurent, Furla, and Prada are engaged in ongoing projects in the vicinity. Kering, too, is on track to establish its cutting-edge analysis and innovation laboratory ‘Til’ in Prato, reflecting the mounting interest in Tuscany as a preferred destination for luxury brand operations.
In essence, Fendi’s ambitious expansion in Tuscany not only underlines the brand’s dedication to superlative craftsmanship but also underscores the region’s allure for luxury brands seeking to elevate their production infrastructure. By prioritizing job creation and fostering economic advancement, this visionary project is positioned to leave a lasting impact on the local community and the broader luxury industry panorama.
For more information on Fendi’s expansion project in Tuscany and luxury brand operations, you can visit the official Fendi website here and the LVMH website here.
