LOVATO Electric inaugurates LOVATO Plastic: a strategic investment to grow in competitiveness, quality and sustainability
A modern structure, advanced technologies and a future-oriented industrial vision. LOVATO Electric inaugurates LOVATO Plastic, the new building dedicated to plastic molding and mold construction, built in Gorle, just steps from the company’s historic headquarters. The inaugural ceremony, held on October 27th in the presence of over 100 people, including employees, authorities, and suppliers, celebrates an important milestone in the growth and development of the Bergamo-based company.
The intervention, a total investment of EUR 14 million, stems from the need to support the increase in sales volumes and the introduction of new products, while strengthening competitiveness and direct control of a key stage in the industrial process. Plastic components are in fact present in numerous electromechanical and electronic products of LOVATO Electric and constitute a strategic element to ensure quality, reliability and competitiveness.
Doubled space and growing production capacity
With LOVATO Plastic, production spaces go from 2,100 to 4,800 square meters, offering a larger, more modern and functional work environment. The department is designed to accommodate an increase in the number of presses, which could reach 28, and to strengthen mold construction and maintenance activities, strategic assets for the company.
The new plant houses 51 employees and integrates renovated production areas, modern offices, changing rooms, a course room, and spaces designed to promote people’s safety, collaboration, and well-being. The building is also equipped with structural and plant solutions that ensure high levels of protection, including earthquake-resistant features and REI 240 fire certification in the raw material storage area.
Concentrating operations on a single site allows for greater integration of mold production and construction, speeding up decision-making processes, improving communication between departments, and reducing the time required to respond to market demands.
«Competitiveness today is played out on three factors: speed, quality and autonomy. With LOVATO Plastic, we strengthen our ability to respond quickly to customer needs, accelerate internal processes, and further improve quality control. Having vertical production on a single site represents an important competitive advantage and allows us to face an increasingly dynamic and global market with greater flexibility», underlines Angelo Toffalori, director of electromechanical design at LOVATO Electric.
The project is part of an innovation path that also involves production processes and quality management systems. In this context, the recent achievement of IATF certification represents further recognition of the company’s commitment to high quality standards.
Automation and investments for the future
The opening of LOVATO Plastic represents an important, but not conclusive, stage in the growth journey. The company has already identified further interventions to increase production efficiency and flexibility: from the purchase of new presses and machine tools to the automation of the mold warehouse, up to the possible introduction of automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) for internal material handling.
The goal is to optimize workflows, reduce production times, and have a responsiveness increasingly tailored to customer needs. At the same time, investments will continue in training, technical skills development, and the professional growth of employees, enhancing people’s contribution to business innovation.
«Structural investments are essential to ensure growth, quality, and competitiveness, but they alone are not enough. The true value of LOVATO Electric is the people: the collaborators who transform technology into concrete results every day. Without skills, motivation, and a positive business climate, no new building and no modern machine could make a difference. The most important investment remains in relationships, trust and collaboration», says Giuseppe Turelli, Head of the Tooling and Molding department.
With the new plant, LOVATO Electric strengthens its industrial presence in the Bergamo area and confirms a development strategy that focuses on technological innovation, quality, sustainability, and human capital. An investment that looks to the future, with the aim of addressing the challenges of a global market while maintaining solid roots in the Bergamo area and continuing to create value for customers, collaborators, and partners.
«LOVATO Plastic is an investment in the future of our company, an investment in people, their skills, and the Bergamo area. Above all, it is a strategic choice that confirms our desire to continue innovating, growing and competing in international markets, keeping our roots firm and continuing to produce in Bergamo. We believe that it is precisely through the ability to combine technology, skills, and a connection to the local area that strength is born to face the challenges of the future and build solid and sustainable growth.» declares Massimiliano Cacciavillani CEO of LOVATO Electric.
Energy and sustainability: LOVATO Solar’s contribution
A central element in the development strategy is the integration between LOVATO Plastic and LOVATO Solar, the photovoltaic park adjacent to the Company, which helps meet approximately ’80% of the energy needs of the Gorle production site.
The ground-based plant consists of 6,480 European-made double-sided panels, for a total power of 3.3 MWp, and is supported by a 3,200 kW battery storage system. The energy produced during the hours of greatest radiation can thus be stored and used at times of greatest demand, helping to contain energy costs and ensure greater operational continuity.
For an activity such as plastic moulding, characterised by significant energy consumption, being able to count on a significant proportion of self-produced energy represents a concrete advantage both from an economic and environmental point of view. Energy autonomy also helps reduce exposure to energy price fluctuations, strengthening the company’s long-term resilience and competitiveness.
