Bulgari has officially inaugurated the expansion of its manufacturing facility in Valenza, Italy, marking a significant milestone for the luxury jewelry brand. On April 16, 2025, the renowned maison celebrated the completion of what is now the largest single-brand jewelry production site in the world, covering a total area of 33,000 square meters.
The expansion aims to double the site's production capacity by 2029, creating over 500 new jobs. This ambitious project not only reflects Bulgari's commitment to growth but also emphasizes its dedication to sustainability and innovation in the luxury sector.
Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari, expressed his enthusiasm during the inauguration, stating, "Today marks a historic milestone not only for Bulgari but also for the Valenza region and the entire jewelry world. The expansion of our manufacturing facility represents not just a doubling in surface area and production capacity; it is the realization of a new, contemporary, and bold model of what the luxury industry should be in the future."
As part of the expansion, the facility now includes three buildings powered entirely by renewable energy sources. The newly constructed buildings, which add 19,000 square meters to the existing 14,000 square meters, will significantly enhance the production capabilities of the site.
In addition to increasing production capacity, the facility will house the Scuola Bulgari, the brand’s first publicly accessible jewelry training school. This initiative aims to educate and train future artisans, complementing the already established Bulgari Jewelry Academy that has been operational since 2017.
"We are integrating new skills in the field of jewelry, making us even more active, knowledgeable, and capable of fostering innovation in dialogue with our external partners," Babin added. The focus on education and training underscores Bulgari's commitment to nurturing talent within the industry.
Furthermore, the expansion project is designed with sustainability at its core. The facility features over 4,100 photovoltaic panels installed on the roof of the central building and in parking areas, contributing to the brand's renewable energy goals. An area of 8,000 square meters surrounding the site has been reforested with native tree species, promoting biodiversity and environmental health.
In a nod to ecological awareness, the site has also installed ten beehives, which house approximately 1 million bees. This initiative is part of Bulgari's broader commitment to biodiversity and reflects a growing trend among luxury brands to incorporate sustainability into their operations.
During the inauguration, Toni Belloni, president of LVMH Italy, praised the achievement, saying, "The result we celebrate today is a virtuous example of LVMH's commitment in Italy, built on the work done over the last century by countless individuals who have contributed to maintaining Bulgari's unique Italian identity."
He further emphasized LVMH's confidence in the long-term growth of the luxury market, stating, "Even in this moment of global uncertainty, we reaffirm our trust in the medium and long-term growth of the luxury market and continue to focus on the Italian territory." Belloni highlighted the importance of education in art and culture, appreciation for craftsmanship, and creativity in sustaining Italy's reputation as a 'system of beauty' without equal.
The inauguration was not just a celebration of expansion but also an artistic event. Bulgari unveiled two contemporary art installations: "Serpenti," a sculpture by Zaha Hadid, originally created for the Bulgari pavilion at the Abu Dhabi Art Fair in 2011, is now permanently installed in the inner courtyard of the manufacturing facility. The second installation, "Vista Aeterna" by Sabine Marcelis, features twelve rotating travertine pillars with reflective mirrors, playing with light and movement to pay homage to the splendor of Rome.
Additionally, a mural by street artist Lucamaleonte connects the existing building to the new manufacturing site, further enhancing the artistic ambiance of the location.
As Bulgari continues to strengthen its vertical integration strategy across its major production hubs, the brand also recently inaugurated the renovation and expansion of its Saignelégier facility, which is crucial for its watchmaking division. This enhanced site now combines the production of watch cases and dials under one roof, increasing its capacity for high-end cases.
In the realm of leather goods, Bulgari's expertise is showcased at its manufacturing site in Florence, which serves as the hub for the brand's accessory production. This strategic focus on enhancing production capabilities across various sectors illustrates Bulgari's commitment to maintaining its status as a leader in the luxury market.
Overall, the expansion of Bulgari's Valenza manufacturing facility represents a significant step forward for the brand, highlighting its dedication to sustainability, education, and innovation within the luxury jewelry industry. As the company looks to the future, it aims to create a lasting impact not only within its operations but also in the broader community and environment.
