Dubbed the Manifattura Bvlgari, Bvlgari’s newly expanded facility in Valenza, Italy solidifies its commitment to the preservation of artisanal skills, while creating opportunities for future generations of craftsmen
At a time when the phrase ‘Made in China’ dominates discussions about manufacturing, Bvlgari is setting an example of the value placed on local craftsmanship with the inauguration of its newly expanded production facility in Valenza, known as Manifattura Bvlgari.
Rather than following the trend of offshore production, Bvlgari is choosing to maintain its roots in Italy, ensuring that the legacy of skilled artisans continues to live. This commitment serves as a reminder that the true essence of luxury lies not only in the final product but also in the craftsmanship and stories behind it.
With an additional 19,000 sq m, the facility now totals 33,000 sq m and will employ over 500 new craftsmen by 2029, creating opportunities for both current and future generations of talented artisans. This investment in local talent reinforces Bvlgari’s dedication to preserving traditional skills and artistry at a time when mass production often shifts to lower-cost regions such as China.
Sustainability is the primary focus of Manifattura Bvlgari, which utilises renewable energy sources to ensure that operations are substantially carbon neutral. The factory’s expansion includes solutions that meet up to 50% of its energy requirements, with the remainder provided by 100% renewable energy sources.
The facility will also house the new Scuola Bvlgari, the first publicly accessible training school dedicated to jewellery, joining the existing Bvlgari Jewellery Academy that has been educating newly hired craftsmen since 2017. Together, these initiatives create a unique ecosystem driven by the brand’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the transmission of savoir-faire.
The expansion is a comprehensive project that highlights Bvlgari’s strategic vision of vertical integration, overseeing the entire jewellery production process, from raw material sourcing to the final creation. As a patron of goldsmithing, the High Jewellery Maison strengthens its commitment to a region where exceptional craftsmanship has been passed down since the early 19th century.
Eight years after its initial opening in 2017, and just two-and-a-half years after announcing its large-scale expansion plan, the new Manifattura has grown from 370 jobs in 2017 to 1,100 today, with the goal of exceeding 1,600 employees by 2029 and doubling its production capacity. The expansion involved the construction of two new buildings that connect to the existing complex: one dedicated to production and the other housing the Scuola Bvlgari, linked by an external suspended bridge.
Additionally, Manifattura Bvlgari has established a new benchmark in corporate social responsibility, environmental protection, and raw material supply chain management throughout the entire production process.
Since January 2022, it has exclusively used RJC CoC (Responsible Jewellery Council Chain of Custody) certified gold for all its jewellery creations. With this milestone, Bvlgari has become the first jeweller to craft 100% of its creations using only gold from fully certified sources.
