After lengthy negotiations, the agreement regarding Beko Europe’s Italian sites was signed at the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. The agreement with the Government, Regions and Social Partners follows the approval by the workers’ assemblies in recent days. It represents a path for the reorganization and relaunch of Italian plants, with the aim of ensuring sustainability and competitiveness.
As regards to the workforce, the number of redundancies has been significantly reduced. These will be managed exclusively through voluntary and incentivized exits. “To minimize the impact of the transformation plan, the company – in agreement with and with the support of institutions and trade unions – has defined a support and exit incentive plan that will be available based on the implementation characteristics of the plan”, Beko Europe explains.
The strategic role of Italy
The plan confirms the strategic role of Italy within the company’s global operations. It includes the adoption of measures aimed at balancing production and boosting competitiveness on the international stage. The agreement reinforces the importance of Italy as a hub for Research & Development, thanks to the Global Research Center for Cooking and the establishment of the Global Industrial Design Center for the entire Beko organization.
“Italy has always been a strategic pillar in our global operations, and the agreement marks a decisive step forward for the future of our Group in the country – said Fatih Ebiçlioğlu, President of Consumer Durables at Koç Holding and Chairman of Beko Europe –. This result reflects the power of open dialogue and mutual respect between institutions, unions, and companies, showing that shared responsibility leads to sustainable outcomes”.
The investments for the production sites
To support Italian operations, the company has defined an investment of €300 million. One-third of which will be allocated to Research and Development. The production site at Cassinetta di Biandronno will host production for built-in cooking (ovens and microwaves) and refrigeration appliances. Planned investments for the site total approximately €136 million, covering product development, processes, and R&D. Additionally, energy efficiency upgrades and the installation of solar panels at the site will involve €8.5 million, included within the overall investment.
The plant of Melano will become the European hub to produce gas, radiant, and induction hobs. The total investment planned for the site is approximately €62 million, focused on product and process development and R&D. Energy efficiency improvements and solar panel installation will involve €1.5 million.
The site of Comunanza will continue to produce washer-dryers and high-capacity washer-dryers, focusing on premium products. A new product (washer-dryer) is assigned to the site. The total investment is around €15 million for product development, processes, and R&D. Energy efficiency initiatives and solar panel installation at the site will total €3 million.
Carinaro site is confirmed as the central hub for spare parts and accessories management. It will also serve as the European Center for spare parts management and the reconditioning of used appliances. The Carinaro facility will receive €5 million in investments. This to expand spare parts storage capacity, upgrade technological processes, and maintain facilities.
Finally, the Siena site will cease its production activities by the end of the year. It will become part of a reindustrialization project aimed at ensuring the continuation of manufacturing operations in the mid-to-long term. In detail, Invitalia will acquire the site in agreement with the Municipality of Siena and the conditions will be created for the reindustrialization and identification of a new investor.
