Designed with a fully sustainable approach, the new facility operates on renewable energy (All photos: Bvlgari)
In the Year of the Snake, it seems only fitting that Bvlgari, which boasts the serpent as its mascot, is reaching one great height after another. In the charming town of Valenza, the Italian jeweller has recently expanded its production facility, officially becoming the largest single-brand manufacturing site in the world. The now 3,000 sq m “Manifattura Bvlgari”, which initially opened in 2017, is expected to bring in more manpower — over 500 new craftsmen are expected to join, pushing the total headcount to more than 1,600 — by 2029.
The renovations primarily involved the addition of two new buildings to the sprawling complex. One will be devoted to production, while the other will house the Scuola Bvlgari, the maison’s inaugural public institution dedicated to jewellery education. Both structures are connected to the pre-existing one via an external suspended bridge, allowing for easy movement between all three points.
Sustainability was a major component in the expansion plan, improving the site’s energy-efficiency practices to protect the surrounding environment. Both new spaces were designed to incorporate innovative technological systems to maintain a carbon footprint identical to the older one, such as a geothermal field providing about 800kWh of energy for heating and cooling as well as the installation of 4,100 photovoltaic panels to harvest solar power. These, combined with the use of low-impact building materials, continues the facility’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification, initially earned in 2017.
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Developed and overseen in partnership with Tarì Design School, the renowned goldsmith training centre under Centro Orafo Il Tarì in Marcianise, the Scuola Bvlgari will offer special courses in trades such goldsmithing and gemstone setting with microscopes. In a region where exceptional craftsmanship has been passed down through generations since the 19th century, students will not only be acquainted with the most cutting-edge methodologies, but also inherit history’s most valuable jewellery traditions and techniques.
Beyond the main academy syllabus, the school will also provide specialised programmes for fresh employees imagined to fully immerse newcomers in the specific details, heritage and artistry of the brand.
This article first appeared on Apr 28, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
