Logistics revolution at Fantoni Campus: design and technology in the new entrance for heavy vehicles
A new revolution, following the one in 1973 that gave birth to the architectures designed by Gino Valle, is now taking shape. A revolution capable of renewing the skyline of the industrial area of Osoppo while maintaining continuity, thus marrying architectural design with cutting-edge technological solutions. All of this underlies the project of the new entrance and integrated logistics presented by the Fantoni group. The expected investment is 20 million euros, which adds to the 250 million euros of the powerful five-year intervention plan for 2018-2023 already implemented at the Osoppo plant.
Fifty years ago, the entrance for heavy vehicles was moved from the Osoppo-Majano road axis to the center of the production area, a functional solution for the organization at that time. However, things have changed over time: today, the entrance for heavy transport vehicles records about 400 passages per day between entries and exits. The Fantoni family thus decided to acquire the adjacent disused De Simon production area in June 2020 to place the new entrance there. The area covers 80,000 square meters and will allow directing trucks along the perimeter road, leaving the current central entrance for employee and light vehicle traffic. This solution also aims to decongest traffic and reduce the risk of accidents.
“A new building for heavy vehicle entrances, completely digitized, will be created,” explained President Paolo Fantoni. “This technological innovation will allow a drastic reduction in waiting times for loading and unloading and integration with the logistical flows of our customers, who are increasingly leaning towards the ‘just in time’ demand formula. Dedicated parking lots designed to accommodate heavy vehicles and access to essential amenities will also support truck drivers during their stop.”
The design aspect is characterized by continuity: indeed, it is curated by architect Pietro Valle, son of Gino, assisted by the staff of his studio in Udine. The investment is supported by a Frie financing of 14 million euros, obtained through collaboration with Civibank.
“This investment represents the final phase of an overall production reorganization initiated in 2014 with the PL8 plant,” added Fantoni. “I thank all the institutions involved, starting from Cipaf before and Cosef today, who have understood and shared the importance of this project. I also thank the Provincial Fire Brigade Command for the attention they always reserve for our new projects.”
Furthermore, the conversion of the former De Simon site offers Fantoni the opportunity to expand and rationalize the storage capacity of panels, which, given the growth of customization processes thanks to investments made in panel finishing lines, requires more structures to offer customers a higher level of service in delivery times.
“All of this is part of a more complete architectural revision that will change the skyline of what was the Ziro industrial area, born in 1961 from the will of entrepreneurs in the area, and which qualifies it as one of the most prestigious industrial areas in Italy,” concluded Paolo Fantoni.