This April 27 will be almost like a rebirth for the Ducati factory which will emerge from its lethargy imposed by confinement. In fact, the machines will start up again and the premises will once again be populated with personnel useful for the production of the motorcycles in the range. Ducati thus begins a gradual return to normal at Borgo Panigale. Explanation.
Like other European manufacturers, Ducati had to bow to the demands of a Coronavirus elevated to the rank of pandemic. But like a Italy bruised, the brand raises its head by resuming production. This is a first phase of return, which currently only involves a portion of the workers intended for the production lines. Parts workers will lead the way, then engine assembly workers and, starting Tuesday, April 28, motorcycle assembly workers.
As for employees, teleworking will remain compulsory, only those who cannot carry out their work from home will have the possibility of accessing the factory. All resources employed in the areas of sales, marketing, IT, personal management, finance, purchasing and logistics will therefore work remotely. Production has been reorganized to allow as few people as possible to be inside the factory at the same time and thus reduce possible contact. The canteen will be active but with room for four chairs.
Technicians engaged in experimental Research and Development activities had already resumed activities. Technicians from the engine test rooms, those who carry out motorcycle tests and laboratory tests, were present in Borgo Panigale. All designers, project managers and designers will continue to work remotely. This will ensure deliveries of motorcycles and the development of new products.
All the precautionary rules born from this pandemic have been put in place at Ducati. For example, in the company, there is a absolute obligation to use masks, whatever the distance. The entire Ducati protocol is the result of the work of a joint commission in which was formed on 23 February, just two days after the discovery of the first infected in Italy. Many of the measures introduced are the result of careful analysis of the protocols used in the Chinese factories of the VW group, in particular the FAW-VW of Chanchung, where production was only suspended for a week and where rigorous protection, depollution and sanitation measures are still in force. It will be recalled that Ducati is part of the VAG group.
In accordance with the regulatory protocol relating to measures to combat and contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus in the workplace, Ducati had temporarily suspended production at its Bologna site Friday 13 March to reorganize modes of production. Then came the government decree which suspended all non-essential activities and therefore, despite the ready organization, production did not restart. The gradual improvement in health conditions has enabled the government to allow companies deemed strategic for the national economy to resume production, whose activity is mainly intended for export, and whose extension of the suspension would risk losing revenue. additional market shares in the country.
« We are ready to go, we have worked hard over the last few weeks to minimize all risks " said Claudio Domenicali , CEO of Ducati. “ Despite this, we will have to be extremely careful and rigorous. The virus is still in circulation and great care must therefore be taken to combat any possible form of transmission. This is the reason why everyone present in the factory will wear the mask, we must protect the population of the company from the presence of asymptomatic positives which, although in a very small percentage, are present today and will not be identified by the mandatory temperature test. Serological tests can help but only represent a snapshot, they must be repeated every day before entry and this is obviously very difficult. This is why masks and distancing are so important. We will obviously adapt the protocols to the evolution of the health situation and the indications of the State and the Emilia-Romagna Region. »
« The two-wheeler market is very seasonal and the production stoppage in March and April has already had very negative effects on sales. The Chinese market is already booming, sales in Korea and Japan are doing well. In Germany, the dealerships have been open for a week and we already have a severe shortage of products. I really believe that this restart can allow us to reduce, at least in part, the very negative effect of the confinement that we were forced to do, unfortunately at the worst time. We have a magnificent order portfolio: the all-new Streetfighter V4 which has just been launched has obtained unanimous approval from the specialist press and is the undisputed queen of the category. Unfortunately, production was shut down just a month before it was due to begin. Then numerous orders also for the Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour and for the Panigale V2. »
“We also have empty warehouses of Multistrada 950 and Scrambler 1100 PRO. The motorcycle in this “phase 2”, I am convinced, will prove to be an extraordinary way to combine pleasure, passion and the possibility of having a vehicle with which to spend the weekends but also to get around town quickly and safely. completely safe, without parking or social distancing problems. I would like to thank all Ducati employees who have patiently and collaboratively managed this very abnormal phase and are helping us manage the restart. »
Despite the reopening of production lines, Ducati confirms the suspension of visits to Museum, at the factory until a later date, as well as the entry into the factory of external suppliers, dealers, procurement companies, etc. General external personnel, unless proven and obligatory requirement for business continuity Production, product development and general services are in the same situation.
