“L’Atelier Maroquinerie” by Saint Laurent (Kering Group), the new centre of excellence covering some 29 thousand square metres to be used for the development and production of leather goods and accessories under the international fashion brand, was inaugurated today in Scandicci (FI), in a property complex owned by CDP Real Asset.
Participants in the cutting of the ribbon included Francesca Bellettini, CEO of Saint Laurent, and Giancarlo Scotti, Chief Executive Officer of CDP Real Asset SGR (subsidiary of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti) which, in addition to owning the facility, also invested over 30 million euro in the project. Several heads of local institutions were also present at the ceremony: Eugenio Giani, President of the Toscana Region, Dario Nardella, Mayor of Florence, and Sandro Fallani, Mayor of Scandicci.
The new centre is the result of a key redevelopment project - designed based on the requirements of the Saint Laurent Atelier - involving a building constructed in the nineties and subsequently included in the real estate portfolio of the CDP Group, which completed the works in just over a year and a half. The structure was aligned to the highest sustainability standards, adopting plant solutions aimed at energy efficiency.
The Atelier is expected to employ over 500 artisans and technicians, with a significant impact on regional employment and development. It will accommodate modern and flexible offices in an open-space layout, featuring hi-tech systems and ample areas dedicated to production, leather cutting and storage of materials, with a fully automated security management system. The new facility will also include a large auditorium for events and initiatives for employees of the fashion house.
The building is shortly expected to achieve LEED Gold certification, thanks to the use of materials and finishes that comply with stringent social and environmental sustainability codes and the adoption of modern plant solutions aimed at energy savings.