Centro Ceramico: refurbishment of the Sassuolo Headquarters – doubled spaces for the laboratories, new hires scheduled

An important 2020 for Centro Ceramico, whose headquarters has been in Sassuolo in via Valle d’Aosta 1 for 20 years. Renovation works begin on 3 February to increase the spaces dedicated to the testing laboratories and to improve the aesthetics of the building, a prelude to the expansion of the workforce. The works, which will last about a year, will not stop the activities of the Ceramic Center, thanks to the transfer to the nearby temporary office, located at number 25 of the same via Valle d’Aosta.

“The works – says Maria Chiara Bignozzi, Director – will lead to double the space of the laboratories which will reach 550 m2: they will be equipped with the necessary instruments to carry out all the tests required in the ceramic tile sector, strengthening the synergy with the manufacturing companies of the District. With the expansion of the laboratories, there will be an increase in the number of staff who will increase from 4 to 8 in the next 3 years”.

“The building reflects the spirit of the activity in the workmanship and materials: a solid reality that is moving towards ambitious professional goals – says Giulio Faggioli, from the architecture studio of the same name in Bologna -. The massive dark ceramic covering is equipped with soaring spires in porcelain stoneware, which stand out in the sky far beyond the roof-garden. The laboratories, with large windows, are located on the first two floors, a large conference room overlooks the garden on the third level. The structure will be built with materials and technologies that will guarantee a zero-energy footprint, operators will have excellent comfort in the workplace and the structure will allow management costs to be reduced.”

“The new hires, approved in the strategic plan – says Roberto Fabbri, President of the Ceramic Center which counts among the Consortium Bodies of the University of Bologna and Legacoop Production and Services -, go in the direction of increasing the skills available to carry out diversified activities, such as analysis and tests on raw materials, semi-finished and finished products, services and technical assistance to ceramic companies, consultancy and technology transfer. A particularly important service is that provided for applied research activities as well as assistance for participation in European/National/Regional calls”.

“Research represents one of the most important assets for the competitiveness of our companies – says Giovanni Savorani, President of Confindustria Ceramica -: Italy has always been the cradle of all product- and ceramic technology innovations. For over 40 years Centro Ceramico, the “technical arm” of the Association, has been implementing also fundamental services for the development of national and international standards, technical and advanced training, with the aim of strengthening collaboration between University, industry, territory. These investments in the Sassuolo headquarters confirm the importance of Centro Ceramico for the District and its companies, which we want to further increase in the future”.

The evolution of the works can be followed on the website www.centroceramico.it.