In this interview, we speak with the plant manager of Bitron Savona, Fabrizio De Facis, delving into the evolution of the plant, its approach to market trends, sustainability efforts, and the strategies employed to maintain a motivated workforce. 

How has the Bitron Savona plant evolved over the years in terms of production and technologies used? 

Bitron Savona was established in 1984, thanks to the entrepreneurial vision of Giovanni Bianco. This year marks the 40th anniversary of its foundation. From the beginning, Bitron Savona has been a key player in the automotive sector. Over time, the plant has continuously adapted to the technological advancements in the automotive industry, developing specialized skills in both product and process domains. These include the development of components with an increasing electronic content, automation, and automatic assembly and testing controls. The plant also features a state-of-the-art lab for product experimentation and reliability verification, which has enabled Bitron Savona to maintain its competitive edge and stay aligned with the ever-evolving market demands. 

What trends in the automotive market have a significant impact on the plant's current and future operations? 

The survival and success of automotive component manufacturers hinge on the quality of their products and their capacity for innovation. To ensure long-term success in a highly competitive market, a spirit of innovation must permeate every aspect of the company, from product design to industrialization and manufacturing. At Bitron Savona, we are continuously focused on eliminating non-value-adding activities. The plant regularly runs multiple Kaizen projects aimed at reducing waste and improving productivity in manufacturing processes. Additionally, we have initiated a Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) project to enhance competitiveness and establish a sustainable and replicable improvement process across the plant. 

What initiatives have been implemented to improve the plant's environmental sustainability? 

Bitron Savona has been committed to reducing environmental impact for many years, in line with the group's objectives. We work closely with the plant's resources and the group's energy manager. Significant activities include modernizing the office area between 2015 and 2016, and an expansion project completed between 2018 and 2020, which spurred numerous initiatives such as: 

  • Elimination of methane gas usage 

  • Installation of photovoltaic panels for self-produced electricity 

  • Replacement of traditional lighting with LED systems, even in production areas 

  • Optimization of energy consumption through the introduction of electric and hybrid plastic injection molding machines 

  • Installation of water dispensers to reduce the use of plastic bottles 

  • Elimination of plastic cups 

In recent years, we have also significantly reduced the volume of waste sent for disposal, achieving a recovery rate of over 90%. 

Are there any new strategic goals that will influence the future direction of the Savona plant? 

Bitron Savona holds the largest revenue share in the Automotive BU from motorcycle manufacturers. The decision to diversify between two- and four-wheel vehicles, made in the early 2000s, has proven successful. This continuous diversification of clients and markets remains a crucial focus. We are also considering leveraging our expertise and products in sectors beyond automotive. Simultaneously, we must remain vigilant of the automotive industry's massive transformation, driven by electrification, zero-emission vehicles, connectivity, and autonomous driving. While these trends are still evolving, influenced by various factors such as technological advances, government policies, consumer preferences, and environmental challenges, it is clear that the industry will continue to evolve, and we must be ready to seize the opportunities that arise. 

What components does Bitron Savona specialize in the most? 

Starting with a solid foundation in electromechanical expertise, Bitron Savona has increasingly specialized in the development, industrialization, and manufacturing of mechatronic products—those combining mechanical and electronic elements—in line with market trends. 

What strategies do you employ to motivate and engage employees in achieving the company's goals? 

Employee engagement and information sharing are central to promoting activities aimed at achieving company goals. Since 2006, the Bitron Savona management team has provided periodic updates to all employees, covering market trends, the plant's economic and managerial performance, new product development, and specific operational or organizational matters. Other initiatives include: 

  • Awards for innovative ideas 

  • Scholarships for employees' deserving children 

  • Long-term service awards 

  • Targeted training plans to enhance both soft skills (leadership, communication, team management) and technical skills 

  • Internal job rotation and professional growth programs 

How do you promote employee well-being at the plant in alignment with corporate values? 

Employee well-being is a major focus, in line with the core values of Bitron, which are integral to our history and corporate culture. In 2023, we launched an ergonomics project aimed at raising awareness among workers about workplace ergonomics and promoting "workplace well-being," considering age management. Other employee-focused initiatives include: 

  • Flexible working hours to accommodate family or caregiving needs 

  • Smart working, adapted to the plant's production requirements 

  • Team involvement and collaboration 

  • Awareness programs 

  • A corporate welfare plan aimed at improving the quality of life and well-being of employees and their families 

How do you gather employee feedback and use it to improve operations and organizational climate? 

Employee feedback on company initiatives is a crucial indicator of the organizational climate. In our Savona plant, this is primarily obtained through: 

  • Management interviews 

  • Periodic awareness questionnaires on specific topics (safety, environment, quality) 

  • Exit interviews to understand the reasons behind employees' decisions to leave the company.