Italian fashion group Ermenegildo Zegna said on February 8 it plans to open a new footwear and leather goods factory in northern Italy to meet the growing needs of its brands, writes ILM.

The new luxury footwear and leather goods production facility will be located in Sala Baganza near Parma and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. Zegna state that the new facility will expand the Group’s production capacity and allow for further focus on promoting and enhancing Italian craftsmanship.

The 12,500 sq m plant currently aims employ more than 300 people once at full capacity in 2027, the company said.

“The centre will be more than just a production facility. It will play an important role as a training ground for a new generation of artisans, ensuring the ongoing viability of these important skills and working to preserve the uniqueness of ‘Made in Italy’”, Chairman and Chief Executive Gildo Zegna said.

The Italian group owns the Zegna and Thom Browne brands and operates Tom Ford Fashion through a long-term licence agreement with the Estée Lauder Companies.