A little smoke and a lot of roast: it is the Philip Morris project in Crespellano (Bologna) which, starting today, becomes reality. In fact, in a few hours, at least in a symbolic way, in the presence of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, the foundation stone of a factory for the cigarette of the future will be laid, the one that doesn't burn and doesn't hurt. A "blonde" that in 30 billion copies will leave from the capital of Emilia to reach the whole world, a volume equal to 6% of tobacco consumption in the EU area. The event, with the significant title "the future is today"; is one of those that deserve the utmost attention, because Bologna, or rather the town of Crespellano, was chosen by the multinational as its world production site.
This means an investment of 500 million euros, work for 600 people and a futuristic 65 square meter plant which should be completed by 2015. The appointment obviously also arouses the interest of the trade unions, especially in this moment of conflict with the government for article 18. After meeting Eugenio Sidoli, at the top management of Philip Morris in Italy, and having applauded the initiative, the confederates, or rather Fiom, will now be waiting for Renzi to give him a less encouraging welcome.
Beyond the political tug of war at work, it is certain that Philip Morris has chosen Italy and Bologna despite everything, because in this territory it has found the skills and professionalism it needs, almost a tobacco district. In fact, in Zola Predosa, not far from Crespellano, there is Intertaba, a company founded in 63 and already part of the Philip Morris group, focused on the production of complex cigarette filters and on collaboration with the group's research and development division (R&D) .
400 people work here and the giant has decided to create the first prototypes of "Iqos", this particular Malboro cigarette that contains real tobacco, which is overheated and then breathed in without smoke or burning paper. In short, the palate and lungs could find the right compromise in the puff, thanks to a sort of tar-free nicotine aerosol. At the end of the month, smokers in Italy and Japan will be able to begin to savor the novelty, but the real production will only start in 2016. The first step, however, has been completed and it is not small, considering that the establishment will bring a significant induced even in the already rich packaging sector, where GD (Coesia group) and Gima (Ima group) stand out, high-level professionals of cigarette packaging machines to whom Americans can explain their needs, given that the packaging of the new Morris home will have particular characteristics .
Today's appointment should also provide details on the industrial plan. The venue for the meeting is precisely Intertaba where the multinational's top management will explain their projects, while subsequently taking the guests on a guided tour of the pilot production site. But the first comments are already being made. For the president of Unindustria Bologna, Alberto Vacchi, the investment in Crespellano “is an investment destined to revolutionize the industrial history of our city and the region. I hope that Philip Morris's commitment can be an example for other industrial realities”. For the unions it is "a breath of fresh air". For Sidoli "a fundamental step for our success".
It should be remembered that Philip Morris is a reality with an 80 billion dollar turnover a year, 91 employees, 53 plants worldwide and a presence in 180 countries. The amount of investment in research is impressive, above all to identify a product that is less harmful to health: around two billion dollars, 15 years of work and the involvement of over 300 researchers.
