Husqvarna's new HQ in Italy

Husqvarna recently opened its new Motorcycle Headquarters in Varese, Italy, which is expected to improve the company's research and development and manufacturing.

The new facility, officially called the Husqvarna Development and Operations Centre was inaugurated earlier in the week, encompassing 2,603 square metres across three levels.

In theory, it should deliver better built Husqvarnas to market, and in a shorter time.

"The new Headquarters and its organisation have been planned to facilitate the development of the product and to integrate all the production units involved in the creation process of the entire Husqvarna Motorcycles range in an optimal manner," explained Rainer Thoma, Husqvarna Motorcycles President and Managing Director.

"The structure has been designed to face the foreseen growth in the medium term and to be expanded in the long term. For example, the production capacity of the plant can, with only minor further changes, arrive at a quota of 40,000 motorcycles a year," claimed the Husqvarna Motorcycles chief.

Covered with solar panels that deliver hot water for the entire building, the structure was developed with leading edge thermal and acoustic insulation and was built in just 15 months.

On the ground floor is the engine division complete with roller test beds, with the areas around it "dedicated to the prototypes and racing motorcycle production workshop" says Husqvarna.

The first floor is all about new bikes: it's where new models will be designed and developed in the Styling Centre and Development Division respectively.
Also on the first floor is the Acquisitions and Market Research Office.

The second floor will be filled with bean counters and suits, as part of the Management and Administration offices.

Meanwhile the part of the new Husqvarna Development and Operations Centre that fronts the road will double as showroom, displaying the latest and greatest in the bike maker's range.

If you're ever in Italy, it could be well worth a visit.