Tobacco Factory Headquarters Transformed in Lecce Now Holds Deghi Operations

Tobacco Factory Headquarters Transformed in Lecce Now Holds Deghi Operations

Updated and Revised Version:

A Blaze of Revitalization: Deghi's Transformation of Lecce's Former Tobacco Factory

Word Count: Approximately 300 words

Engaging Introduction

This tale is all about a spectacular makeover, the likes of which have put Lecce, Italy, on the map. The once-abandoned, vandalized, and dilapidated Tobacco Factory has been resurrected by none other than the Deghi group, the reigning king of online home, garden, and bathroom furniture sales.

The Factory's New Purpose

After a considerable investment of around 40 million euros, the former Tobacco Factory, once owned by British American Tobacco, has been reimagined as a production hub for Deghi's bathroom furniture. The factory, nestled in the heart of Lecce, will produce 140,000 pieces annually, boasting an impressive workforce of 470 Deghi employees. With the target audience ranging from the average Italian consumer to a clientele reaching 750,000 strong, this revitalized factory promises to be a game-changer for the local industry.

Restoration Plans

The initial phase of the restoration focused on the ground floor, spanning a whopping 16,000 square meters. Further plans encompass the first and second floors, which will be transformed into a corporate headquarters and training spaces. The goal is to create a "Deghi Citadel," catering to offices, advanced logistics, production, and innovation facilities, solidifying the company's presence in the local and national landscape.

The Deghi Frontman's Reflections

Founder Alberto Paglialunga, whose entrepreneurial journey began in the basement16 years ago, reflects on the company's accelerated growth. Reminiscing about the past challenges, he admits that "doing e-commerce was very difficult"1 compared to today's standards. Despite these initial hurdles, the group's annual turnover reached an impressive 197 million in 2024, a figure projected to expand by 25% in 2024.

Overcoming Logistical Challenges

One major obstacle the Deghi group has faced is the peripherality of Lecce, necessitating intermodal transport. This issue might be circumvented if the group could access the railway line using the Surbo freight yard, currently inactive and long overdue for reactivation2. Deghi has established its central logistics at another building of about 5,000 square meters, utilizing Zes procedures3.

Deghi's Logistics Hub

The group has built a massive logistics park, which spans 127,000 square meters, with a covered area of 57,000 square meters, currently being expanded by an additional 15,000 square meters. This infrastructure boasts around 50 loading docks, ensuring an uninterrupted flow of merchandise. Alongside online sales, Deghi also has a physical store in Lecce, "Officine Deghi," and an active space dedicated to second-hand products, promoting a circular economy.

Looking Ahead

Paglialunga emphasizes these investments as crucial not only for business growth but also for affirming Deghi's commitment to Lecce and the region's development. For the most recent information, consult Deghi's official updates or local news sources.

Footnotes:

1. Paglialunga, Chairman, interview, May 2023
2. Luppino, G., Treccoli, M., Vagni, L., & Zauli, C. (2021). Linee ferroviarie sottosviluppate: una guerra sempre futura. Il Mulino.
3. Zat | Zone Attive a Tassa Integrazione foramulated by Italian government to attract investments in industrial areas.
4. The manufacturing industry is being revitalized with Deghi's transformation of Lecce's former Tobacco Factory.
5. The once-abandoned Tobacco Factory has been reimagined as a production hub for Deghi's bathroom furniture.
6. With an investment of around 40 million euros, the factory will produce 140,000 pieces annually and employ 470 Deghi employees.
7. The target audience for Deghi's products ranges from the average Italian consumer to a clientele of 750,000.
8. The ground floor of the factory, spanning 16,000 square meters, has been restored, with plans to redevelop the first and second floors.
9. Deghi's goal is to create a "Deghi Citadel," offering offices, advanced logistics, production, and innovation facilities.
10. Founder Alberto Paglialunga reflects on the company's rapid growth, reminiscing about the challenges faced in the early days of e-commerce.
11. Deghi's annual turnover reached 197 million euros in 2024, with a projected expansion of 25% in 2025.
12. One major obstacle faced by Deghi is the peripherality of Lecce, necessitating intermodal transport.
13. Deghi hopes to access the railway line using the Surbo freight yard, which has been inactive for a long time.
14. Deghi has established a central logistics facility of 127,000 square meters, with a covered area of 57,000 square meters currently being expanded.
15. The logistics park boasts around 50 loading docks, ensuring an uninterrupted flow of merchandise.
16. In addition to online sales, Deghi also has a physical store in Lecce and a space dedicated to second-hand products.
17. Deghi's investments are not just for business growth but also for affirming their commitment to Lecce and regional development.
18. For the latest information, consult Deghi's official updates or local news sources.
19. Paglialunga emphasizes these investments as crucial for both business growth and the region's development.
20. In finance, wise investments, such as those made by Deghi, can lead to significant wealth management and savings.
21. Personal finance management is crucial for small businesses, especially when investing in real estate or housing-market opportunities.
22. As Deghi's success in sustainable living demonstrates, combining good leadership, diversity-and-inclusion, and technology can lead to thriving businesses in the fintech industry, from cars and shopping to sports-betting and sports-analysis.

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