Bausch + Lomb doubles production at Macherio
The American multinational will invest €28 million in its production site in Lombardy. Global CEO Saunders said: “Italia has an investment-friendly environment; we will create new jobs.”
“See-3PO is an opportunity that will allow our people to focus more on higher-value-added activities,” says the global president and CEO of Bausch + Lomb, Brent Saunders, immediately after shaking hands with the humanoid robot that will be joining the group through the gates of the Macherio site (Monza Brianza).
Here yesterday, Saunders announced a major investment to double production and met with staff at a town hall meeting. The global meeting, held for the first time at a production site, also provided an opportunity for 3,000 of the American multinational’s 13,000 workers to decide on the name of their new ‘colleague’, taking inspiration from the Star Wars android.
“In Macherio,” says the American manager, “we found a very favourable environment for investment, thanks to the high level of technical expertise, manufacturing excellence and a strong culture of innovation, as well as the support of local politicians and a network of links with schools and universities.”
We will be investing $33 million – over €28 million – in the expansion of the site, in addition to the $10 million – over €8.6 million – already invested over the last five years. Further investments are planned by 2031, which will significantly boost Italia’s economic impact. As if to reassure us about the compatibility between AI, humanoids and human labour, Saunders explains that this investment ‘will boost employment: we will create 50 new jobs, representing an increase of almost 50% in the site’s workforce, which currently stands at 100. If we also take into account the wider economic impact, the number of new jobs will rise to 100.”
Within the global operations of the American multinational, based in Bridgewater, New Jersey, which manufactures products that help people see better – ranging from sterile solutions for contact lens care to eye care products such as artificial tears – Italia plays an increasingly strategic role: ‘It has long been an important part of Bausch + Lomb’s global presence. Our ongoing investments reflect our confidence not only in the talent and capabilities of the region, but also in the crucial role that Italia will continue to play in helping us serve patients and customers around the world,’ says Saunders.
