Ducati Announces a Graduated Reopening

Ducati Motorcycles in Italy has announced a graduated reopening of production this week, as workers begin returning to the factory. The company plans to slowly return to pre-COVID levels of manufacturing in the coming weeks, according to a report in Italian media site OmniMoto. After suspension of all operations back on March 13, Ducati has announced the reopening of operations at the Borgo Panigale plant, specifically on the facility’s workshop and engine assembly lines, while following strict health protocols.

“We are ready to go. We have worked hard over the past few weeks to minimize all risk,” said Claudio Domenicali , Ducati CEO. “Despite this we will have to be extremely cautious and rigorous. The virus is still in circulation and we must fight every possible form of transmission…This is why mask and distance are so important.”

Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali

Domenicali noted that the Far East markets of South Korea, Japan and even China are already rebounding regarding motorcycle sales, and Ducati dealerships in Germany have been reopened for a week, and already in need of product replenishment. He observed, “I really believe that this restart can allow us to reduce at least in part the negative effect of the production stoppage that we were forced to do, unfortunately at the worst time of the year… I want to thank all Ducati employees who have patiently and collaboratively managed this anomalous phase and are also supporting us to manage the restart.”

Ducati 2020 Panigale V4 S

Ducati is not the only motorcycle brand preparing to reopen operations in Italy and beyond. MV Augusta is moving forward with plans to open its doors, and electric manufacturer Energica is making preparations to reopen as well, according to press releases. Reuters reported that Piaggio has signed protocols with trade unions to reopen soon, which impacts their brands Piaggio, Vespa, Aprilia, and Moto Guzzi.

Piaggio Group brands

Italy was particularly hit heavy by the Coronavirus, so this comes as good news that the nation is allowing motorcycle manufacturers to begin a graduated reopening. That’s welcome news for not just motorcycling, but also an indicator that society as a whole is trying to return to some semblance of normalcy, while continuing to proceed with caution. It should come as encouragement to us here in the U.S. as well, with our own state-by-state graduated reopenings beginning to take place over the coming weeks. Let’s all continue to maintain safe health and hygiene practices, even as we eagerly anticipate reopening our own society and economy.

Rob

*Photos by Ducati and Piaggio Group