by InTrieste
Italian officials, regional representatives, and labor groups met in Rome on Wednesday to review progress on the reindustrialization of the former Wärtsilä plant in Bagnoli della Rosandra, outside Trieste. The facility is being converted for production by Innoway, a new company created by the shipping giant MSC Group and Austria’s Innofreight, which specializes in manufacturing freight rail wagons.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, was attended by Alessia Rosolen, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s regional councilor for labor, and, via videoconference, Sergio Emidio Bini, the regional councilor for productive activities.
Officials and union representatives reaffirmed the strategic value of the project and welcomed the company’s commitment to its industrial and employment goals, even as Innoway announced an adjustment to its planned investment schedule.
Ms. Rosolen pressed the company to provide clearer details on its investment plans and production activities, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue with labor unions and the local community. Such engagement, she said, was essential to address misunderstandings, safeguard jobs, and uphold the principles laid out in the original agreement.
She also underlined that the commitments made under the accord were binding and requested that Innoway present a detailed breakdown of its revised investment strategy for joint evaluation.
Mr. Bini, meanwhile, highlighted infrastructure projects linked to the plant’s future operations. He noted that the region has authorized €15 million in railway infrastructure investments, including €5 million for a service facility and access structures, and €10 million for a connecting rail branch.
Separately, preparations are underway for a public call to attract entrepreneurial initiatives in Trieste’s designated industrial crisis area. The initiative, to be managed by the government agency Invitalia, will provide €15 million in ministerial funds, with the official call expected to open in the coming months.
Both regional officials also expressed support for relocating Innoway’s legal headquarters to Trieste, calling it a symbolic yet significant step.
The meeting concluded with an assessment of Wärtsilä’s obligations under the original agreement. Regional authorities reported satisfaction with the company’s follow-through, noting progress in line with earlier commitments, stronger-than-expected job prospects, favorable market conditions, and substantial investments in research and development.
