We have laid the foundations, raised the walls, and expanded our horizons, bringing to life an ambitious project: the expansion of our manufacturing facility in Franklin, Ohio. This new and significant investment represents a strategic step that further strengthens our presence in the U.S. market, while ensuring the same high standards of quality and know-how that have always set us apart.
The project involves the construction of a new 15,800 m² wing, which will be added to the existing 22,500 m² facility. This expansion will make it possible to double production capacity and consolidate production, logistics, and distribution at a single site.
The construction began on February 17, 2025, and is scheduled for completion during 2026. The total investment amounts to approximately USD 40 million, including the introduction of innovative technologies dedicated to Modula production.
Integrated Production and Logistics for Greater Efficiency
The expansion is part of a strategic plan aimed at bringing all major operational activities under one roof. Today, in the United States, we operate multiple production facilities and a logistics center located in different areas.
With the new setup, the entire production process will take place in a purpose-designed space, with an optimized layout to ensure more efficient workflows. The existing building will instead be mainly dedicated to logistics and shipping, improving speed and, consequently, customer service.
“As demand in North America continues to grow, it is essential that we grow alongside it. This investment demonstrates our long-term commitment to the U.S. market and the strategic value we place on the Franklin area,”
Orfeo Finocchi, CEO of Modula
Up to 1,600 Vertical Lift Modules per Year and New Jobs
Thanks to the expansion, the plant’s production capacity will be able to double, reaching a potential output of 1,600 vertical lift modules per year. This increase will support our global growth—averaging +25% annually over the past five years—and will help reduce lead times for U.S. customers.
The project will also have a positive impact on the local economy, involving local suppliers and creating approximately 60 new jobs.
“This expansion represents a major win for Franklin, especially at a time when our downtown area is experiencing renewed growth,”
Brent Centers, Mayor of Franklin
Advanced Automation, Robotics, and Sustainability
The new building has been designed to accommodate advanced automation systems and to bring in-house processes that are currently outsourced, such as steel coil processing. The facility will feature dedicated access points and a 30-ton overhead crane, as well as areas prepared for future investments in specialized machinery, following the model of our plants in Italy and China. Over the next 3–5 years, increased use of robotics is also planned in production and assembly phases.
Great attention has also been paid to sustainability: maximizing natural light, installing high-efficiency HVAC systems, and preparing the roof for photovoltaic panels will significantly reduce energy consumption.
“Energy efficiency has been a guiding principle of the project: even without photovoltaic panels, the building has been designed to minimize environmental impact,”
Enrico Bondi, Chief Operating Officer
A Long-Term Commitment to the U.S. Market
This new investment follows the one made in 2019, when we acquired the former Cox Media Group printing facility along Interstate 75 for USD 26.5 million. With the current expansion, our total investment in the area exceeds USD 60 million, confirming our determination to serve the North American market with local, integrated, and technologically advanced production.
The Franklin expansion therefore represents a natural step in our growth: a single environment designed to evolve, combining production, logistics, and future innovation to support increasingly demanding customers throughout North America.
