Famous virologist helps Gucci start production again
Luxury brand Gucci has started work again at its ArtLab facility in Scandicci, near Florence. The brand uses this facility to develop prototypes for its leathergoods and footwear products.
Chief executive, Marco Bizzarri, told business newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore that Gucci had taken the decision to start using its ArtLab again following discussions with trade union representatives. He said the company would take all necessary precautions to guarantee “the maximum level of safety” inside the factory.
Mr Bizzarri said that Gucci had worked directly with experts to establish exactly what steps it needed to take to make the production facility safe. One of the experts it consulted was Dr Roberto Burioni, a virologist at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Milan, who is one of Italy’s most high-profile scientists.
When reports emerged that Gucci was about to restart production, Dr Burioni confirmed his involvement in the preparations. He said he felt sure Gucci would use the factory to create “beautiful things” that would, in time, help the world forget the difficult period it is living through because of covid-19.
