Mounting Uncertainty Fuels Labor Action at Historic Equipment Manufacturer

Workers at Ravaglioli, a long-standing mechanical company based in Sasso Marconi, Italy, initiated a strike yesterday, citing deep concerns over a proposed industrial plan by its parent company, Vehicle Service Group (VSG). The primary worry revolves around maintaining production capacity across VSG’s various plants and, crucially, safeguarding the employment of all 267 Ravaglioli employees in Sasso Marconi.

Union Voices Alarm Over Potential Job Losses and Production Shifts

The strike represents the first coordinated action by union representatives across VSG Italia, which includes Ravaglioli. Ravaglioli, renowned for its production of garage equipment, including vehicle lifts and diagnostic tools, was acquired by VSG, a division of an American industrial conglomerate headquartered in Illinois, back in 2016.

Union representatives express apprehension about the future, stating that while the company has presented several industrial plans in recent years, the latest proposal for 2025-2027 lacks clarity regarding planned investments. More alarmingly, the union claims the plan suggests workforce reductions at both Ravaglioli and Sirio, another VSG-owned company located in Ostellato. The union fears the loss of 17 jobs.

With reference to the industrial strategy, the company in the last two years has been able to present four industrial plans and in the last for the three-year period 2025-27, in addition to not clarifying what the announced investments would be intended, it did not guarantee the full production capacity of the individual plants and, indeed, announced in two of these, Ravaglioli and Sirio (in Ostellato), a reduction in the workforce. Production movements in the establishments present in China without compensation for products capable of saturating the Italian plants
Union Representative

Adding to the unease, the union alleges that VSG is shifting production to its facilities in China without providing alternative products to keep the Italian plants operating at full capacity. This move, they argue, could further jeopardize job security and the long-term viability of the Italian operations.

Local Officials Express Surprise and Seek Reassurance

The sudden strike has caught local authorities off guard. Just weeks prior, VSG management invited local officials, including regional councilor Giovanni Paglia and Sasso Marconi councilor Silvia Martini, to tour the Pontecchio Marconi factory. The stated purpose of the visit was to showcase the group’s management, highlight recent investments, and present a “solid industrial plan.” Though, union representatives where reportedly excluded from any follow-up discussions.

Sasso Marconi Mayor Roberto Parmeggiani voiced his surprise and concern, stating that the reorganization project was presented without any indication of potential workforce reductions or production shifts. Councilor Martini met with striking workers to better understand their concerns and seek a resolution.

This turning point takes us by surprise. Of this internal reorganization project, a few weeks ago, invited by them to introduce us to their project and the corporate determination to invest in this system, there was no hint. And this does not make us feel calm.
Roberto Parmeggiani, Mayor of Sasso Marconi

The Broader context: Manufacturing Challenges in Italy

The Ravaglioli strike highlights the ongoing challenges faced by manufacturers in Italy, particularly in balancing global competitiveness with the need to protect local jobs. According to recent data from ISTAT, Italy’s national statistics agency, the manufacturing sector has experienced fluctuating growth in recent years, with increased pressure from international competition and rising production costs. The situation at Ravaglioli underscores the importance of transparent communication and collaboration between management, labor unions, and local authorities to navigate these challenges effectively and ensure a sustainable future for Italian manufacturing.

Keywords

Ravaglioli, VSG, industrial plan, employment, VSG Italia, equipment, lifting bridges, wheel service, diagnostic vehicles, workshops, industrial strategy, production capacity, redundancies, Sasso Marconi, Italy, manufacturing, labor strike, job security.