Italian design brands impacted as government orders factories to close

The government in Italy has closed all non-essential factories as the country has become the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic.

Prime minister Giuseppe Conte announced that all factories that manufacture non-essential items would be closed on Saturday 21 March.

"The decision taken by the government is to close down all productive activity throughout the territory that is not strictly necessary, crucial, indispensable, to guarantee us essential goods and services," said Conte.

"We will slow down the country's productive engine, but we will not stop it."

Many globally renowned Italian design brands make their products in Italy, and will be affected by this temporary closure.

Italian designers close factories

Italian brands such as Alessi, Molteni&C, Cassina, Minotti, Pederali and Poliform will need to slow production, which will have a knock-on effect on the global design industry.

Furniture designer Moroso had already suspended activity at its factory. After the edict from the Italian government, the company announced it would keep its factory closed until 3 April.

Italy is now at the centre of the global coronavirus crisis.

As of 23 March, 5,476 have died of Covid-19 in Italy, with over 59,000 reported cases of infection. China, which reported the first cases of the new respiratory virus, has now managed to contain its outbreak after 3,270 people died.

Milan's Salone del Mobile has been delayed and the Venice Architecture Biennale has been postponed while the country fights the coronavirus outbreak. Italian architect Vittorio Gregotti is among the victims of Covid-19.

Manufacturing plants fall silent around the world

Factories across Europe are being temporarily closed due to coronavirus.

Tyre-maker Michelin has shut factories in Italy, France and Spain. Italian company FCA Chrysler has shut all eight of its plants, including six in Italy. All Peugeot, Citroën, Vauxhall and Opel plants in Europe have been closed.

In India, technology manufacturers Samsung has suspended production at factories to comply with the request of the Indian government.

Factories in China are beginning to re-open as the country emerges from its coronavirus lockdown.

Main image courtesy of Moroso.

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