After embracing the elegance of Milan and the racing heritage of Monza, our final destination brought us to Bologna, a city where medieval charm meets modern ingenuity. Famous for its endless porticoes, world-class cuisine, and entrepreneurial spirit, Bologna continues to prove why it is one of Italy’s most dynamic crossroads between tradition and transformation.
Our stay at the Royal Carlton Hotel provided the perfect base to explore this captivating city. Yet, the true highlight of our visit was an immersive experience at the Philip Morris Manufacturing & Technology Bologna S.p.A. facility, a symbol of Italy’s growing leadership in advanced manufacturing and sustainable innovation.
That evening, intellect met inspiration at a panel discussion titled “The Art of Making,” featuring Mykhailo Shurinov, Pasquale Frega, Mircea Scaunasu, and Jacob Preisler, four top leaders from Philip Morris International (PMI). The session provided a deep look into how Bologna has evolved into a global center of excellence for the company’s transformation journey.
The Art of Making: Bologna’s Role in Global Innovation
The discussion explored how Emilia-Romagna, home to iconic brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini, has become fertile ground for mechatronic innovation and industrial reinvention. Each speaker shared insights into how the Bologna facility integrates advanced automation, AI-driven systems, and local expertise to manufacture next-generation smoke-free products.
As Pasquale Frega, President and Chief Executive Officer of Philip Morris Italia, explained:
“The Bologna site represents not only a commitment to innovation but a celebration of Italian excellence. It’s where technology, talent, and tradition converge to shape the future of industry.”
Under his leadership, Philip Morris Italia continues to play a major role in the company’s global ecosystem, supporting a network of over 8,000 Italian companies and 41,000 people through its supply chain. The Bologna hub alone is recognized as one of PMI’s most advanced manufacturing and R&D centers worldwide.
Image Supplied By The Guide Online
A Global Impact from the Heart of Italy
Beyond serving the domestic market, products manufactured in Bologna are exported to nearly 50 countries, including highly regulated markets such as Japan, where PMI’s heat-not-burn products have achieved remarkable success. This global footprint underscores the precision, quality, and innovation that define the facility’s operations, hallmarks that have helped PMI become the second-largest tobacco company in Japan’s heated tobacco segment.
Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow
The evening concluded with a quintessentially Italian dinner at Ristorante Cesari, one of Bologna’s most beloved culinary institutions. Conversation flowed naturally from the innovation behind PMI’s products to the nuances of local accents, the warmth of Italian culture, and the city’s rich history. Over handmade tagliatelle and fine regional wine, it became clear that Bologna’s essence lies in its duality, historic yet progressive, rooted yet visionary.
From the high-speed tracks of Monza to the high-tech heart of Bologna, this journey celebrated not just Italian culture but the country’s unwavering commitment to excellence, proving once again that Italy’s greatest tradition is its ability to reinvent itself.
