Ericsson
Headquarters
In Erzelli Genoa

Opportunity:
The Erzelli project was of great priority for both Ericsson and SITE. Seeking to build one of Europe’s first scientific and technological villages drew Ericsson’s top management to consider SITE’s well-recorded performance. Indeed, SITE had known how to face and overcome considerable critical situations. A tight timetable, complex system engineering and numerous technical variations made during execution, all contributed to making the Erzelli project a true challenge for SITE.

Project:
The Ericsson research and development laboratories were transferred to the Erzelli hill in Genoa. One of Europe’s first scientific campuses was built there, also in order to be near the Department of Engineering at the University of Genoa and to other leading companies. This project helped reconfirm Genoa as a national and international technological capital of broadband research. Built to conform with latest-generation standards and offer maximum flexibility and efficiency, this new campus contributed to the enrichment of the Genoa research centre in terms of activities and resources. SITE was responsible for building the mechanical, electrical and special systems at the new Ericsson Telecommunications Headquarters in South Europe. It is a ten-storey building (about 20,000 sq m) which, together with a tower of 15 additional floors for other companies, makes up the first part of the largest scientific and technological park in Italy. The project, as a whole, is to build on the Genoa Erzelli hill the only example in Italy of a Technology Village, that is a place entirely dedicated to research and innovation and located in a strategic position in terms of transport: close to the expressway, only 800 metres away from the C. Colombo International Airport, and frequent public service to the city centre, railway station and ferry terminal. The Master Plan calls for assigning 70% of the space to high technology and training, populated by some 200 companies, 15,000 new users including 5,000 students, and the creation of at least 6,000 new highly qualified jobs. The Park is to host the Department of Engineering, production areas, offices, laboratories, research centres of companies and institutions operating in advanced technology areas, as well as accommodation facilities for researchers, students and local citizens, a new residential housing, cultural and sports services and activities.

Benefits:
Faced with Ericsson’s wishes and the project’s critical conditions, SITE demonstrated it was well-prepared and well-organised to meet the challenge, with its stock of skills, responsiveness and professionalism, all fundamental elements for fulfilling projects’ objectives. SITE delivered the project on schedule as stipulated by the contract, managing to build one of Europe’s first scientific and technological villages while conforming with latest-generation standards and offering maximum flexibility and efficiency.