OREANDA-NEWS. As a result of increased demand in the commercial vehicle market, the Sevel plant in Atessa, Italy – which produces the Fiat Ducato, market leader in 11 European countries, including Italy – plans to hire more than 300 young workers on permanent contracts beginning December 30th this year. These new hires were made possible through the Italian Jobs Act, which introduced a new form of contract that offers increasing security over time. With these new hires, the number of employees at the plant will increase to around 6,300.

The program of organizational improvements at the plant, which is being implemented according to plan, was a key factor in the company being able to maintain its commitment to hire the more than 300 young workers on a permanent basis. Other factors include the professionalism and skill with which everyone at the Sevel plant works to produce quality vehicles with high customer satisfaction. And, of course, the Ducato has enjoyed enormous success, with more than 5 million units produced since it was first introduced in 1981. In addition, more than half a million families travel in camper vans built on the Ducato, which has been leader in this segment for many years. Last year, the Ducato was the European market leader in its segment.

The Sevel complex, a 50/50 joint venture between FCA and PSA-Peugeot Citroën, is the largest manufacturing facility for light commercial vehicles in Europe. The plant is located between Atessa and Paglieta. It occupies an area of more than 1.2 million m2 (344,000 covered) and is equipped to carry out all phases of production (body shop, paint shop and assembly line). In addition to the Fiat Ducato, the plant produces two similar models for PSA. Current production is more than 1,000 vehicles a day.

On a daily basis, more than 350 articulated trucks enter the plant with parts and materials and 200 vehicle transporters and 4 trains leave with assembled vehicles. The body shop produces around 300 different body types, the paint shop uses 208 colors and the assembly line can produce nearly 10,000 versions with 150 optional extras.