FPT Industrial (Fiat Powertrain Technologies), specialist in commercial vehicle drives and a brand of the Turin-based Iveco Group, recently celebrated the 150th anniversary of its central French factory in Bourbon-Lancy. In a double anniversary, the celebration also marked the 50th anniversary of the parent company Iveco. We reported on this event in the spring of this year. In fact, there are even three anniversaries coming together this year. The plant in the south of the Burgundy region, about a third of the way from Lyon to Paris, has been in operation for 150 years; 50 of those years the company has so far worked within the Iveco family – and since 2005, for 20 years for the FPT Industrial brand.
During the weekend, a family day was organized at the French plant, taking employees and their families on a historical journey: according to a press report, more than forty exhibited vehicles, engines, and components were the main attractions.
Sylvain Blaise, President of the Powertrain Business Unit of the Iveco Group, highlighted the significance of the date as a double anniversary – 150 years of FPT, 50 years of Iveco – with Iveco's technological flagship products based on even more distant
achievements. The plant being celebrated in Bourbon-Lancy has significantly contributed to this success story.
“Today, this facility is a true manifesto for FPT Industrial's excellence – the result of a success formula that combines human talent with cutting-edge technology and innovation. Here, 1,200 people work every day with passion and dedication to transform raw materials into engines that drive the world.”
Initially for Agriculture
The Burgundy plant opened its doors in 1874 and developed into an important production center for the early developments in the agricultural sector. About three-quarters of a century later, the location expanded: with the acquisition of the vehicle manufacturer Simca in the mid-1950s, tractors of its brand Someca were produced. About a quarter of a century later – in 1975 – Iveco took over the factory. From then on, the site focused on the production of internal combustion engines.
In 1998, the Cursor engine family from FPT Industrial was launched, allegedly one of the most innovative engine lineups. Special feature:
“Cursor 8 and Cursor 10 were the first diesel engines for heavy-duty transport with a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) that optimizes airflow in the engine,”
says the report. The series was completely redesigned: with new concepts,
new materials, new components, and advanced electronics that accompanied the innovative approach in developing high-performance engines with modern thoughts on design and technology.
Subsequently, the "DNA" of the engines continued to develop through modern revisions, such as new displacements. The latest and newest product of the Cursor family is the Xcursor 13, introduced in 2022 and further developed for the 2024 model year, which is also intended to meet modern sustainability expectations. The report states:
“The first multi-fuel single engine from FPT Industrial that offers top-class power, torque, and braking power and is one of the key components of the Iveco Group's decarbonization program.”
Modern Standards
For FPT Industrial, which operates a total of 10 plants and just as many research and development centers (R&D), the historically significant production in Bourbon-Lancy represents something very special and serves as a "showcase for excellence and the global heritage" of the company. It plays a crucial role today in the production value chain of the brand, it is said, and also symbolizes French industrial production. In addition, the site serves as an important employer and economic factor in the region.
“A factory where the skills and passion of more than 1,200 dedicated professionals
meet the most advanced technologies that ensure the highest quality standards in production.”
Due to these characteristics, the plant received the World Class Manufacturing Gold Level 2021 a few years ago, according to the company the highest award for operational excellence. And already in the following year, the DOT program (Driving Operations Together) was introduced there, aiming at the results-oriented optimization of global operations. This is done by adjusting processes on multiple levels: improving safety and quality standards, enhancing performance in the brand's industry, and promoting principles committed to continuous improvement.
FPT Industrial was established in 2005 through the merger of Iveco with the agricultural machinery manufacturers Case IH and New Holland in the field of industrial powertrain solutions and, like Iveco, is headquartered in Turin. The main activities include the development, production, and sale of powertrains and solutions for on- and off-road vehicles. The performance of the various engine families ranges from 30 to 1,000 hp. In addition to conventional diesel and gas engines, the business unit ePowertrain is, according to reports, concerned with emission-free mobility. Maritime applications and power generation are also among the fields of work. FPT Industrial employs around 8,000 people in nearly 100 countries worldwide.
