Auna di Sotto (BZ), 25 March 2026 – This morning, Loacker reached a fundamental milestone for its future. With the official laying of the foundation stone, the start of construction for the Loacker Technology Center (LTC) was officially celebrated.
The ceremony was attended by the former Mayor of Ritten, Paul Lintner, and the current Mayor, Julia Fulterer, alongside company leadership represented by Ulrich Zuenelli and Andreas Loacker, and Michela Tamai, Loacker’s Chief Research & Development Officer. The new hub will be strategically located in Auna di Sotto, right next to the main headquarters, to which it will be connected via a 50-meter underground tunnel passing beneath the provincial road.
The new Loacker Technology Center will be more than just a physical expansion; it is a true Innovation Hub designed to unite teams and facilities currently spread across different areas. The center will house: R&D Laboratories for research and development, a Creative Kitchen dedicated to culinary experimentation, a Lab-scale Technical Center for prototype testing, and a Multifunctional Scale-up Room to allow for the semi-industrial launch of innovations, accelerating the transition from idea to market-ready product.
"Choices driven by absolute quality and responsibility have guided our history until today and are the force that still pushes us toward future innovations," stated Andreas Loacker, Vice President of the Board of Directors. "The Technology Center will be much more than a building: it will be the place where confectionery tradition meets technological innovation to ensure maximum quality in a sustainable way."
Michela Tamai added: “The Technology Center unites the dreams, ambitions, and successes of Loacker’s first 100 years with the strong innovative drive needed to face the great challenges of the future.”
The architectural project—designed by the Bolzano-based firm Roland Baldi Architects, winner of a competition involving top industry experts—translates Loacker’s identity into a precise formal language. The building, which will comprise a volume of over 24,000 cubic meters, follows the topography of the land through a layering of volumes that abstractly recalls the iconic structure of a wafer.
Certified by CasaClima, the center focuses on long-term economic efficiency and reduced maintenance costs through robust materials and clear construction techniques. The choice of partners also reflects deep local ties: all companies involved are local leaders, ensuring a short and sustainable supply chain.
The Loacker Technology Center was conceived to break down traditional departmental "silos." Interior spaces will follow "agile company" principles: open-space offices, modular layouts, and lounge areas that allow employees to choose their workstation based on the task at hand. The goal is to create an attractive, modern work environment immersed in the greenery of Ritten that encourages spontaneous collaboration.
"Loacker’s historical development and international success rest on the ability to project into the future while maintaining an unbreakable bond with our origins," commented Ulrich Zuenelli, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "In our capacity as a Benefit Corporation, we consider this investment a long-term promise to the territory: we are creating a cutting-edge space to allow our employees to excel, ensuring collective growth that respects the environment and local communities."
The opening of the center, scheduled for 2027, will bring with it the creation of new high-level professional roles. This confirms Loacker's commitment to its historic headquarters without downsizing its other production hubs. Notably, the infrastructure investment does not involve public funding, testifying to Loacker’s financial stability and long-term vision.
