Mayor Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, along with authorities from Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB), laid the first stone of phase 2 of the project on March 17, 2026 DFactory BarcelonaThe project aims to triple the center's operational capacity to house advanced manufacturing companies and generate thousands of skilled jobs.
A quantitative leap in Barcelona's industrial infrastructure
The strategic expansion of DFactory Barcelona This involves moving from the current 17.000 m² to a total area of 60.000m²This operation requires an estimated investment of 50 millones de eurosThis reaffirms the institutions' commitment to the new economy. Since its inauguration in 2021, the center has maintained full occupancy, which has precipitated the need to implement this second phase to meet the demand from global technology corporations.
Currently, the ecosystem has 44 companies installed that develop solutions in critical areas such as the robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Print 3D, blockchain y NanotecnologyWith the new infrastructure, the impact on employment is expected to grow exponentially, reaching 1.500 direct jobs y 5.000 indirect.
| Concept | Current Phase (Phase 1) | After Expansion (Phase 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Area (m²) | 17.000m² | 60.000m² |
| Estimated Investment | 50.000.000 € | |
| Direct Jobs | 300 | 1.500 |
| Indirect Jobs | 1.200 | 5.000 |
| Established Companies | 44 | Potential increase |
Infrastructure and services of the new District 4.0
The expansion plan includes the construction of four new buildings designed under the concept of integrated industrial campusAmong the new features, the building stands out. Cubo, a 1.100 m² space intended for large-scale international events and citizen activities related to innovation.
The distribution of the new assets is detailed below:
- Two technical buildings: Ground floors dedicated to advanced manufacturing and three upper floors for laboratories and R&D centers.
- Cube Building: A nerve center for congresses and fairs of the new economy.
- Service building: Restoration areas and spaces networking for national and international talent.
- Priority sectors: Renewed focus on health, advanced agro-industry y food technology.
Talent and technological sovereignty
During the act, Jaume Collboni He emphasized that this project "physically represents the city's progress in a new area, a new way of producing, which is the way of the future." The mayor underscored the importance of a sustainable industry focused on added value to guarantee economic opportunities in the metropolitan area.
For its part, Pere Navarro, special delegate of the State in the CZFBHe stated: "We are building a strategic project, unique in the world, which continues to grow to consolidate..." Barcelona as a benchmark for the new industry." Furthermore, Blanca Sorigué, general director of CZFBHe emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration to make innovation happen in a tangible way.
Finally, the Government delegate in Cataluña, Carlos PrietoHe asserted that this expansion is excellent news for the entire group. Españademonstrating that the industrial fabric is evolving and is capable of attracting investment and highly qualified talent.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the DFactory expansion
When will the new facilities be operational?
Construction work is expected to be completed later this year. 2026allowing the first companies to begin their installation at the beginning of 2027.
What type of companies are you looking to attract with this expansion?
In addition to the usual Industry 4.0 sectors (robotics, 3D, AI), the DFactory Barcelona It will focus on attracting technology corporations linked to the health, the eating and advanced agro-industry.
What is the international reach of the current ecosystem?
Today, the 30,9 % Most of the companies located here are international, coming from key markets such as Estados Unidos, Europa y Asia, with a highly qualified staff where 45% are university graduates and 20% are PhDs.
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