Piaggio Aero Industries’ new industrial plant in Villanova d’Albenga, Italy, a future production facility for the Avanti II twin turboprop, is expected to be completed soon and fully functional by the first quarter of next year, the aircraft manufacturer told AIN. Originally set to be up and running last year after its 2011 groundbreaking, the factory is the linchpin of Piaggio’s single-production-site strategy intended to improve the efficiency of its aircraft manufacturing and MRO activities.

The Genoa, Italy-based company plans to move all aircraft production to the site this year, consolidating structures work now performed at its Finale Ligure and Genoa Sestri production facilities. The new factory, 50 miles southwest of Genoa, is adjacent to Villanova d’Albenga Airport and its 4,688-foot runway.

According to Piaggio, the total project cost is about $136 million. The industrial plan requires altering contracts with Piaggio Aero’s labor force, and changes are under discussion with unions and government agencies. The company said the contractual changes will not affect the timetable for completion and relocation of all production activities to Villanova d’Albenga.