FPT Industrial and the French plant of Bourbon-Lancy
FPT Industrial is celebrating 150 years of its Bourbon-Lancy plant, one of the homes of the Cursor engine, which has been produced there for 20 years under the current brand
The FPT Industrial Bourbon-Lancy plant in France opened its doors to employees and their families to celebrate 150 years of the production site. This was also an opportunity to once again celebrate Iveco’s 50th anniversary, which, it seems, has recently caught Tata’s attention.
FPT Bourbon-Lancy Plant: A Brief History
The history of the Bourbon-Lancy plant began in 1874, when it quickly became a key production hub for early innovations in the agricultural sector. From the mid-20th century, the site expanded its industrial and business footprint through diversification – including its acquisition by SIMCA to manufacture SOMECA tractors. In 1975, the plant was acquired by Iveco, marking the beginning of its specialization in the production of internal combustion engines. Just 22 years later, in 1998, it became the birthplace of one of the most iconic and innovative engine ranges in FPT Industrial’s history: the CURSOR engine family.
CURSOR 8 and CURSOR 10 were the first diesel engines in the heavy-duty transport sector with a variable geometry turbocharger, optimizing the airflow into the engine. The CURSOR series introduced a new concept, new materials, new components, and advanced electronics, defining an innovative approach to heavy-duty engines through cutting-edge design and engineering choices.
The DNA of these engines was further shaped with the introduction of new models and displacements, leading up to the launch of the latest addition to the CURSOR family – unveiled in 2022 and further enhanced with the Model Year 2024 version – the XCURSOR 13, FPT Industrial’s first multi-fuel single base engine, offering best-in-class power, torque, and braking power.
A factory where the skills and passion of over 1,200 dedicated professionals meet cutting-edge technologies ensuring the highest standards of production quality. Thanks to this unique combination, the plant achieved World Class Manufacturing Gold Level in 2021. In 2022, it adopted the DOT (Driving Operations Together) program, a results-driven initiative designed to optimize global operations.
Sylvain Blaise, President of Iveco Group’s Powertrain Business Unit
“Today, we gather to recognize a remarkable milestone reached by FPT Industrial and to celebrate it alongside IVECO’s 50th anniversary. From this standpoint, celebrating 150 years of this plant takes on even greater significance, shining new light on how the success of the IVECO brand is rooted in stories of excellence that go even further back in time. The story of the Bourbon-Lancy plant is undoubtedly one of these. Today, this facility stands as a true manifesto of FPT Industrial’s excellence – the result of a winning formula that combines human talent with cutting-edge technology and innovation. Here, 1,200 people work every day with passion and dedication, transforming raw materials into engines that power the world.”
