Alfa Romeo Portello Plant

The first industrial plant was founded by the French company Darracq, which had decided to open a branch in Italy.

The site chosen for that purpose was directly adjacent to areas that had hosted the 1906 International fair in Milan.

The location was on Via Gattamelata in Milan, on the way to Gallarate, in the then extreme north-western outskirts of the city.

The same area was chosen by other car companies to establish their headquarters or branches, first Isotta Fraschini, then Citroën, FIAT, Carrozzeria Touring, Zagato and the Cesare Sala Bodyworks.

The latter was essentially forced to choose that area because their activities were closely linked to those of Alfa.