DFactory Barcelona begins essential expansion

District 4.0 has transformed Barcelona’s Free Zone into a major hub for technological innovation. The companies based in District 4.0 are advancing at a rapid pace, and their work is becoming increasingly significant. The CZFB’s main goal with District 4.0 – through public efforts in partnership with the private sector – is to drive economic development in the area. DFactory serves as the core of District 4.0 and is currently fully occupied, with 17,000 m² of space. It hosts a total of 42 companies, all focused on Industry 4.0 technologies: robotics, sensors, AI, IoT, cybersecurity, 3D printing, nanotechnology, augmented and virtual reality, and more.

A Necessary Expansion

The CZFB is already underway with an expansion of DFactory Barcelona that will increase its space from the current 17,000 m² to the targeted 60,000 m² by the end of 2026. This project is one of the most ambitious in Europe’s Industry 4.0 sector, involving an estimated investment of between 50 and 70 million euros. The expansion is expected to create around 1,500 direct jobs and up to 5,000 indirect jobs. It includes the construction of four new buildings. The works are projected to be completed by the end of 2026, with the new facilities ready to welcome additional companies starting in early 2027.

1. Cub Building

The Cub building will host major events in Barcelona, as well as international events related to Industry 4.0 and the new economy. It will also serve for presentations, conventions, and conferences organised by companies within the ecosystem.

2. D Building

The expansion also includes Building D, spanning 2,300 m², which will provide services to the resident companies – such as a dining area and various spaces for physical activity. These will support the entire ecosystem of companies and professionals working at DFactory.

3. Buildings A and B

Building A (located directly opposite the current building) and Building B will each feature four floors: a ground floor dedicated to manufacturing, plus three upper floors comprising laboratories, technology centres, and offices. In addition to companies working in robotics, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, IoT, sensors, blockchain, and similar fields, the expansion aims to attract tech companies focused on the health sector and agritech.