SUSPENSION manufacturer Marzocchi has been saved from closure after being bought by Italian engineering company VRM.

Reports in the Italian press say that VRM has purchased Marzocchi from previous owners, American company Tenneco.

Last year it looked as if Tenneco intended to shut Marzocchi down after reaching a decision with its workforce to cease operations.

Now, according to the Italian press, local government and unions in VRM’s home town of Zola Predosa have been involved in brokering the deal to safeguard the jobs of Marzocchi’s 70 employees.

A quick look on VRM’s website reveals that it lists Ferrari, Ducati, MV Agusta and BMW among its customers, and that it was founded in 2004 by people with a background in ‘the specific field of motorcycle chassis.’ Along with producing a range of engine blocks, it also makes chassis components for Ducati.

Being part of a larger, specialist and local engineering company could be just what Marzocchi needs to thrive again, and it looks like a good way for VRM to bolster its engineering expertise.

There’s no official word on the deal yet from VRM, Marzocchi or Tenneco.

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