Ex Dopla, new hope for Manfredonia: the alliance between Coopla Green and Palumbo's can rekindle the future

In Manfredonia a light is turned on again in the heart of the industrial area. The former Dopla plant, a symbol of broken promises and broken workers' dreams, could come back to life thanks to an unexpected and promising synergy. The story is told by Angelo Riccardi , former mayor of the city, who in a post full of emotion and realism speaks of "a new possible alliance" between Coopla Green , a cooperative founded by 31 former workers, and the Apulian company Palumbo's of Rutigliano.

From Bitterness to Opportunity

Until a few weeks ago it seemed like the end: the offer of 1,710,000 euros presented by Coopla Green for the purchase of the former Dopla had stopped, and the silence surrounding the matter had fueled the disenchantment of a community tested by years of industrial disappointments. But now the scenario has changed thanks to the entry on the scene of Palumbo's , a family business already active in the former Terminal Puglia, solid and pragmatic, which has decided to take a step forward.

A counter-trend gesture in a context too often marked by closures, disillusionment and mistrust. And above all a clear signal: you can do business in the South with courage and responsibility , intertwining managerial solidity with social participation.

Two visions, one common language

On one side Palumbo’s , with its industrial experience, management skills and operational discretion. On the other Coopla Green , a collective project animated by former workers, supported by Legacoop Puglia and a mix of crowdfunding, loans and personal funds. Objective: to produce bioplastic tableware , a green alternative that combines sustainability and employment.

Riccardi emphasizes the uniqueness of the moment: "It is no longer just a hope, but a concrete possibility . The two realities speak the same language: work, dignity, desire to build. And today there are all the conditions for a true alliance".

The role of institutions

But for this prospect to be realized, a clear commitment from local and regional institutions is now needed. The former mayor's message is unequivocal: " Transparency, sustainability, participation, responsibility : this is the right direction. The institutions must openly support it."

The South, once again, is playing a decisive game: not one of rhetoric or announcements, but of social cohesion built on real work , on concrete industrial choices and on a shared vision between entrepreneurs, workers and administrators.

A new chapter to write

“In the initial silence – concludes Riccardi – now a new voice resonates: that of a community that can write a new chapter. A story of the South that does not give up , and that chooses the path of collaboration to finally realize a collective dream”.

A factory can close, but a shared idea of ​​the future never dies . In Manfredonia, today, that possibility is making space again. And that's no small thing.

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