Pac Man Factory
Italy 2024
At the edge of Cecina stands the Ex Zuccherificio, a sugar refinery born at the turn of the 20th century, financed by Etruria and the Tirrena Bank.
When it opened around 1899, its machinery roared with ambition.
When it opened around 1899, its machinery roared with ambition.
For decades, its tall brick chimney ruled the skyline.
Thousands of workers crossed its gates, their hands stained with the sweetness of labour.
Millions of beets arrived in rattling trucks, disappearing into the depths of the factory to be reborn as sugar.
Thousands of workers crossed its gates, their hands stained with the sweetness of labour.
Millions of beets arrived in rattling trucks, disappearing into the depths of the factory to be reborn as sugar.
The village lived in its shadow.
A fine, sugary mist drifted through the streets; the air carried a warmth that was both heavy and sweet.
Everything — stone, wood, skin — felt just slightly sticky.
A fine, sugary mist drifted through the streets; the air carried a warmth that was both heavy and sweet.
Everything — stone, wood, skin — felt just slightly sticky.
Between 1903 and 1922, the refinery lived its brightest years. Then decline crept in quietly.
One by one, workers left.
The machines slowed, then fell silent.
One by one, workers left.
The machines slowed, then fell silent.
And finally, on an ordinary day, the bell rang for the last time.
The final beet was processed.
The doors closed.
The chimney remained — a lonely monument to an industry that once filled the entire town with life.
The final beet was processed.
The doors closed.
The chimney remained — a lonely monument to an industry that once filled the entire town with life.
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