Somec U.S. Unit Secures $30M Nokia Contract: A Strategic Leap in Architectural Excellence

The Somec Group’s U.S. subsidiary, Fabbrica LLC, has secured a landmark $30 million contract to construct architectural facades for Nokia’s new H2 building in New Brunswick, New Jersey. This project marks a pivotal moment for Somec, reinforcing its position as a leader in precision-engineered architectural solutions and signaling growth opportunities in North America’s tech-centric construction sector.

The Nokia H2 Building Project: Scope and Ambition

The contract entails designing, manufacturing, and installing over 17,000 square meters of façades for Nokia’s 11-story H2 building, which will house the research and development operations of Nokia Bell Labs. The façade design features linear and angled panels, blending sleek aesthetics with functional innovation. Located within the HELIX NJ technology hub—a strategic innovation cluster near New York City—the building aims to become a global benchmark for collaborative research and advanced technology.

Work is slated to begin in Q2 2026, with the project’s completion expected to bolster Somec’s reputation in high-profile, design-driven construction.

Strategic Significance for Somec’s U.S. Expansion

This win underscores Somec’s strategic diversification beyond its core cruise and naval sectors into the high-tech construction market. The Horizons division, which specializes in façades and architectural systems, now demonstrates its ability to compete in North America’s competitive tech infrastructure space.

Oscar Marchetto, Somec’s president, emphasized the project’s symbolic value: “This contract is a testament to our engineering prowess and our commitment to shaping the architectural identity of U.S. innovation hubs.”

Key Strategic Advantages:

1. Technical Expertise: Somec’s proven track record in complex projects—such as MSC Cruises’ Miami terminal (12,000 m² of acoustic panels) and luxury cruise interiors—aligns with Nokia’s demand for precision in its R&D headquarters.
2. Market Positioning: The HELIX NJ hub’s proximity to New York and its focus on tech integration positions Somec to bid for similar projects in emerging innovation zones.
3. Revenue Growth Catalyst: With the contract’s value at $30 million, this project could contribute meaningfully to Somec’s 2026–2027 revenue stream, especially given the parent company’s 2023 revenue of €371 million (≈$400 million USD).

Industry Context: Tech Infrastructure and Construction Trends

The U.S. tech sector is undergoing a boom in R&D facilities and innovation hubs, driven by demand for advanced research spaces. According to a 2025 report by the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), $14.7 billion was invested in U.S. tech infrastructure projects in 2024, a 12% increase from . The Nokia H2 project taps into this trend, leveraging Somec’s ability to deliver sustainable, high-performance façade systems—critical for energy efficiency in modern buildings.

Moreover, the construction sector’s shift toward modular and data-driven design aligns with Somec’s capabilities, particularly in its use of generative AI for optimizing façade layouts and material usage.

Risks and Considerations

While the project is a clear win, challenges remain. Delays in construction timelines or supply chain disruptions could impact profitability. Additionally, Somec’s reliance on major clients like Nokia and MSC Cruises introduces customer concentration risk. However, the company’s diversified portfolio—spanning cruise terminals, luxury interiors, and now tech infrastructure—mitigates this exposure.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Somec’s U.S. Growth

The Nokia contract represents more than a single project win—it signals Somec’s evolution into a multi-sector engineering powerhouse with a growing footprint in North America’s innovation economy. With €371 million in 2023 revenue and a workforce of over 1,000 globally, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on U.S. tech infrastructure spending, which is projected to reach $20 billion annually by 2027 (per NAIOP forecasts).

Investors should note that Somec’s 40+ year reputation for Italian craftsmanship, coupled with its technical expertise in modular systems and sustainability, positions it to secure further contracts in high-value markets. The H2 project’s $30 million value alone could boost Somec’s U.S. revenue by up to 10% in 2027, assuming steady execution.

In a sector where precision and innovation are paramount, Somec’s ability to deliver complex architectural solutions to global tech giants like Nokia suggests a promising trajectory for long-term growth.