100-million investmentBenetti expands into Tuscan shipyards

Uske Berndt

 · 27.06.2026

Kicking off: The launch of the “Lumina” marks the start of a multi-million investment programme at Benetti.
Photo: Benetti
The Azimut|Benetti Group is investing a further 100 million euros in its Tuscan production sites by 2028. The launch of the “Lumina” at Benetti in Viareggio marks the start of this initiative. The region already accounts for 70 per cent of the group’s turnover of 1.56 billion euros.

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On 24 June 2026, “Lumina” was launched in Viareggio, marking the start of a 100-million-euro investment programme. The 44-metre-long Benetti Class 44M superyacht marks the start of a three-year expansion phase covering production capacity, energy efficiency and refit facilities.

The four-deck yacht from Cassetta Design is due to be delivered in the summer of 2026. The investment underlines the role of the Tuscan sites within the group’s superyacht division, which has doubled its production value from 758 million euros in 2020 to 1.56 billion euros in 2025.

Tuscany as a production centre

The Azimut|Benetti Group operates 14 production sites in Tuscany: Viareggio, Livorno, Massa and Pisa. These sites generate 70 per cent of the group’s global turnover and form the operational hub of superyacht production, supported by a network of over 1,000 suppliers. Every day, 3,800 people are at work there. The direct workforce grew from 442 to 607 employees between 2020 and 2026. Benetti Shipyard Report

The supply chain saw the strongest expansion, growing significantly over the same period. The growth in production volumes goes hand in hand with a systematic expansion of technical expertise. The Group is continuously investing in advanced manufacturing technologies.

Investment Plan 2026 to 2028

Having invested 77 million euros over the past three years, the group is planning a further 100 million euros for the period 2026 to 2028. The investment programme focuses on four areas: expanding production capacity through workshop extensions and new travel lift facilities; the energy transition through efficiency improvements and photovoltaic installations; the refurbishment of administrative buildings and customer reception areas; and the development of new yacht models, materials and technologies.

A key focus is on strengthening Lusben Refit, where production capacity is being expanded and safety systems improved. The Group is thus continuing its growth strategy, which is geared towards structural improvements and quality enhancements.

Benetti provides training

The Azimut|Benetti Group is a founding member of the ISYL Foundation – Italian Super Yacht Life, which has been developing training programmes for the yachting industry since 2015. Over 600 graduates have since embarked on their professional careers. Benetti plays a direct role in shaping the training content and passes on industry expertise to young talent. The model of integrating training and industry is considered rare in Italy and particularly progressive within the sector.

The Group is constantly recruiting skilled staff and running training programmes. These measures have increased both the complexity of the designs and the precision of the manufacturing process.

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Uske Berndt

Uske Berndt

Editor News & Panorama

Uske was born just outside Volkswagen in 1970 and tested various small boats with sails through her boyfriend (now husband 😊) on a quarry pond. Her studies in Kiel took her to the Baltic Sea with boats of all kinds and eventually to a regatta from Hong Kong to Mauritius via the Academic Sailing Club. Her teacher training ended at the Burda School of Journalism in Munich instead of in the classroom and finally at Boote Exclusiv. After a long break and various stories about house building, she returned to Delius Klasing and has been filling the magazine with long stories about large ships ever since. A family-owned H-boat was quickly sold again as the mother realized that sailing with two small children was neither relaxing nor fun.

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