Groupe Bénéteau Italia is born
The Bénéteau Group has already been present in Italy for several years, with the creation of Monte Carlo Yachts. Having arrived with the ambition of developing this brand of high-end motor yachts, the French leader has been operating in the country under this name, although it has gradually deployed on this site the production of models from other Group brands, such as the CNB sailing yachts and more recently the Bénéteau Grand Trawler 62 or the Jeanneau Yacht 65. On March 1, 2022, it announced a new name for its Italian shipyards, now called Groupe Bénéteau Italia, in line with its new global organization separating the brand portfolio from the industrial facilities.
A factory dedicated to boats over 60 feet
The Monfalcone site, in northeast Italy, will retain its acquired and locally available know-how for large, high-end units. With its 45,000 square meters on the Adriatic, it will work for the entire portfolio of Bénéteau's "House of Brands" and will hire more than its current 200 employees. "It is not the only site for large boats, with Les Herbiers building Prestige up to the X70 or Bordeaux with the Lagoon Seventy. Monfalcone, will remain specialized in the top of the range" confirms Mirna Cieniewicz, spokesperson for the Bénéteau Group.
Accelerated disappearance of Monte Carlo Yachts?
While the branding has not officially been finalized, it is one more step in the disappearance of visible branding from the Monte Carlo Yachts brand. As part of its reorganization in 2020 the group had announced its intention to sell it. "The Monte Carlo Yachts brand is still in the portfolio. There are still boats under construction in 2022, but it no longer exhibits at shows. However, it is still marketed." says Mirna Cieniewicz.
As for the sale of the brand, as for the other American brands whose sale was planned - CNB having been sold to Solaris - discussions are still open, according to Saint-Gilles Croix de Vie. With a large order book, this sale is probably not a priority.
