Cantiere del Pardo has outlined a major expansion of its Italian production platform, with more than 35,000 square metres of additional manufacturing space planned at Forlì. The first phase is due to open by the end of 2026, while completion of the wider project is scheduled for 2027.
The investment is intended to support all three brands in the group: Pardo Yachts, Grand Soleil Yachts and VanDutch Yachts. It follows a period of rapid model development and is significant for owners because production capacity, quality control and aftersales support can become limiting factors when a yacht builder expands faster than its industrial base.
Forlì remains the centre of production
Cantiere del Pardo's current Forlì operation already covers about 40,000 square metres indoors and includes joinery, carpentry, assembly and final testing facilities. The new project will add substantial capacity while keeping Forlì at the centre of the group's manufacturing identity.
The yard's own 2026 Fleet publication says the new site is designed to bring sailing- and motor-yacht production and assembly together under one roof, apart from the separate Grand Soleil Plus operation at Fano. Offices and operational functions are also intended to be consolidated, creating a more integrated production environment.
More work is expected to move in-house
One important objective is to internalise processes that are currently outsourced to third parties. Bringing additional production stages under direct control can shorten communication chains and give the builder greater oversight of scheduling, workmanship and changes made during construction.
That does not automatically guarantee higher quality, because the benefit depends on staffing, process control and supplier management. It does, however, give Cantiere del Pardo more scope to coordinate different product lines as the Pardo, Grand Soleil and VanDutch ranges continue to expand.
Marina di Ravenna adds launching and owner facilities
The investment programme also includes a new Launching & Welcome Centre at Marina di Ravenna, planned to open in spring 2027. The facility is intended to allow a significant number of sailing and motor yachts to be launched directly from the site while also providing hospitality space for owners and prospective buyers.
Cantiere del Pardo says the centre will support deliveries, test drives and sea trials, creating a dedicated interface between manufacturing and the point at which owners first use their yachts. That can be valuable when commissioning work or final adjustments need to be completed after a boat enters the water.
Capacity supports the next generation of models
The expansion arrives as the group continues to develop Pardo, Grand Soleil and VanDutch models and renews its partnership with Luna Rossa for the 38th America's Cup. A broader industrial base gives the yard more room to support new designs without forcing existing production into increasingly constrained facilities.
For buyers, the important measure will be whether the added space translates into reliable delivery schedules, consistent build quality and stronger owner support as volumes increase. Luxury Yacht Guide will track the project as the first Forlì phase opens and the Marina di Ravenna centre moves toward its planned 2027 start.
