VERSILIA SUPPLY SERVICE
LUXURY SUPPLIES FOR MEGAYACHTS WORLDWIDE Powered by Inside Marine
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VERSILIA SUPPLY SERVICE
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I PROFILE
Based in Viareggio in central Italy, Versilia Supply Service represents a complete resource for the needs of every large yacht and its crew, offering a full range of supplies. CEO Giuliano Tomei highlighted the growth of services available to discerning customers. Report by Phil Nicholls.
W
ith almost 40 years’ experience,
“We represent a complete resource
Versilia Supply Service (VSS)
for the needs of every yacht and its crew,
has accumulated a wealth of
offering a 360-degree range of supplies,”
knowledge second to none in the yacht
CEO Giuliano Tomei explained. “Our team
supply sector. Through continuity of staff,
is organised into several specialised
and the well-established relationships
departments: engine, deck, safety and
forged with specialised suppliers, VSS
water sport. This partition allows us to
can offer an uncompromisingly efficient
provide support to operational yachts
service to clients.
worldwide, as well as those undergoing refit and new builds.” Established in 1985, VSS has enjoyed a recent period of growth. In just five years, it has expanded its horizons by opening a new office in Savona, Italy. VSS has bolstering its operations around the Mediterranean with its sites in Antibes, France, Palma di Maiorca, Spain, and Livorno, Italy. VSS has also enhanced its logistics network and enlarged the offices at its main headquarters at Viareggio in northern Tuscany. This expansion at the company required a restructuring of the operation and the emergence of two distinct business entities, each one focused on highly specialised sectors. Versilia Supply Service remains focused on its existing excellence in providing technical materials, safety devices and water toys. Meanwhile, Versilia Provisions was established to become the flagship arm for the supply of fine foods, beverages and every necessity related to galley and
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interior. Versilia Provisions aims to meet
This period of steady expansion at VSS
the demands of on-board chefs and
was complemented by a 10% increase in
chief stewards through the supply of
sales last year, compared to 2021, reaching
superior quality items.
about €27M. The 2023 financial year has
“To ensure impeccable service, we've invested in a dedicated warehouse and, in
begun well, so VSS is confident that these figures will increase further.
parallel, we've developed a tailored logistics network,” Mr Tomei continued. “This
Luxury & quality, worldwide
carefully designed network is equipped
The four specialised departments, along
with specially commissioned refrigerated
with the sister company Versilia Provisions,
vehicles to preserve the freshness of goods.
allow VSS to supply the world’s finest
Additionally, a new operational headquar-
yachts with literally anything they might
ters has been established, reflecting our
need, from engine room spares, deck
constant pursuit of customer satisfaction and attention to detail.” VSS is also in the process of renewing its website and internal management systems, as well as providing customers with mobile options for added connectivity. The MyVSS app is an online supplyassistant where clients can register to place orders, then track shipping and delivery. In parallel, the MyVP app delivers the same level of service and utility to customers, with a focus on the food and beverage aspect of the business.
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equipment and cleaning consumables,
which can be imported directly into the
to luxury goods for the yacht’s interior
yacht's management system. This way,
and gourmet food and beverages.
the client will have complete control over
Thanks to its extensive fleet of vehicles,
all the data and products onboard.”
the VSS logistics department is able to cover the entire Mediterranean area,
Commitment and innovation
reaching the main ports or yacht locations
Alongside this comprehensive package
in the shortest time possible. Beyond this
of services, Mr Tomei was clear about
area, the company collaborates with reli-
what sets VSS apart from the competi-
able partners to ensure global coverage,
tion: “Our constant dedication to
extending the reach of this portfolio of services to every corner of the world. “Furthermore, we have implemented a department that manages new constructions, creating detailed lists based on the yacht's dimensions,” said Mr Tomei. “These lists contain everything necessary to facilitate the crew in outfitting the boat, providing clear and detailed guidelines on everything they might require. “VSS can also furnish clients with a file generated by our management system,
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research and tireless commitment to
“With our team of experts, we are
the development of each project are
capable of identifying and consistently
truly distinctive. VSS aims always to
delivering the desired product at the best
enhance the customer experience,
possible price. In addition, we strive to
adopting an ever-evolving approach
ensure simultaneous growth across all
to align with new procedures and
the departments of our group, ensuring
current regulations.
harmonious progress as a company.”
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Following a warehouse fire in July 2023,
suppliers that spans the globe. VSS
the whole team at VSS is enthusiastic about
has collaborated with some of these
rebuilding. Rising up like a phoenix, the plan
suppliers for many years. Such decades-
for the warehouse reconstruction is to make
long relationships have enabled the
it even better. VSS is exploring adding an
team at VSS to build enduring bonds
extra floor to the new building, as well as the
of mutual trust and esteem with these
possibility of a large underground garage
long-standing partners.
for the fleet of delivery trucks. “Alongside the challenge of the new
At the same time, VSS keeps a constant eye on the horizon, ensuring that it is fully
warehouse, VSS is continuing to build for the
aware of developments within the market.
future,” said Mr Tomei. “We are committed
In turn, this may lead to the company
to ensuring the growth of subsidiary opera-
seeking new partners who can fulfil what-
tions such as Versilia Provisions, Versilia
ever specific customer demands emerge
France and Versilia Spain.
in the future.
“This is all in addition to the consolidation
In conclusion, Mr Tomei was eager to
of our primary technical activities. Other
share his enthusiasm for working with the
challenges for the future include working
team at VSS: “The most beautiful thing is
with new collaborators and the continued
to be part of creating a company that has
development of our range of custom items
demonstrated reliability by maintaining
marketed under our own brand.”
over the years the same staff, which has grown to about 90. We are proud of the
The teamwork for success
team of people who work together with
An important factor in the collaborative
the utmost seriousness and profession-
business model at VSS is working
alism. I take great pride in being part of
alongside an extensive network of
the VSS family.”
n
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