Riviera planning $10m expansion

LUXURY boat builder Riviera is launching a $10 million expansion to its Coomera production facility.

The upgrade involves bringing together most of its final fit-out works for the yachts under one roof, raising the ceiling by 2m to accommodate larger boats and adding a 100tonne marine “transporter”.

It includes a new location for Riviera’s new model development team of more than 35 craftspeople, 13 designers, engineers, naval architects, draftsmen and master boatbuilders.

Riviera believes this will enable it to increase production – which last year was 100 boats – by 20 per cent.

It comes as the company marks two milestones with the launch of its 100th 6000 Platinum Edition Sport Yacht and the 100th 5400 Platinum Edition Sport Yacht – adding up to hundreds of millions of dollars worth of sales for the manufacturer.

Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst said the works represented a substantial investment in the facility.

“Our current expansion program enables us to further enhance the design and luxury of today’s motor yachts and prepare for our future demand as exceptional new models are introduced to the Riviera model line-up,” he said.

“In coming months, we have further new-model premieres and announcements to share that will see our 39to-72-foot model range further expand.”

Riviera this year launched two new models – the 505 SUV and 64 Sports Motor Yacht.

These follow the launch last year of the 545 SUV, the 54 Enclosed

Flybridge and the three models in the Platinum Edition Sport Yachts – the 4800, 5400 and 6000.

More than half of the yachts sold in the past year have been exported. Riviera has 600 staff in Coomera.

Riviera’s expansion follows Rodney’s brother Tony Longhurst kicking goals in the superyacht sector at his facility called The Boat Works, also located within the Coomera Marine Precinct.

The Boat Works recently underwent a $100 million expansion including a superyacht marina with 10 sheds and 15 berths.

It has been credited with helping to lure the 121ft Sunseeker superyacht Vegas to the facility.

That yacht recently sold to billionaire Clive Palmer for $8.4 million.