History

Our
History

Since 1943, Gruppo Antonini has grown from a local metalworking workshop into an international industrial group, operating in the offshore, energy and naval sectors.

80+Years of Industrial Experience

Gruppo Antonini

From Local Workshop to International Contractor

Since 1943, Gruppo Antonini has grown from a small metalworking workshop founded in La Spezia by Walter Antonini. The meeting with Enrico Mattei, founder of ENI, in the late 1950s opened the way to development in the energy sector. In the following years the group progressively expanded its industrial and engineering capabilities. Today it is an EPCIC Contractor with consolidated experience in onshore and offshore projects.

Explore the milestones

From 1943 to today

Key Milestones

1940s

The Birth of Gruppo Antonini

Founded in La Spezia in 1943 by Walter Antonini, activities initially focused on repairing metal structures damaged by the bombings of the Second World War.

1950s

First Industrial Plants

In the 1950s, the Antonini family integrated small carpentry activities, evolving over time towards heavy carpentry, with the construction of large-scale structures and the assembly of industrial plants.

1960s

Partnership with ENI

Following the meeting between Walter Antonini and Enrico Mattei, CEO of ENI, the manufacturing of parts for oil platforms was introduced, eventually leading to building them entirely. Having established itself as an ENI partner, the family entered the industrial sector as a supplier of offshore structures and oil platform installations in 1963.

1970s

Acquisition of Baia di Pertusola and Groppoli

In the late 1970s, Walter Antonini, assisted by his son Claudio, made a major strategic investment to provide the company with a coastal presence dedicated to offshore activities and to expand the production chain into the onshore sector. With this objective, the Baia di Pertusola area in the Gulf of La Spezia was acquired, along with a mechanical workshop in Groppoli di Mulazzo, in the province of Massa.

1990s

Entry into the Naval Sector

At the new production site, the Antonini family began building and repairing large commercial vessels for third parties, and carrying out transport and installation activities for structures fabricated at offshore sites.

2000s

Framework Agreement with Eni

Eni selected Gruppo Antonini as a partner for the systematic development of new platform projects in Italy through a five-year framework agreement.

2010

Kashagan Project with GE Oil & Gas

Gruppo Antonini secured its most significant contract with GE Oil & Gas for the simultaneous construction of two RGI barges for the Kashagan project. During the same project, Gruppo Antonini exceeded 2.5 million work hours without an LTI, confirming its highest commitment to operational safety.

2020

Entry into the Angolan Oil & Gas Market

Gruppo Antonini was awarded by Azule Energy the contract for the Maboqueiro platform, marking its entry into Angola's Oil & Gas market. The operation expanded the Group's geographic portfolio and strengthened its presence in Sub-Saharan Africa, building on experience gained in Congo and Gabon.

2025

Two New Strategic EPCIC Contracts

Gruppo Antonini secured two major EPCIC contracts for a compression module for the Sabratha platform and the new WHPA offshore platform. These projects currently represent the most economically significant orders for Gruppo Antonini as an international EPCIC contractor.