Born in Piombino (Livorno) on July 28, and residing at Bassano del Grappa, Mr. Toncelli founded Breton S.p.A. in 1963. Over the years, this operation became an international leader in the stoneworking sector. Today, Breton S.p.A. employs 445 people and exports 73% of its production. Recently, it successfully started a new activity in the field of high-precision machine tools.

In 1996, Mr. Toncelli was named the first honorary citizen in the centuries-old small village of Castello di Godego, in recognition of his contributions to the social and economic development of the town. In 1997, he received the honor of “Knight of Labor” from the President of the Republic. He was appointed Honorary Member of the International Eurasian Academy of Sciences of Moscow and a Member of the International Academy of Sciences of St. Petersburg. In September 2002, the U.S. town of Le Sueur, MN, presented him with the Key to the City for the great contribution he gave to the economic development of the region.

During the last ten years, Breton continued its progress, thanks to the action of the Managing Directors, Luca and Dario Toncelli, the President's sons, who have gradually taken over the management of the company, also assisted by the Vice President, Roberto Chiavacci.