A 2,000 m2 plant in Rochefort
AG+ Spars takes a new step in the manufacture of carbon masts. The Charente-based rigging company has announced the opening of a new manufacturing unit in Rochefort, as Jean-François Nevo, who has headed AG+ Spars with Laurent Nevo since 2002, explains: "Operations in the existing buildings we bought began in September. It complements the historic Saint-Laurent de la Prée site, where we continue to manufacture aluminum masts. With the new autoclave, this represents an investment of 1.2 M?."
Meeting demand for carbon masts
AG+ Spars had already been producing carbon spars for several years. In view of its positioning, Jean-François Nevo considers it essential to expand its carbon range: "There's a demand from customers for these carbon masts. We've made some highly technical choices and are committed to making beautiful pieces. On these budgets, the choice of carbon has become unavoidable. Until now, we could make masts for monohulls up to 35 feet and some multihulls up to 34 feet. With the new autoclave, we can go up to 65 feet. The first 22-meter mast is due to come out in November."
Steady growth
Nevertheless, the company intends to gradually increase its capacity. The arrival of Alain Boucher, a recognized specialist with experience at Lorima and Axxon, has strengthened the team of 4 engineers responsible for mast dimensioning and design. The 6-strong team in Rochefort should grow to 10 employees by the end of 2023, and eventually to around 20. Where AG+ Spars used to deliver between 30 and 40 masts, the team is aiming for around 60 units by 2024, with a growing share of carbon, which already accounts for 60% of sales, but only 10% of masts. An equal volume of masts is the stated objective.
