German carbon composite manufacturer AST is investing approximately €3 million in a new production facility near Berlin, scheduled to begin operations in mid-2027.
The site will provide about 4,000 square metres of production space, increasing capacity as the company targets further international growth. AST said the factory will combine updated manufacturing infrastructure with greater automation to improve efficiency, scalability and production consistency.
The investment will also fund photovoltaic systems and energy-efficient heating. The company expects these measures to reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, although it has not disclosed projected savings, output targets or the number of jobs associated with the expansion.
The facility is located within minutes of Berlin and about 20 minutes from Berlin Brandenburg Airport. AST said the location would improve access for overseas customers, partners and suppliers, as well as visitors to its production area and showroom.
Technology and scalability
“This investment marks an important milestone for AST,” said Thilo Keller, chief executive of AST.
“The new facility gives us the space, technology and scalability to take our production to the next level while remaining ideally connected to our international customers.”
AST – Yachts & Composites was founded in 2017. Its first serial product, The Foiling Dinghy, was developed for the emerging production foiling market, with 120 boats built during the first two years of serial manufacture.
In 2020, the company introduced its first rigid carbon tender. Its current tender portfolio spans models from the 2.82 metre 280 to the 4.04-metre 400 with a 500 model in production.
The additional factory space is intended to support production across these operations and provide capacity for future product and commercial development.
