Mast and spars manufacturer Seldén has extended its Le Poiré-sur-Vie, France, based production facilities to cope with a growing demand for high-performance composite rigs.
To accommodate the new production line that will be dedicated to carbon masts, the Le Poiré-sur-Vie plant was expanded by 1,50sqm, bringing the total surface area to 4,800sqm.
The expansion will enable Seldén to diversify its product range and offer carbon masts, booms and spinnaker poles, in addition to the aluminium products already manufactured on site.
Seldén carbon masts are manufactured using a filament winding process, a technique that involves winding resin-impregnated carbon fibres around a rotating mandrel, for even fibre distribution and optimum mast strength.
Investment
Once winding is complete, the mast is pressure-cured in an autoclave to complete the polymerization of the resin.
Seldén has also invested in a modern 18-meter-long paint booth to produce a high-quality finish.
The facility enables protective and aesthetic coatings to be applied to carbon masts,
“The extension of the factory and the integration of carbon mast production bear witness to Seldén’s determination to adapt to changes in the nautical market,” said a spokesperson from Seldén.
“Carbon rigs offer significant advantages, particularly in terms of lightness and performance, meeting the expectations of sailors looking for high-performance equipment.”
