Yachting Art Magazine

Located in the town of Sainte-Soulle, close to La Rochelle, Sparcraft's future production site embodies the Wichard Group's new technological and environmental ambitions. Named Spartacus, this industrial project aims to bring together in one place the company's main areas of expertise in the field of masts, booms and rigging systems for the entire nautical sector.

This programme, with a total budget of €21 million – including €9 million for industrial equipment and €12 million for real estate – is part of a long-term investment strategy. Covering an area of 25,000 m², the new factory will have 7,000 m² of workshops and 2,000 m² of indoor storage, increasing current production capacity by 40%.

The Spartacus project also aims to reinforce the group's CSR strategy. The site incorporates processes with low environmental impact: reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, improved waste management, wastewater recovery and optimised energy consumption. The installation of photovoltaic panels, the integration of effluent treatment and better control of logistics flows are among the structural measures implemented.

One of the key features of this new platform is the commissioning of powder coating lines on unclogged anodisation, a process particularly suited to marine environments. This surface treatment offers increased resistance to corrosion, UV rays and abrasion, in accordance with Qualicoat and Qualimarine standards.

This site will bring together all of Sparcraft's industrial operations: extrusion, anodising, 5-axis machining up to 22.5 metres, welding, painting and spar assembly. To streamline the production line, the company has also planned for enhanced internal logistics, with 34-metre overhead cranes for loading and unloading operations. In total, around 70 employees will work at the site, including around 20 new recruits planned for the future.

With this new facility, Sparcraft is confirming its roots in Charente-Maritime and its ability to meet the growing demand from shipyards and equipment manufacturers around the world. The manufacturer, whose masts are fitted to the majority of production and charter yachts, produces more than 700 units per year. This industrial expansion is part of the overall strategy of the Wichard group, Sparcraft's parent company since 2013.

A long-standing player in the manufacture of deck fittings and rigging, the Wichard group now has thirteen industrial sites around the world, including eight in France. With the recent integration of the Ronstan, Andersen and Axxon Composites brands, it is strengthening its footprint in the nautical sector, which accounts for 73% of its annual turnover (€110 million in 2023). The rest comes from various industrial sectors, ranging from aeronautics to healthcare and safety equipment.

The Spartacus project is not simply a matter of expanding capacity: it embodies a desire for coherent industrial relocation, consolidation of skills and a response to the contemporary demands of the nautical industry. It positions Sparcraft as a strategic player in the field of masts and rigging, in line with the expectations of a demanding market where technical performance, durability and availability have become major criteria.

In an industry where competitiveness depends as much on product innovation as on process control, Sparcraft is focusing on an integrated industrial model capable of meeting the needs of both major European shipyards and semi-custom programmes. Thanks to its geographical proximity to La Rochelle, the new site will also strengthen links with the local subcontracting and training network.

The Spartacus shipyard is expected to become operational in the coming months, marking a milestone in Sparcraft's development.

This new complex, which combines industrial performance and environmental responsibility, reflects the Wichard Group's sustainable approach and confirms its commitment to building a solid industrial future for the French nautical industry.