Sparcraft inaugurates its new industrial facility
by Anaïs Halgand 2 Oct 06:15 PDT
Spartacus Project - Establishment of a new facility in Sainte-Soulle (17), France © Incognito
Why was the project names Spartacus?
The name Spartacus evokes the famous Thracian gladiator, renowned for leading the largest slave uprising against the Roman Republic. Of course, by naming our new Sparcraft facility project "Spartacus", we are not seeking to rebel against the established order.
Our ambition is to usher in a new direction: an innovative industry firmly rooted in today's environmental realities. We aim to herald a new era driven by innovation, responsibility and commitment, while creating high-value-added jobs that combine positive impact with a strong social dimension.
Our greatest ambitions, like our finest spars, are built on the foundations of this bold project.
An ambitious industrial project
Wichard Groupe is proud to announce the opening of the new Sparcraft factory (Spartacus Project), a unique industrial facility in France, primarily dedicated to the production of masts, booms and rigging, combining technological and environmental excellence. This major initiative represents an ambitious investment of €22 million, including €7.5 million in state-of-the-art industrial equipment and processes, funded by Wichard Groupe.
Located in the Sainte-Soulle industrial zone, less than 10km from La Rochelle, the new facility covers a total area of 25,000 m², including 8,000 m² of production space, increasing capacity by 40% compared with the former facility, and 2,000 m² dedicated to internal storage, ensuring optimal quality and controlled environmental impact.
The Spartacus Project will eventually accommodate around 70 employees, including the creation of approximately 20 additional high-value-added positions. The new facility incorporates cutting-edge technologies, such as powder coating applied to unsealed anodised aluminium, delivering outstanding resistance to corrosion, abrasion, UV radiation and salt spray, in compliance with Qualicoat and Qualimarine requirements.
The project has also been designed as a benchmark for environmental responsibility, with a strong focus on reducing carbon emissions, recovering and recycling waste and materials, and optimising water and energy consumption through the integration of in-house wastewater treatment.
Through this project, Wichard Groupe is reaffirming its industrial leadership and commitment to sustainable growth, while strengthening its close relationships with customers and employees. The new Spartacus industrial hub embodies the Groupe's ambitious and responsible vision for the future.
Fabrice Didden,
Wichard Groupe President
SPARCRAFT: A historic player...
A leading brand
Since 1962, Sparcraft has embodied excellence in the design and manufacture of masts, booms and rigging, driven by an ongoing commitment to quality.
Sparcraft products are trusted by some of the world's leading boatbuilders and charter companies. This international reputation is supported by an extensive distributor network.
...renowned for its excellence. A major player in the marine industry
- Revenue: €14 million
- 720 masts in 2024
- 70 employees
- A diverse customer base OEM and refit markets
- International presence
A comprehensive product range
- Masts & rigging
- Standing & running rigging
- Booms & boom accessories, crossbeams
- Vangs, spreaders
- Aluminium & composite spinnaker poles, bowsprits
- A wide range of deck hardware
A controlled production
Current production capabilities:
- Continuous improvement of extrusion processes
- 2 production facilities
- Long-length anodising tanks
- Strong production synergies with Wichard Groupe
- 5-axis machining (up to 22 metres)
- CNC machining
Spartacus: an industrial facility with technological and environmental ambitions
Overview - New industrial facility
Located in Sainte-Soulle (17), France, the new Sparcraft facility will bring together all the company's activities (anodising, machining, welding, assembly, painting and rigging), providing customers with a modern and flexible production facility and optimised delivery lead times.
By incorporating cutting-edge technologies, such as powder coating applied to unsealed anodised aluminium, the new facility aims to further strengthen Sparcraft's position as an industrial leader.
The Spartacus Project also reflects Wichard Groupe's commitment to sustainable growth, through reduced carbon emissions, waste recovery, optimised water and energy consumption, the integration of photovoltaic panels and more.
Key project highlights
- Agility and responsiveness: time savings across internal and external workflows.
- Reduced environmental impact: lower carbon emissions, less waste and reduced use of polluting substances.
- Compliance with new ICPE regulations and sustainable construction standards: fume extraction, ventilation of anodising tanks, etc.
- Social impact: adapted facilities and high-value-added jobs.
- Unmatched quality in long-length painting and anodising.
Spartacus - Key figures
- Around 70 employees, including approximately 20 additional high-value-added jobs created in La Rochelle metropolitan area.
- 25,000 m2 of total site area.
- 8,000 m2 of production space, representing a 40% increase compared with the previous facilities.
- 2,000 m2 of internal storage space, ensuring quality and delivering significant environmental benefits.
Investment:
€22 million in total investment, including €7.5 million for industrial equipment and €14.5 million for the building and infrastructure.
Powder coating over non-sealed anodising
- Qualicoat certification.
- High-performance surface treatment to meet the demanding requirements of the marine environment.
- Resistance to corrosion, abrasion and UV radiation.
Environmentally responsible process:
- Reduced water consumption.
- Recovery and reuse of sludge.
- Optimised logistics flows.
1. Anodising - Painting
- Anodising: 23 m tanks, among the longest in Europe.
- Water treatment plant.
- Powder coating lines: spray booth and 23 m curing oven.
2. Machining - Welding
- Machining: 2 machining centres with a capacity of 22.5 m (including one new machine).
- Welding: transfer of existing equipment.
3. Assembly & Warehouse
- Spar and rigging assembly lines.
- Truck loading and unloading handled by 34 m overhead travelling cranes.
4. Storage
- Indoor storage - 2,200m² dedicated to storing profiles and work in progress.
5. Offices & Staff Facilities