Multiplast: An emblematic buyout
L the announcement on June 28, 2022 of the acquisition of the Carboman group, owner of the Multiplast shipyard, by the HBH group is characteristic of a phenomenon that began in the 2000s and is set to continue. Carboman already included the ocean racing specialist Multiplast and two companies manufacturing industrial composite parts, Pastinov and Plasteol. By joining the HBH group, it joins two other players in the composites sector, Ouest Composites and Baltic Composites, giving rise to a major player, with sales of nearly 30 million euros.
The construction of boats is just one of many composite parts produced. The technical nature of ocean racing coexists with and is enriched by that of aeronautics and construction.
Diversify to be more robust
Multiplast, like others, had not waited for this latest transaction to diversify. The company has already built solar aircraft components and domes for the Russian cathedral in Paris. In a very cyclical market, many companies in the nautical sector have made the same choice. Those who had a good command of composites have used them in other sectors. In return, they have sometimes abandoned the rest of the boat manufacturing process, the fitting out, the fitting out and the fittings. The new sister company of Multiplast, Ouest Composites, had also abandoned its brand of semi-rigid Pro Marine.
Assembly sites
In the wake of this specialization, new shipyards are arriving that do not actually build their own hulls, subcontracting them to composite companies. They simply use an assembly hangar to install the onboard systems, fittings or engines. This method is particularly suitable for small boats.
If it has economic and sometimes technical explanations, this tendency can confuse the yachtsman who would like to follow the construction of his boat, with the image of the shipyard of yesteryear... Perhaps this emotional argument will allow to keep a know-how and the capacity for some to build boats from A to Z?
