Wichard takes control of Axxon Composites
While an industrial agreement already existed between the Wichard Group and carbon mast manufacturer Axxon Composites, the latter was finally acquired in December 2023 by the yachting and industrial equipment group. Created in 2010, Axxon Composites was born from the meeting of a trio: Eric Duchemin, a carbon mast builder for over 30 years, with a background in the America's Cup, Philippe Boclet, a composite manufacturer with a thorough knowledge of Romania, and Marius Tolbas, operational manager. In just a few years, the trio has built up a leading original equipment manufacturer of carbon masts, based in Romania, for boats from 35 to 80 feet.
With the acquisition of Axxon Composites, the Wichard Group signs its second acquisition in a month, and acquires a plant of over 5,000 m2, employing around 100 people, with an autoclave and a 50 m paint booth each. The Group now has a workforce of 650 and a turnover of ?110 million.
Complementarity with Lorima
The Wichard group, already at the helm of Sparcraft in aluminum spars, took its first step into carbon masts with the acquisition of Lorima in 2019. Particularly renowned in the sectors of large one-off yachts, ocean racing and large multihulls, the Lorient-based manufacturer was known to be cramped for space. With Axxon Composites, Wichard completes its offering for cruising yachts and racing yachts under 70 feet, and acquires a modern production facility in Eastern Europe.
Jean-Claude Ibos, Chairman of the Wichard Group, sums up: "We are delighted to welcome Axxon to the Wichard Group. This acquisition enables us to offer our customers a wide range of carbon masts. We are able to equip cruising, racing and merchant navy boats in sizes ranging from 35' to over 150'. As 2023 draws to a close, we are finalizing the constitution of a coherent, high-quality industrial offering that will enable us to position ourselves widely in the deck equipment market for sailing boats, but also in the industrial world, as soon as safety and performance are required."
