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SMM Composites, the Breton specialist in large-format composite moulds, celebrated its 40th birthday last October under the theme of strategic and technological renewal. The company, which has been working with Vendée Globe skippers since 2020, unveiled a new investment and a redesigned brand image for the occasion.

Société morbihannaise de modelage Composites, based in Lanester, is celebrating its 40th birthday by diversifying its business sectors and adopting a strategy of eco-design.

The mould manufacturer based in Lanester, Morbihan, is investing in new technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of its products. In this way, it is helping to reduce the environmental impact of its customers in the sailing and wind energy sectors.

The manufacturer of large-format composite moulds, based in Lanester (Western France), has enjoyed strong growth over the past five years, and is counting on the transport and renewable energy sectors to continue this trend.

A fleet that’s taking off: cargo sailboats. Shipowners are having to adapt to environmental legislation to protect the seas and oceans. By 2050, it is estimated that more than 30,000 cargo ships – roughly half the current fleet – will be fitted with sails.

To make sail propulsion for cargo ships competitive, manufacturers need to mass-produce giant masts. The first plant of this type will be built in Lorient (Morbihan) in early 2025, at an investment cost of €20 million.

“SMM is a flagship of French nautical know-how. The hugely important challenges of decarbonizing maritime transport hold great promise, especially for such a technically innovative company. We are very enthusiastic about supporting SMM in its ambitious development projects”, says Denis Catz, President of Pechel.

On Friday 9th December, a new 95m high mast will be delivered by the SMM Composites yard in Lanester, near Lorient. It will be one of the tallest composite masts in the world. This mast will accommodate a huge 1,200 m² sail.

Following the pandemic, the company approached France Relance with a view to increasing the mechanization of its production, requiring an investment of one million euros. Almost €400,000 of assistance should enable the company to gain two years in efficiency.