WA
107 posts
Can anyone elighten my curiosity as to where major manufactures of windsufing equipment such as Pryde, North, Gaastra and so on are based. I'm aware of Cobra in Thailand for board manufacturing, however I'm wanting to find out actual factory locations for rig components, sails and accessories. If anyone has personally visited any factories producing major brands for factory direct purchases
I would be interesting in hearing your stories[}:)]
WA
1646 posts
I've heard they are off limits. Even the major players from the big brands have restricted access as the manufacturers also do work for their rivals and they must protect commercial secrets. As for the brands that have their own lofts et****he last thing they need is a bunch of tourists wandering around trying to save a few bucks. What has been worthwhile for BMW on a $100K sale is another thing....
If you want to save a few bucks... buy your stuff in Singapore on the way home. No middle men as the importer is the retailer and stuff is about 2/3 the price.. see constantwind or bluefinz....
WA
4 posts
as far as i am aware, apart from NP and north, most of the large sail manufactures are made in various factories in china malaysia and thailand depending who is doing the best deal at the time. NP and norths have there own factories and do sails one at a time on the foil as opposed to 20-50 sails being cut at once. lots of mast are actually made in northern europe where there is a higher quality control.
WA
395 posts
North, Arrows & Ezzy are manufactured in Sri Lanka.
Pryde,Gaastra,Severne,Tushingham & just about all the other sailbrands are made in China.
