Kilwell was prompted to develop our own blank manufacturing due to difficulties with supply of the then "new" fibreglass rod blanks from the U.S. and designs unsuitable for testing Kiwi conditions, thus in 1968, Kilwell Fibretube in Rotorua, New Zealand was born - mostly for the fishing rod industry.

Today, although the company exports to a large number of countries, many designs are specific to New Zealand. Rod blanks remain a key focus for the company, like our exclusive Jelly Tip, Live Fibre and Innovation designs.

In addition the company has diversified into over 20 other tubular applications including yacht masts, sail battens, rowing oars, canoe paddle shafts, antennas, high jump cross bars. In fact any high performance tubular composite structure, sporting or industrial.

Technology and innovation remain paramount in the blank plant as designs propel sportsmen and women faster, further and easier than ever before - just like Kiwi legend Ian Ferguson, Olympic champion sculler Rob Waddell or the crew of our boat Black Magic.