Who are Kilwell Fibretube?

Kilwell Fibretube is a Tubular Composite Blank Manufacturer.

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.

Blank Making

Kilwell Fibretube uses a "Roll-Wrapping" process to produce tubing of the highest possible standard. Our unique pressure wrapping system, developed after years of exhaustive R&D, ensures hi-tech composite tubing of the ultimate in strength and stiffness to weight ratios.

With the latest in space age materials like high modulus carbon fibre, Kevlar and the 5,200 square meter factory in Rotorua the future looks bright for Kilwell... and you. more...

Rod Building

Kilwell Manufacturing specialise in small, semi-custom runs of niche market rods for the worlds most discerning anglers. From modest beginnings with cane and fibreglass to the latest blank materials and components the 'rod crafters art' has become second nature to our team of craftsmen and women. more...