French equipment maker Babolat has announced that it is investing in a new padel technical center in Spain. The new unit, located in Sant Fruitós de Bages, about one hour from Barcelona, will be used by the brand as a studio for testing and developing its own padel racquets while also exploring new manufacturing methods. The creation of this unit is accompanied by the acquisition of new technological and industrial know-how, including four patents. The upcoming innovation center is also meant as “a step towards local production for local markets,” said the brand. The first racquets from the unit will be tested and produced in a limited series and introduced to the European market in 2024.
The project was unveiled on Sept. 18 in Madrid by Eric Babolat, the company’s CEO, in the presence of Spanish pro padel player Juán Lebrón. Lebrón, number 1 in the World Padel Tour ranking, has played with Babolat since 2017. He is also the first athlete to have a fully dedicated Babolat footwear and apparel line, launched in 2023. Babolat has been present in the padel industry for over 20 years.
