Abstract: Reinforcing fibers are wound onto a spool together with fibers or strips composed at least in part of a material which is to form a matrix for the reinforcing fibers. The spool is likewise at least partially constituted by such a material. After winding, the resulting assembly is placed into a container having an inner diameter which is the same or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the assembly. The container is also composed at least in part of a material which is to form a matrix for the fibers. The resulting composite blank is then placed in an induction oven and heated to a temperature which does not detrimentally affect the reinforcing fibers but which is sufficient to favorably influence the formation of reaction layers between the reinforcing fibers and the matrix material.