Described is a shaft support structure (2) comprising, (a) an elongated shell (11) having interior surfaces (14) which define a hollow interior (17); and (b) a plurality of reinforcing ribs (20) of plastic material located within the hollow interior (17) of the shell (11). At least a portion of the reinforcing ribs (20) are in abutting relationship (23) with the interior surfaces (14) of the shell (11). The reinforcing ribs (20) define a longitudinal passage (41) through the elongated shell (11) for receiving and supporting a rotatable shaft (47). The reinforcing ribs (20) are fixedly attached to the elongated shell (11). The reinforcing ribs (20) are preferably formed by molding, e.g., injection molding, of plastic material onto the interior surfaces (14) of the elongated shell (11).