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Bicycle production steadily converging in Europe

Bicycle production steadily converging in Europe

In recent years an increasing number of bicycle companies have opted for close to market production in Europe. Spurred on by the need for a consistent supply chain following issues during the pandemic, investments in European manufacturing continue to grow. As noted in this online magazine, Eastern Europe is becoming popular with Lithuania, Poland and Romania all enticing new investments from bicycle manufacturers. But not only here, Germany, France and Portugal are taking efforts to step up 'Made in Europe' bicycle production.

Corratec’s new COO, Jochen Vogt introduced himself to Bike Europe at the 2023 Corratec house show. – Photo Jo Beckendorff

Corratec transforming to European series producer under new COO

RAUBLING, Germany - Iko Sportartikel Handels GmbH - first better known as Iko-Corratec and with the success of its bicycle brand now known as Corratec - has strengthened its management team with an experienced chief operating officer (COO). An industry outsider, Jochen Vogt aims to "change from a manufacturer with individual assembly to a series producer with line production."

For Stromer, this investment is aimed at building up its digital expertise. – Photo Stromer

Stromer opens unit in Romania to build up digital expertise

OBERWANGEN, Switzerland - To step up its digital experience and expand in the area of connectivity, speed pedelec manufacturer Stromer has opened a new digital unit in Romania. According to Stromer, the Romanian office will complement the development team at the company's head office in Switzerland.

“We’ve been considering expanding into Europe for a long time,” said DDK’s Global Marketing Director Joy Sung – Photo Bike Europe

DDK to open European factory in Romania

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - To offer more flexibility and to increase its service level to customers, saddle manufacturer DDK has announced the opening of a European factory in Romania.

Eurosport DHS CEO Tianqi Yang doesn’t deny the drastic impact of Prophete’s insolvency on the production planning for 2023. – Photo Jo Beckendorff

Prophete insolvency has no direct impact on DHS operation

DEVA, Romania - The announced insolvency of Prophete Group last December immediately raised questions about the impact on the Eurosport DHS SA operation in Romania. Prophete holds 47.5% of the Romanian company. Reason enough for Eurosport DHS CEO Tianqi Yang to issue an official statement on the current situation.

Cerurim acts as a contract manufacturer and builds wheels for the European aftermarket for brands including Wilderness Trail Bikes (WTB). - Photo Jo Beckendorff

Cerurim focuses on close to market rim and wheel production

DEVA, Romania - Cerurim srl is a Romanian component manufacturer located on the site of bicycle assembler Eurosport DHS. According to Eurosport DHS co-founder Xi Yang, the unnamed Chinese investors behind this alloy rim and wheel producer once made a visit to DHS - "and liked what they saw here."

The Eurosport DHS factory interior view: wheel production in the front, five assembly lines in the back. - Photo Jo Beckendorff

Eurosport DHS aims to attract component suppliers to Romania

DEVA, Romania - In order to cope with the current supply bottlenecks, including the escalating transport costs, Romanian bicycle assembler Eurosport DHS is now planning to attract further component suppliers due to its European close-to-the-market production. With all eyes on the still growing e-bike assembly sector, a battery and a drivetrain supplier from China could soon follow the call.

Mach1 Wheel Components' aluminum rim production in Romania focuses on double-walled hollow14 to 29-inch rims. – Photo Jo Beckendorff

Mach1 Wheel Components adds in-house line at SMW's operation in...

TIMISOARA, Romania - The Romanian Decathlon bicycle manufacturer Sport Mechanical Workshop SRL (SMW) has achieved what many European bicycle producers dream of. Mach1 Wheel Components SRL, started an in-house rim production.

NextCity currently produces bicycles wheels of all types and up to 100 millimeters in width for e-folding bike provider Mate: NextCity. - Photo NextCity

Romanian NextCity back in e-bike production after Decathlon departure

RESITA, Romania - After a gradual termination of the cooperation with sports retail giant, Decathlon on December 31, 2021, Romania bicycle assembler, NextCity had to rethink its future. According to the company, "they had assembled almost 4 million bicycles for Decathlon exclusively in the past 12 years."

Sport Mechanical Workshop SRL (SMW) has celebrated the start of a major new factory. - Photos Jo Beckendorff

Decathlon and SMW take on pioneering role in Romania

TIMISOARA, Romania - Sport Mechanical Workshop SRL (SMW) is known for being one of the four exclusive assemblers for Decathlon in Europe. The Romanian company joined forces with the French sporting goods giant to launch phase two of its ambitious long-term strategy. At the beginning of the year they celebrated the start of a major new factory and there is more to come.