Moulton Bicycle Factory awarded Red Wheel plaque by The National Transport Trust

The Moulton Bicycle Factory, Bradford on Avon, has been awarded a prestigious Red Wheel plaque by the National Transport Trust in recognition of its significance in the development of transport.

Moulton Bicycles, founded by pioneering engineer Dr Alex Moulton, led the world in the development and production of a small-wheel, full-suspension bicycle in the early 1960s. The revolutionary design transformed the bicycle industry, and demand for Moulton bicycles grew rapidly. The Moulton Bicycle factory was doubled in size from the launch date and by the mid-1960s (with the assistance of its sub-contractor partners) Moulton had become the second-largest bicycle manufacturer in England, behind Raleigh.

Today, The Moulton Bicycle Company continues the design and manufacture of the latest generation of Moulton Spaceframe bicycles at the factory, with approximately 85% of production exported to discerning customers around the world, particularly in Japan and China.

The factory is a significant landmark in Bradford on Avon and has played an important role in the local community, providing employment for generations of local people. One employee, Tim Bigwood, has worked at Moulton for more than 64 years.

It is hoped that the award of the Red Wheel plaque will help the Moulton Factory and its significance in transport heritage become better known to a wider and younger audience, both locally and nationally, and serve as a source of inspiration for designers and engineers of the future.

The unveiling will take place this weekend.