Pendle invests £1 million in higher bike rack output

Pendle Engineering, the sister company to UK Pendle Bike Racks, has told CI.N that it has invested a further £1 million in machinery at its UK plant in order to seize the moment, referencing higher cycle use.

Having just recorded its best year of trading to date in the year to March 2022 and forecasting annual sales may double in 2022, the factory investment seeks to capitalise on a four-fold sales increase, a trajectory that appears not to be slowing. Further to its bike racks business, the business owner is inviting any business seeking to reshore volume steel fabrications from overseas to get in touch with the Lancashire firm.

Managing Director at Pendle Chris Smith said of the progress: “There have been various factors at play in the demand, including a move toward cycling as a transport choice, as well as an increase in brand awareness of Pendle Bike Racks. Our reputation for not just manufacturing here in the UK, but for the quality and robust nature of the racks has seen online traffic and sales soar, marking what is set to be our best ever year of trading.”

Aside to the trend of increased cycle ridership, likely enhanced by the cost of living crisis boosting fuel prices to record levels, the enduring staycation trend boosted by Covid remains riding on a high as consumer seek to hold onto cash and UK airports remain in chaos.

Smith adds: “Trikes and eBikes mean that fitness and balance issues are no longer barriers to how far you can cycle and can really make a difference to those struggling financially right now. It’s so heart-warming to hear how peoples’ lives have changed since they started to rely on cycling as a viable means of getting from A to B in all areas of their lives giving them a financial and health boost at the same time.

“We predict another summer of people using their bikes to enjoy the countryside at weekends, riding on holiday and for having a greener, healthier commute to work.  Britain has so much to offer in terms of cycle routes and areas of natural beauty and if you are new to riding a bike, why not use national bike week as your excuse to try out two wheels!

“At Pendle Bike Racks,, we’re lucky to have anticipated the cycling trend and to have been able to help people get more enjoyment from their bikes by taking them further afield.  Our new Ergo bike rack, is basically an incredibly secure ‘clip and go’ system, that has made bike transportation by vehicle so much easier for everyone and for those with more than one bike, our hang on or wheel based racks provide the solution.”