Friday, 29 March 2024
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Simplon to expand Austrian headquarters in bid to produce 20,000 bikes a year by 2019

Speaking at the opening day of Eurobike’s media days, Austrian bike label Simplon has told CyclingIndustry.News of plans underway to bolster its office and production in the run up to 2019.

Describing exports as a crucial progression for the business in the coming years, general manager Stefan Vollbach said of the firm’s expansion: “We are all signed up and set to proceed. There will be 300 square metres of additional office space added to our headquarters during the Autumn. We’re almost done with implementing our SAP solution, so the business is about ready to gear up for export business growth from 2018 onwards.”

Founded in 1961 the business has, since changing hands in 2014, achieved a personnel growth from 45 to nearly 70 staff. New additions will soon work on an expanded production line and fresh machinery investments such as the firm’s second 3D printer. Soon to be added to the warehouse, 300 square metres of second tier racking will further expand storage capacity.

From October a new online configurator will go live to cater for the German and English markets and enabling a certain level of fine-tuning prior to the delivery of the bike to the dealer.

In the UK the firm is still looking to broaden its reach, with around “5 or 6 high quality stores” currently fitting the bill for the Lake Constance-based brand. We were told that 10 to 15 dealers will soon be flown out to the brand’s HQ in order to “help dealers better understand the Simplon business and the work that goes into each bike,” according to Vollbach.

It is now hoped that a capacity to produce 20,000 bikes annually by 2019 will be realised. At present, the business is estimated to be producing by volume 40% electric bikes, 30% urban bikes and the remainder performance road and mountain bikes.

The Simpl
The Simplon Pride, the firm’s new aero competition bike, due for September delivery to dealers. Pic @ Kevin Burton