While many companies have been investing heavily in Vietnam lately, SRAM is doubling down on Taiwan as the heart of its industrial operations. The components and parts maker has just announced the construction of a new factory that is set to become operational by 2024.
Founded over 37 years ago as Gripshift, a maker of twist shift levers for triathletes, SRAM has become one of the most important players in cycling’s OE business. Through the consecutive acquisitions of the cycling division of Sachs, Rock Shox, Truvativ, Zipp and others, SRAM has become a one stop-shop for components and parts. The corporation has grown to 4000 employees, with two-thirds of them stationed in Taiwan’s Taichung area. SRAM operates three factories in various locations, owning some facilities and renting others.
With the construction of a new multi-story factory in Taichung’s Tanzi district, SRAM wants to improve in terms of efficiency, productivity and quality by putting all of its production under one roof. The new facility, scheduled to become operational by 2024, is aimed at increasing the company’s competitiveness while reducing its eco footprint. SRAM also stresses that based on its 30-year history of production in the Taichung area it wants to strengthen its connection to the local bike community and continue efforts toward economic growth in the region. “I am very pleased we are making this investment,” said SRAM’s founder and board chairman Stan Day. He added, “The people here are extraordinary, and they represent such an integral part of the cycling industry’s supply chain. We are excited to expand our capabilities in Taiwan as it’s a very productive and quality-driven location to manufacture our product lines.”