FORT COLLINS, Colo. (BRAIN) — Niner Bicycles is investing in enhanced operational capabilities to provide partially assembled bikes to its U.S. dealers. The company also announced that it is expanding its global operations with a new facility in the Netherlands to make bikes and frames more readily available internationally.
"Niner continues to strengthen its support for our IBD and distributor network," said Chris Sugai, Niner's president. "We're excited to simultaneously expand our footprint in Europe and to provide increased service to our dealers in the USA," he added.
Starting in mid-August, Niner will perform 50 percent assembly of bicycles in their Fort Collins facility before shipping to retailers. This in-house effort will reduce overhead labor costs for Niner dealers and streamline the time to floor. Assembly specifics will vary by model, but generally include bottom bracket and crank installation, pressing headsets and installing crown races, routing dropper post housing, mounting brakes, shifters, and grips to the handlebar, and installing tires, rotors, and the cassette on the wheels. Niner bikes will continue to be built and shipped on-demand as ordered by dealers, and the company said it is not raising prices or increasing shipping costs for model year 2019.
"This initiative should allow dealers to get our bikes ride-ready and out to the floor or customer in half the time," said Scott Lampe, Niner's director of operations. "We understand the time it takes to complete a full, frame-up build and the opportunity cost of a mechanic's time and labor. We are excited to offer this added value, for both new and existing dealers."
The logistics center in the Netherlands, near the German border, will serve distributors and dealers in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa). The first cargo is in transit and sales are planned to start in August with a targeted selection of products.
Niner also will support its IBD network in Germany and Austria with dedicated, in-market sales personnel. The new logistics center will support our existing distributors with faster shipping and reduced costs. Niner also looking to expand with direct sales in France and soon to be added distributors in Norway and Switzerland.
"Today's market demands superior service for distributors, dealers, and riders," said Jeff Young, Niner's global vice president of sales. "With this effort, we aim to improve speed-to-market, and create consistent, global value for our brand with better margins for dealers, while delivering Niner's brand story and service level to riders internationally."
For domestic retailer questions and sales inquiries, contact Young at Jeff.Y@ninerbikes.com.
For sales support in Germany and Austria, Niner has hired Matthias DePauw, who can be reached at Matthias@ninerbikes.com.
International sales manager Brian Mazanti continues to support European distributors. He can be reached at Brian.M@ninerbikes.com for distributor inquiries.
