ALMELO, Netherlands (BRAIN) — Pon.Bike announced Thursday the closing of Cannondale's facility here at the end of next year, with production of the brand moving to its three other European factories.
Bike production will be transferred to other facilities gradually, and Pon said there will be no delays to dealers, and new models will be produced as planned. The Almelo facility is set up as an exclusive Cannondale production site that was acquired from Dorel in 2022. According to Pon, it is not able to adapt "to Pon.Bike's further development towards an integrated multi- brand production network."
In addition to Cannondale, Pon owns Gazelle, Focus, Kalkhoff, Veloretti, Cervélo, Santa Cruz and Urban Arrow brands.
Last year, Pon announced an integrated mulit-brand approach with sales, marketing, and production working closely, a strategy the company said will allow retail partners to benefit from the brand's portfolio. In April, CEO Janus Smalbraak left Pon and was replaced by Christian Dahlheim.
Upon assuming Pon leadership, Dahlheim noted then that economic uncertainty will continue in 2026. "Automotive and bike market conditions are not expected to improve during the year, therefore our ongoing programs to improve efficiency and leveraging the power of our brand portfolio and global presence are of utmost importance. This strengthens our ability to invest in innovation, market positions, partnerships and future growth."
Pon's factory in Dieren, Netherlands, is home of Gazelle and can produce other brands and models, according to Pon. The Emstek, Germany, factory is the group's most versatile multi-brand facility, Pon said, producing comfort, performance e-bikes, and road bikes. The Kėdainiai, Lithuania, factory is the newest site, equipped to produce Pon's full portfolio, according to Pon, which added these locations offer the capacity and facilities to fulfil its production volume even as demand grows.
According to Pon, an 18-month transition period has been set up for Almelo facility employees "with a strong focus on guidance, redeployment and support. ..."
