BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (BRAIN) — Quality Bicycle Products, which opened a Taiwan office called Q-Taiwan last year, is now working with its suppliers directly instead of through a trading company there.
QBP opened the office with the intent of establishing its own testing program and quality control and improving relationships with its suppliers.
QBP vice president Rich Tauer said, "Controlling our supply chain will affect how quickly products can be developed. We're now in Taichung, the center of the high-end bicycle universe, and by working with our suppliers directly we expect to be quicker to market, and more price competitive."
QBP was previously using a traditional trading company for its brands.
"They did a phenomenal job for us helping to make our brands as successful as they are," Tauer said.
QBP's president, Steve Flagg, and Tauer recently visited Taiwan and discussed the transition in April.
"This is happening over time. The previous trading company will continue to help us deliver all model year '16 products, but we're taking on all product development from here."
Q-Taiwan's general manager, Scott Thayer, will be extending his stay to help build the infrastructure and hire employees to accomplish and support the new initiative.
