The new SRAM megafactory in Portugal will manufacture its entire catalog for Europe

SRAM has announced one of the most significant industrial investments in its recent history with the construction of a new production plant in Coimbra (Portugal) that will allow it to manufacture practically its entire range of bicycle components in Europe. The facility, which is expected to open in 2028, is part of a strategy to bring production closer to the European market, reduce dependence on Asia, and streamline supply to both bicycle manufacturers and the spare parts market.

SRAM strengthens its commitment to Europe: it will build a large factory in Portugal capable of manufacturing its entire range of components

According to information provided by Bicycleretailer, the new factory will cover an area of approximately 25,000 square meters and will create more than 500 new jobs. This figure will be added to the nearly 300 employees that SRAM currently has in Coimbra, where it has been manufacturing chains for decades and also assembles TIME pedals and Zipp wheels.

SRAM will be able to produce more than 7,500 references in its new plant in Coimbra

The significant leap that this project represents is that the future facility will be equipped to produce the entire SRAM catalog, which consists of more than 7,500 references including drivetrains, brakes, suspensions, controls, electronic components, and other products.

Until now, a large part of the brand's production depended on Asian facilities, especially in Taiwan. With this new plant, SRAM aims to bring manufacturing closer to its European customers and significantly reduce logistical movements between continents.

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According to the company, the strategy will allow for reduced delivery times, simplified operations with bicycle manufacturers, decreased emissions associated with transportation, and improved daily collaboration with European brands.

Additionally, SRAM emphasizes that the new factory will strengthen the security of its global supply chain and facilitate the rapid industrialization of new products and technologies, especially in areas such as drivetrains, brakes, and suspensions.

A strategic investment for the future of the brand

SRAM's CEO, Ken Lousberg, described the project as a key step for the company's growth:

“The Coimbra facility represents an important strategic step for SRAM. Expanding our industrial presence in Europe allows us to work more closely with our OEM partners and the spare parts market, improve our sustainability, and operate with greater speed and resilience within our global network.”

For her part, the General Director of SRAM Portugal, Isabel Gomes, highlighted the importance of the announcement for the local team:

“This is a moment of pride for everyone at SRAM Portugal. A second facility here confirms what our team has built over decades and means that European cyclists will receive more SRAM products more quickly, maintaining the quality standards they expect from the brand.”

The new plant will be gradually commissioned. SRAM expects to start operations in 2028 and gradually increase production capacity until it reaches full performance in 2032.

The company has also confirmed that the current facilities in Coimbra will continue to operate normally. The manufacturing of SRAM chains and the assembly of TIME pedals and Zipp wheels will remain at their current locations.

Coimbra, one of the major industrial hubs of European cycling

The choice of Coimbra is not coincidental. The Portuguese region has established itself in recent years as one of the main industrial centers of the European cycling sector, to the point of being known as the “Bike Valley” of Portugal.

About 60 companies related to the bicycle industry operate in this area, providing a wide network of suppliers, technical knowledge, and specialized labor. Indeed, SRAM has indicated that it will collaborate with local institutions to promote worker training and strengthen its integration into the community.