Beginning early next year, Cannondale will begin outsourcing the production of its cycling apparel and accessory lines. The move will allow the company to focus its Bedford, Pennsylvania factory exclusively on bicycle manufacturing. Fewer than 50 employees will be affected by the change, and Cannondale hopes to ultimately rehire some of those employees for other positions. The company currently employs more than 400 workers at its Bedford facility, and already outsources production of numerous apparel and accessory items to suppliers in the U.S., Italy and Asia.
The shift comes as Cannondale is investing heavily in improving bicycle manufacturing operations at the factory. “Weve invested over $1,000,000 in factory improvements since May,” explained Larry Sarver, Cannondales Vice President of Manufacturing. “Weve been working closely with outside consultants, weve hired a new Chief Operating Officer, and we remain committed to manufacturing our bicycles here in Bedford.”
Company officials announced the decision to its employees today. “We want to give those workers affected by the change as much advance notice as we can,” explained Sarver. “These people have been wonderful workers, and we want to make this transition as easy for them as possible.”
Cannondale began manufacturing in Bedford in the mid-1970s with a workforce of seven. Today, the company produces more than 75 different bike models at its Bedford factory and exports Cannondale bicycles and framesets to more than 70 countries worldwide.
The company is currently in talks with a number of domestic and foreign contractors regarding apparel and accessory production. “Well be choosing our vendors with great care,” said Sarver. “Our soft goods have a well-deserved reputation for quality and craftsmanship, and we will only work with those vendors who are capable of helping us maintain the highest of standards.”
