Chicago-based bike parts manufacturer SRAM reported plans to build a new, full‑product manufacturing facility in Coimbra, Portugal, expanding the company’s global manufacturing footprint and deepening its long‑term commitment to Europe.
SRAM said the 25,000-square-meter factory, slated to open in 2028 and be fully operational by 2032, will “bring SRAM’s full manufacturing capability to Europe, including assembly, testing and comprehensive quality operations, enabling local production of SRAM’s component portfolio, covering over 7,500 parts”.
SRAM also said, “reducing the number of long‑distance freight lanes from its factories in Taiwan and Europe will significantly reduce logistics emissions, shorten lead times, simplify OEM operations, and improve day‑to‑day collaboration with bicycle manufacturers.” The addition of a second full‑product facility “strengthens global production and supply‑chain security, while the vertically integrated design supports rapid scaling and deployment of new and inline drivetrain, brake, and suspension technologies, SRAM continued.
“The Coimbra facility represents a major strategic step for SRAM,” said the company’s CEO, Ken Lousberg. “Expanding our manufacturing footprint in Europe allows us to work more closely with our European OEM and AM partners, improve sustainability, and operate with greater speed and resilience across our global network.”
The investment is expected to create more than 500 jobs across manufacturing, engineering, quality, and operations.
“This is a proud moment for everyone at SRAM Portugal. A second facility here confirms what our team has built over decades — and it means European riders will get more SRAM products faster, with the same quality standards they’ve come to expect. We’re ready to deliver on that,” said Isabel Gomes, SRAM Portugal general manager.
SRAM’s Coimbra, Portugal, facility is the company’s sole global manufacturing site for bicycle chains. The campus also houses operations for Zipp wheels and Time Sport pedals, employing over 300 people. SRAM chain, Time pedals, and Zipp wheel assembly will remain in their current separate Coimbra facilities.
Image courtesy SRAM
