Though many things were the same when the first Sugoi Fall 06 Prebook order left the Distribution Center on June 9th-near 100% fill, on-time delivery-one crucial detail was very different: the origin address on the box. This order shipped from Bedford, Pennsylvania.

Sugoi has spent several months duplicating its Vancouver distribution model within parent Cannondale’s Bedford facility in order to offer US accounts even better and more consistent service.

“We not only removed an international border,” said Sugoi’s Project Leader Tony Reznick, “but in analysing and duplicating our existing processes, we were able to make some key operational refinements which have been implemented throughout Sugoi.”

While Sugoi’s Design, Sales and Marketing departments all remain in Vancouver, British Columbia, along with the Distribution Centres for Canada and Europe, this new facility will help overcome the shipping difficulties which all Canadian-based manufacturers have faced since 9/11.

“A Distribution Centre in the US has been in Sugoi’s strategic discussions for years,” said President Stan Mavis, “and we’re seeing the benefits of having a US-based partner with the operational capacities and willingness to help us implement it.”

According to Mavis, the opening of the US Distribution Centre is just the latest of a series of steps in Sugoi’s pursuit of closer relationships with its customers: “Along with the DC, we added our first European-based Sugoi Sales Manager. Each of these developments positions us for growth the Sugoi way-by backing up our incredible products with great, responsive service.”