Wheels are turning for Tamworth cycle parts innovator
A West Midlands cycle parts manufacturer is riding high after unveiling its latest innovation which is helping them take on Far Eastern markets during National Bike Week.
Clarks Cycle Systems, formerly Clarks Cables, of Tamworth, makes braking systems, cables and pads for mountain bikes and supplies to more than 80 countries worldwide and can be found on the shelves of stores such as Halfords and Fishers.
Managing director Tony Wright has overseen the relocation of Clarks from their previous home in Aston to a new head office just outside Tamworth.
The new facility operates alongside offices in Taiwan and China, where the majority of bicycle manufacturers are based.
The Manufacturing Advisory Service West Midlands has helped the company during their transformation, providing specialist support in developing new braking systems.
This includes the new Skeletal hydraulic system which the company hopes will be a hit with original equipment manufacturers in the Far East.
The company was founded in 1943 and was a major supplier to the automotive industry before moving solely into the bicycle industry in the 1990s.
Product designer Paul Toon explained: “Over the last few years Clarks has really worked hard to transform its image and product to make sure we could compete in a global marketplace.
“Manufacturing has changed markedly over the last 20 years and our ethos now is to deliver quality, well-designed products to market at aggressive price-points.
“High-quality design is the one thing we can still do better in this country than anywhere else in the world so that’s really where we’ve refocused our attention in the last two years.
“As a company we are committed to innovation in the development of new product ranges and we are hoping that the Skeletal hydraulic system will be what takes us to the next level.
“There has also been a conscious effort to make the Clarks brand much more appealing to a younger market, especially as we are serving such an extreme sport.
“We are also developing our range of mechanical brakes which we sell mainly to original equipment manufacturers with product testing facilities in this country as well as abroad.
“The help of MAS-WM has been invaluable in enabling us to overcome some of the development challenges in bringing new systems to market much more quickly and cost-effectively.
“With it being National Bike Week, this is the ideal opportunity to celebrate the success and demonstrate that West Midlands companies can continue to lead the world in design and innovation.”
Stewart Donnelly, MAS-WM manufacturing advisor, said: “Clarks’ commitment to innovation and finding new ways to overcome challenges is the key reason for their success as a company.
“Over the last two years, MAS-WM has worked alongside Clarks to support the development of the new systems and it is testament to their foresight, vision and commitment to excellence.”
