Last week, SRAM announced that it will be building a new full-product manufacturing facility in Coimbra, Portugal, adding to its existing presence in the region. SRAM states that the investment will enhance its ability to better serve its European OEM and aftermarket partners, while also improving sustainability, flexibility, and supply-chain resiliency.(Photos / SRAM)The purpose-built campus will cover 25,000 square meters (270,000 square feet), bringing SRAMs complete manufacturing operations to Europe. This includes assembly, testing, and quality control. The facility will support production of SRAMs entire component line of more than 7,500 individual parts. The new facility puts manufacturing closer to European OEM and aftermarket partners.The Coimbra facility represents a major strategic step for SRAM, said SRAM 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.Roots in PortugalSRAM already has roots in Portugal. Their current Coimbra facility is the companys only global manufacturing site for bicycle chains, producing millions of units each year. The campus also handles Zipp wheels and TIME Sport pedal operations, while employing over 300 people. The new facility will operate separately, with the chain, pedal, and wheel assembly staying in their existing locations.SRAM says that one of the main drivers behind the expansion is supply chain efficiency. They say that by shifting more production to Europe, they will reduce long-distance freight between Taiwan and Europe. This greatly shortens lead times, cuts logistics-related emissions, and simplifies day-to-day coordination with bicycle manufacturers across the EU. Having a second full-product facility could also add resilience to SRAMs global production network, while the vertically integrated design is built to support scaling of drivetrain, brake, and suspension product lines.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 standardstheyvecome to expect.Wereready to deliver on that, said Isabel Gomes, SRAM Portugal General Manager.The project is expected to create more than 500 jobs in manufacturing, engineering, quality, and operations. SRAM plans to work with local institutions on workforce development. Phased operations are set to begin in 2028, with production capacity continuing to ramp through 2032.SRAM.comThe post SRAM to Build New, Full Manufacturing Plant in Portugal to Expand European Reach appeared first on Bikerumor.