Manufacturing strength as the foundation for a sustainable future

This week, we had the opportunity to visit a drivetrain components manufacturer’s brand-new facility in Asia, a visit that reminded us why manufacturing excellence is at the heart of meaningful business development.

Over the years, we’ve toured countless factories across the globe, but few have left such a strong impression. A strong vertically integrated approach, from raw materials to finished product, demonstrates not only operational control but a deep commitment to quality and innovation. What stood out most was the entrepreneurial spirit, the cohesive team culture and a clear focus on delivering real value to the customer.

In international business, manufacturing is often overlooked in favor of flashy branding or rapid growth strategies. But the truth is: a strong manufacturing foothold is the bedrock of long-term success. It enables agility, ensures quality, and supports innovation at scale. In the case of drivetrain systems, where the market is dominated by a few players and innovation has slowed, companies with a strong manufacturing fundament and a strong entrepreneurial spirit are essential to driving change.

Despite lingering stereotypes around “Made in China,” the reality is that Asia holds the highest level of expertise in drivetrain production today. Recognizing and embracing this is key to building a cleaner, more efficient future for mobility. The commitment to continuous improvement and challenging the status quo is exactly what the cycling world needs.