TIME Bicycles Announces Largest Carbon Fiber Bike Factory U.S.
Love to see it!
TIME Bicycles (“TIME”) is building the nation’s largest carbon fiber bicycle factory in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. This new facility will extend the capabilities of TIME’s European factory and produce industry leading carbon fiber bicycles and componentry using TIME’s proprietary Resin Transfer Molding technology in conjunction with Clemson University, Krauss Maffei and The SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance.
TIME is one of Europe’s most prestigious cycling brands. Founded in France by Roland Cattin in 1987, TIME pioneered carbon fiber technology in professional cycling. TIME Bicycles have won Olympic gold, multiple world championships, Paris Roubaix and numerous stages of the Tour de France.
“After 2 years of planning, we are thrilled to announce Spartanburg County, South Carolina as the TIME USA factory location,” said CEO of TIME Bicycles Tony Karklins. “The infrastructure that exists within this region for advanced manufacturing is unrivaled, as is its supply chain connectivity to Europe. Through our collaboration with Clemson University, Krauss Maffei and The SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance, we look to advance TIME’s proprietary RTM technologies and produce the most advanced carbon fiber bicycles in the industry.”
“The scale and location of this new facility unlocks partnership opportunities across the bicycle industry; we see this project as a key building block for the growth of US bicycle manufacturing, assembly, and distribution.” said TJ Karklins, CFO of TIME Bicycles and Cardinal Cycling Group.
TIME’s recently acquired 140,000 square foot factory sits on 30 acres of land located at 19810 Asheville Hwy in Landrum, South Carolina. The property is located just outside of downtown Landrum on the recently announced Saluda Grade Trail connecting Inman, SC to Flat Rock, NC. “With the strong cycling culture in the Upstate of SC, the proximity to the mountains and now the Saluda Grade Trail, this area is a cycling paradise,” says Karklins.
TIME Bicycles is a subsidiary of Arkansas based Cardinal Cycling Group (CCG). Founded in 2020 with a mission to grow bicycle manufacturing in Europe and the USA, Cardinal Cycling Group also owns and operates Detroit Bikes, the nation’s largest steel bicycle factory located in Detroit, Michigan.
QUOTES:
“It’s always exciting when a renowned company such as TIME Bicycles decide to invest in our state. TIME Bicycles’ new $6.5 million investment will provide countless opportunities for citizens. Congratulations to TIME Bicycles on making history in South Carolina.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“South Carolina’s robust advanced manufacturing and innovation attracts world-class companies like TIME Bicycles that understand the power of doing business here. Congratulations to TIME Bicycles on its significant investment, and we look forward to developing a strong partnership.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“TIME Bicycles is a world-renowned brand with a deep Tour de France heritage that raises the profile of the developing cycling industry in South Carolina. The innovative company is developing and implementing advanced manufacturing processes to continually raise the bar and is an incredible fit with South Carolina’s textile heritage and bright advanced manufacturing future. SCRA is thankful to have partnered with the South Carolina Department of Commerce, One Spartanburg, the Clemson Composite Center, and many community leaders and suppliers to successfully recruit TIME Bicycles.” – Cole Dudley, S.C. Research Authority Director of Industry Solutions
“We are thrilled to welcome TIME Bicycles’ high-end bicycle manufacturing to Spartanburg County’s ever-growing advanced technology corporate family. TIME is a globally known brand, and they’re bringing some serious technology to their Landrum facility. Along with the impact of the investment and jobs, this will surely put Spartanburg on the global map for cycling. Many thanks to all of our partners – PAL, CUICAR, SCRA, SC Fraunhofer USA – for helping us roll out the red carpet for TIME Bicycles.” -Spartanburg County Councilman and EDC Chairman David Britt
“Having TIME Bicycles build their North American factory in Spartanburg County is a tremendous win as we seek to create a community that supports safe, accessible and convenient recreation for users of all ability levels, including those elite riders that someone like TIME works with. TIME’s presence helps put Spartanburg County on the map among top cyclists from around the world. PAL: Play. Advocate. Live Well. is thrilled that TIME will be locating along the future Saluda Grade Trail, which will be a major tourism and recreation destination. And, in case there is any question, this is another example of how trails drive economic development from small to international businesses. What a win for Spartanburg!” -Laura Ringo, Executive Director, PAL: Play. Advocate. Live Well.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for Landrum. Biking enthusiasts from around the world will come to Landrum to visit and enjoy riding in some of the most beautiful areas anywhere. TIME Bicycles’ proximity to the future Saluda Grade Rail Trail was also a major factor in the decision, and we’re grateful for our fortunate geography. When completed, the 31-mile walking and biking path will provide a vehicular free riding experience. This announcement will further Landrum’s culture of live, work and play, and add to the quality of life for our city.” – Landrum Mayor Bob Briggs
“We are thrilled that the SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance will enable TIME Bicycles to begin revolutionizing the cycling industry upon their arrival in the state. Known for pushing the advanced technology envelope, TIME has found just what they needed in our state’s technical applied research expertise and advanced composite materials suppliers, making it the perfect example of the advanced circular economy.” -SC Council on Competitiveness President and CEO Susie Shannon
“Time Bicycles is a company built on making the best bikes in the world by utilizing innovation, technology, and design. They are constantly pushed by the challenge of constant improvement in mobility, and we are so proud that they have chosen Spartanburg County and the Upstate for their newest facility.” -John Lummus, President/CEO, Upstate SC Alliance
