Supply chain

MONTEREY, Calif. (BRAIN) — The impact of high inventory levels on the specialty channel was felt especially hard last year. But gaining a better grasp on inventory and forecasting is a complicated issue that bike brands feel they are ill-equipped to solve quickly.
FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — Changing consumer behaviors are forcing the European bike industry to take a good look at its supply chain and where it can shorten lead times and respond to market demands and changes more quickly, said Jack Oortwijn, editor of Bike Europe, as he set the stage for a conference addressing the major challenges suppliers face in bringing production back to Europe.
HONG KONG (BRAIN) — From how to implement lean production to how to get product to market faster and increase the value of a product by reducing or repurposing manufacturing waste into new products or revenue streams, the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry’s third annual Manufacturers Forum discussed several challenges manufacturers, brands and retailers face in today’s consumer-driven global marketplace.
HEERENVEEN, the Netherlands (BRAIN) – Accell Group N.V., parent of SBS, Raleigh, Diamondback, Currie and Redline in the U.S. and a slew of European brands, will appoint Jeroen Both to its board of directors as chief supply chain officer. He will be responsible for purchasing, planning and logistics.
By Matt Wiebe
NEWBURY PARK, CA—Over the years, long lead times have changed the industry’s dynamics—and those lead times show no signs of getting shorter.

MADISON, WI (BRAIN)—While Trek had its most successful year in 2010, company president John Burke admitted to retailers that it left a lot of money on the table due to delivery problems.
BY MATT WIEBE
PHILADELPHIA, PA—Cold, wet weather and supply problems took a toll on bike shipments to dealers during the first quarter.