From then until 1949, Huffman continued to manufacture and sell bicycles under the “Dayton” brand. Found something you love but want to make it even more uniquely you? In a hectic world of high-tech toys, kept it simple with redesigned cruisers. Our fashionable, fun bikes came to the forefront, reminding people that even the latest app was no comparison to a carefree cruise.
Brunswick Corp., of Lake Forest, last year shifted some production of its Roadmaster brand bicycles from its Olney, Ill., plant to Mexico. Earlier, Brunswick had shuttered its 350-employee Roadmaster plant in Delavan, Wis. Leibowitz said Huffy’s move is a strong indication that the less expensive bicycles are being made overseas, leaving U.S. production to focus on more expensive bikes. The Southaven plant makes frames, wheels and other parts that are shipped to Farmington, where the bicycles are assembled.
Where they had previously held a 30 percent share of the $1.5 billion U.S. market, they saw their profits plummet. 1977– The popularity of the Thunder Trail bike made Huffy the number one producer of bicycles in the United States by 1977 and all of the laid-off workers were called back. Net sales for 1977 were $130 million, a 21 percent increase from the previous year. The company was left holding a historical footnote as the new off-road market took off, missing the majority of bike profits.
For producers of bicycles for the mass market, like Huffy, the biggest issue has been foreign competition. U.S. bikemaking jobs began moving across the Pacific Ocean more than a decade ago as economics and demographics forced the industry to rethink strategy. Huffy itself shuttered its largest production plant, in Celina, Ohio, last year.
The union had tried unsuccessfully in recent years to organize the two plants being shuttered. The No. 1 maker of bicycles in the United States, unable to compete against cheaper models made in China, has decided not to try any longer. Instead, huffy beach cruiser Corp. will join the crowd and have its bikes made in China, too.
Also last year, Sensor Technology Systems Inc. said its move from Beavercreek would result in 120 jobs. The maker of night vision goggles and other electro-optical products for special operations forces, defense forces and law enforcement is consolidating operations at a 50,000 square foot Newmark Drive location. Yeah dude, she’s totally a popular first bicycle for young boys. “Yeah I guess I had a good time on my date the other night, the girl was nice but she gave me a total schwinn spin bike.”
Huffy Transic + is powered by a 350W rear hub motor and a 36V battery with a 25-mile maximum range. The bike has 3 levels of pedal assist, so you can gauge how much help you want to get. This is a lightweight folding e-bike that you can easily carry around, transport in your car trunk, take on a train, or store in a corner of your home. Get the best value on product protection including fast repairs or replacements.
In the ’70s our stylish 10-speed bikes were the perfect complement to any leisure suit. George Huffman saw more than just a fad when a “bicycle craze” swept the nation in 1892. And with that, a simple sewing machine company began shifting its focus entirely to bicycles. Simply install the first wheel, handlebar, seat and pedals, and then adjust the brakes.
To some economists and labor experts, the scenario of manufacturers chasing cheap labor is disturbing. Huffy’s plant in Farmington, Mo., employs 440 people, and 160 work at the plant in Southaven, Miss. It planned to continue making bicycles with partners around the world. S search for a product that could be manufactured during the winter months. The decision to produce lawnmowers was announced in December of 1949. In 1964 Huffman expanded its Outdoor Power Equipment division with the acquisition of Diele & McGuire Manufacturing.
Other acquisitions designed to diversify Huffy’s product line followed. In 1982 the company bought YLC Enterprises, a company specializing in product assembly, and Gerico, the producer of Gerry and Snugli baby products. Six years later, Huffy purchased Washington Inventory Service. In 1990, the company bought True Temper, a manufacturer of lawn and garden tools.