LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (BRAIN) — HIA Velo, the owner and manufacturer of Allied Cycle Works, has brought on a chief operating officer, who is also a partner, and opened its first two European distributors for Allied frames and bikes.
New COO Paul Jarrell is an avid cyclist who has many years of leadership in large multinational manufacturing companies, the company said.
"Creating a high performance, high quality product here in the U.S. that changes an industry dynamic is an attractive proposition and I am very excited to be a part of making it happen," said Jarrell.
Tony Karklins, HIA Velo's founder and managing director, said, "When we launched the Allied Cycle Works brand in January of this year, we were thrilled with the response and flooded with interest, opportunities and orders. Going from zero to sold out in 30 days, can certainly create some operational challenges."
Allied Cycle Works also announced its first two European distributors, Jens Snedker in Scandinavia and The Bike Chain in the UK.
"Our goal was to find seasoned industry veterans that embrace the change in the cycling industry and can help craft a sustainable blend of traditional and direct to consumer sales," said Karklin.
Jens Snedker will represent Allied in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland.
"Jens spent 20 years in top management of Trek in Denmark. His knowledge of the market and of representing great American brands makes him a perfect fit," said Karklins.
Snedker said, "After my first conversations with Tony Karklins about the bicycle industry, it was quite clear that I was dealing with a person and a company with ambitions to produce best-in-class carbon fiber frames in USA, but also a company ready for the many new opportunities that lie ahead of the bicycle Industry. So after more than 20 years of leadership at Trek Denmark, I am proud to be part of the future together with Allied Cycle Works and at the same time announce that the first shipments of framesets is on its way from USA to Scandinavia."
The Bicycle Chain is one of the UK's largest retailers. Owners Alex and Paul Kenchington will manage the U.K. market from their three-store chain based in Somerset, South West England.
"Alex and I have a very similar background. We both share a deep passion for the traditional IBD model, but we know that it must evolve in order to exist in the future. We look forward to working together to build a strong presence for Allied Cycle Works in the UK," said Karklins.
Alex Kenchington said, "So few brands have a real story behind them these days. You cannot help but be inspired by Allied's goals and we believe the cyclist and the dealer will want to be a part of the journey. The Allied business model is nimble and gives the market access to an incredible custom product at very competitive prices, delivered quickly, however you want it."
Allied Cycle Works intends to expand into another four to six export markets by the end of 2018, the company said.
