The Upstate cycling manufacturing industry has reached a new gear.
Munich Composites GmbH, a manufacturer of carbon fiber bicycle rims, has been acquired by a new group in South Carolina headed by Greenville-based wheel manufacturer Boyd Cycling, according to a news release.
This new company, Munich Composites SC, will continue to produce carbon fiber bicycle rims in Europe and expand production into Spartanburg County, the release stated.
The South Carolina-based ownership group is led by Boyd and Nicole Johnson of Boyd Cycling as well as Cardinal Cycling Group, and other investors. Munich Composites’ state-of-the-art South carolina factory will be located in Landrum in collaboration with Clemson University, Cardinal Cycling Group and the SC Fraunhofer Alliance.
Related: Boyd Cycling to open new Greenville manufacturing facility
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“Our goal is to provide a competitive solution to cycling brands for high performance, domestically produced, carbon fiber rims on both sides of the Atlantic and at very competitive pricing as compared to landed cost pricing from Asia,” said Boyd Johnson, co-founder of Boyd Cycling, in the release.
Munich Composites SC will expand European production to serve existing and new customers in the European market, the release stated. The company’s Spartanburg County facility will bring its patented braided carbon fiber rim manufacturing process and products to North America.
The investment totals nearly $2 million and 32 new jobs. Both facilities will be operational by mid-summer 2024.
“The Upstate of South Carolina is quickly becoming a center for advanced carbon fiber manufacturing and Munich Composites is an excellent addition to the cycling industry cluster that is developing here,” Tony Karklins, TIME Bicycles/Cardinal Cycling Group, said in the release.
Established in 2013, Munich Composites GmbH has pioneered automated carbon fiber layup by utilizing a unique braided construction combined with resin transfer molding (RTM). The manufacturer’s construction creates a stronger rim by having continuous fiber throughout the entire surface. Compared to labor-intensive carbon construction, a braided rim doesn’t require as much cutting and placing by-hand.
The facility will be located along the Saluda Grade Rail Trail, a 31-mile rail line, formerly owned by Norfolk Southern, that was purchased by a coalition of Conserving Carolina, PAL: Play, Advocate, Live Well. and Upstate Forever, the release stated.
“Spartanburg County has been able to recruit globally-renowned manufacturers for years now, and it’s truly exciting to see our community bring in advanced manufacturing for world-class cycling,” David Britt, Spartanburg County Council vice chairman and Economic Development Committee chairman,” said in the release. “I welcome Munich Composites to Spartanburg County and I’m eager to see the type of success they establish in our community.”
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