BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
The ‘Five minutes with’ series presents a company with five short, sharp and to-the-point questions about who they are and what they do. This week we’re joined by Ellis Blackman of Fibrax.
Can you tell us the history of the company?
Apparently, anything over 100 years old is an antique, Fibrax are well over 100 years old and we are far from an antique. We prefer to think of ourselves as super experienced!
Founded in 1902 Fibrax had modest beginnings but quickly grew into a major force in braking technology for motorcycles and bicycles.
We have remained faithful to our traditional products but have always kept pace with new developments, even being instrumental in new advances in braking technology along the way.
What are you ultimately trying to achieve?
Our aim is to continue for another 100 years, improving all the time.
What gives you an edge over other brands in the industry?
We have a duty of care regarding the history of Fibrax at the same time we are pushing ahead in a very competitive market. As one of the few cycle parts manufacturers left in the UK. We are determined not to go the way of our former UK competitors. Ironically our British Made credentials are a badge of honour and are now highly thought of around the cycling world. Our success is due mainly in our advances in quality, reliability and the performance of our parts and not just the kudos of British engineering.
Fibrax are also a major provider of rubber & plastic parts for the automotive industry, our adoption of ISO and 6 Sigma standards have greatly improved our quality, we have no small pride in our success despite the Eastern manufacturing giant’s influence. Even our closest competitors are respectful of what our brand stands for in the cycling industry.
What innovations in the industry are exciting you at the moment?
Some of the advances in new materials and ideas for cyclists safety are very exciting. Especially “be seen” clothing and lighting. When you think about it all of our products are safety related brake pads/discs, cables and even our brake cleaner are all about keeping the cyclist safe.
What does the future hold for the company?
The future…. We are going to get better, we have the history, experience, the right people and a strong team ethic. Watch out for our new and exciting products soon.
