Klein to move into Trek factory

The move is said to be "part of an overall Klein strategy to: 1) make the product line more competitive; 2) reduce lead times to better serve customers; and 3) prepare for an exciting 2003 product line manufactured in Waterloo."

While the move will mean a change of scenery, the characteristics that distinguish Klein’s road and mountain line of bicycles, such as superior welds, internal cable routing and top-notch paint schemes, will remain, said a Klein press statement.

All Chehalis-based Klein employees will be offered similar positions with Trek while Klein founder and CEO Gary Klein will continue his duties of prototype development.

Klein Bicycle Corporation, founded in 1975 by Gary Klein, began as a small custom frame building operation in Northern California.