Video: Inside the Hope Tech Factory

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New film takes a tour behind the scenes of bicycle component manufacturer Hope Technology  – always a fascinating peek behind the scenes of an iconic brand.

We had our own peep around the Hope Factory back in 2019, so it’s interesting to see what has – and hasn’t – changed in there.

Hope Tech press release:

A world leader in its field, Hope Technology has become synonymous with cutting-edge development in a fast-paced industry where evolution is key.

Founded in 1989 by motorcycle trials fanatics Ian Weatherill and Simon Sharp who worked together at Rolls Royce Aerospace before starting up on their own, Hope was an early pioneer of disc brakes for mountain bikes. Now, three-and-a-half decades later, it manufactures everything from hubs to headsets and brakes to bottom brackets, stems and lights with around half of all production exported to over forty countries. 

Over the past few years brands have begun to talk about reshoring and ‘local’ manufacturing to improve their sustainability, but Hope don’t need to reshore as it has never offshored. Hope have always believed in local manufacturing which has allowed it to operate a true just in time manufacturing system. Brakes machined in the morning can be anodised in the afternoon and shipped out to retailers before the end of the day. 

Similarities can be drawn from the unique way Hope look at integration, most brands confine the vertical integration of processes to their sales channel. Hope looks at the integration from the manufacturing side with virtually all processes in house in Barnoldswick. Raw materials are delivered into the factory and boxed finished goods are sent out direct to dealers throughout the UK and Europe. 

This new film offers a glimpse behind the doors of Hope’s HQ, tucked away in the town of Barnoldswick in a rural corner of East Lancashire. You’ll get to meet the team behind the proudly UK-based, privately-owned manufacturer, see the process from drawing board to finished product and get a feel for the pure passion powering the constant innovation. 

Ian Weatherill, co-founder and managing director, said: “It’s over 30 years now of manufacturing bike parts. We’re all very passionate about what we do – almost everyone here rides – and in this day and age we’re proud to be able to say that virtually all Hope products are designed and manufactured in the UK. Hopefully, this film gives an insight into what makes us tick and what drives the ongoing process of innovation.” 

hopetech.com

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Orange Switch 6er. Stif Squatcher. Schwalbe Magic Mary Purple Addix front. Maxxis DHR II 3C MaxxTerra rear. Coil fan. Ebikes are not evil. I have been a writer for nigh on 20 years, a photographer for 25 years and a mountain biker for 30 years. I have written countless magazine and website features and route guides for the UK mountain bike press, most notably for the esteemed and highly regarded Singletrackworld. Although I am a Lancastrian, I freely admit that West Yorkshire is my favourite place to ride. Rarely a week goes by without me riding and exploring the South Pennines.

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