A Mid Wales bike company is preparing to expand its operation by moving into a new factory in Machynlleth and creating several new jobs in the area.
Atherton Bikes is now planning to move into new premises in Treowain, Machynlleth as part of an expansion plan that should create eleven new jobs as the company says it is committed to developing the skillset within the local community.
Founded in 2019 by siblings Dan, Gee and Rachel Atherton, a family with almost 50 mountain biking world cups between them, and is now determined to “put back into the community” according to its CEO.
Dan Brown, CEO Atherton Bikes, said: "To say this brand has been a lifetime in the making is no exaggeration, I built my first bike in 1992 when I was 10 years old.
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“As a long established team, we have all dreamt of pushing bike development as hard as we have pushed riding during 20 years on the international circuit.
“Atherton Bikes sees that dream come true, and with the help of the Welsh Government we’re also putting back into the community that have supported us all the way."
The company specialises in mountain bike production and in its five-year history has already helped to secure the title of UCI 2023 World Downhill Champion for Charlie Hatton and 2024 European Champion for Andi Kolb, both of whom rode Atherton bikes.
The company says the move to a new headquarters will allow them to scale up production of both their high-end carbon and the more affordable aluminium bikes and move key parts of their supply chain to Welsh manufacturers.
The Atherton family also owns the Dyfi Bike Park which attracts hundreds of visitors every week to the Machynlleth area and doubles as a testing ground for new products.
Their planned move and expansion comes after receiving a package of support from the Welsh Government’s Economy Futures Fund.
Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, added: “Atherton Bikes is a true Welsh success story, with Dan, Gee and Rachel really pushing the limits both on and off the biking track.
“The company is a global player, and this support will help expand their reach even further. Having a positive impact on both the company and the wider supply chain, alongside providing new job opportunities in a rural part of Wales.”
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