IN BRIEF
SRAM is to build a new manufacturing plant in Coimbra, Portugal, capable of producing its entire component range — more than 7,500 part numbers. The 25,000 m² site is meant to bring production closer to European brands and cyclists, while cutting freight from Taiwan. More than 500 jobs are expected, with a gradual start-up in 2028 and a ramp-up running through to 2032.
| Location | Coimbra, Portugal |
| Floor area | 25,000 m² (270,000 sq ft) |
| Production | SRAM’s full range, i.e. more than 7,500 part numbers |
| Jobs created | More than 500 |
| Timeline | Gradual start-up in 2028, full capacity targeted for 2032 |
If your bike runs a SRAM chain, it already comes from a small city in central Portugal. Coimbra is where the American component maker builds all of its bicycle chains, and it is there that it has decided to think bigger: SRAM is to construct a plant able to produce its entire component range, from assembly through to quality control.
Coimbra, already the home of SRAM chains
SRAM is not moving into unfamiliar territory. Its current Coimbra plant is the only site in the world where the brand manufactures its bicycle chains, to the tune of several million units a year. The same campus also assembles Zipp wheels and TIME Sport pedals, and employs more than 300 people.
The new plant will operate separately. Chain, pedal and wheel assembly will stay in the existing workshops; the new building is aiming far wider.
One plant for the whole range
The future campus will cover 25,000 square metres and will bring together, for the first time in Europe, all of SRAM’s manufacturing operations: assembly, testing and quality control. It is designed to produce the entire catalogue, that is more than 7,500 different parts. Conceived as a vertically integrated factory, it is built to absorb rising demand for drivetrains, brakes and suspension.
The Coimbra plant represents a major strategic step for SRAM. Expanding our manufacturing presence in Europe lets us work more closely with our European partners — bike manufacturers as well as the aftermarket — improve our sustainability, and gain speed and resilience across our entire global network.
Ken Lousberg, CEO of SRAM
Less freight between Taiwan and Europe
Why Portugal? SRAM points to logistical efficiency. By producing more in Europe, the company reduces long-distance freight between Taiwan and the continent. The upshot: shorter lead times, fewer transport-related emissions and simpler coordination with bike manufacturers in the European Union.
Having a second full-scale site also strengthens the resilience of SRAM’s global production network: two plants able to make everything limit dependence on a single link in the chain.
More than 500 jobs, first production in 2028
The project is expected to create more than 500 jobs in manufacturing, engineering, quality and operations, along with a training programme run alongside local institutions.
This is a proud moment for the whole SRAM Portugal team. A second plant here confirms what we have built over the decades. And it means European cyclists will get more SRAM products, faster, with the level of quality they know. We are ready to deliver on that promise.
Isabel Gomes, General Manager of SRAM Portugal
The first lines will come out of the plant in stages from 2028, with production capacity continuing to climb through to 2032.
