Baltensperger und Partner AG has set a new course for its Kristall bike brand for the 2017 season. The most important bikes and e-bikes in the current range have recently been painted and assembled in-house. With this step, the family business from Kleindöttingen, founded in 1945, is moving even closer to its customers. "In recent years, we have already been offering individually built bikes and e-bikes from a European partner. This has been so well received by cyclists and dealers that we have decided to focus even more on the advantages of flexible production according to customer requirements in future," says Dölf Baltensperger, Managing Director of Baltensperger und Partner AG.

Velos made to order within four weeks

In recent months, the company has set up its own production facility in the canton of Aargau for the assembly of trekking bikes, everyday electric bikes and mountain bikes with and without additional electric drive. Currently, 60 percent of Kristall's product range is produced there. Each frame is powder-coated in an environmentally friendly way in the color of the customer's choice and then individually assembled by hand into a complete bike. Because assembly takes place close to the customer, it takes a maximum of four weeks from the time the order is placed by the specialist dealer to delivery.

The Swiss assembly by Kristall benefits cyclists and e-bikers, but also the specialist dealer, emphasizes Dölf Baltensperger: "Anyone who buys a bike or e-bike from Kristall receives a high-quality, tailor-made bike that was developed and assembled here with a short waiting time. This supports local industry and secures local jobs. Specialist retailers benefit from a diverse range of products from a brand with history and character, allowing them to respond flexibly to the needs of their customers without the pressure of pre-ordering. This gives them the opportunity to differentiate themselves and their business from the major distributors."

Preparations underway for 2018

Baltensperger und Partner AG's Swiss assembly facility will be expanded from late summer and brought together under one roof with the materials warehouse. This will further simplify and accelerate the production processes. From August, the bicycle manufacturer will be able to assemble 80 percent of its range in Switzerland. Ten people will then work in production and quality assurance at Kristall. This is with a view to the 2018 season, in which Kristall will further expand its range in the e-bike segment. New e-bikes developed together with the Swiss drive supplier Go SwissDrive will be added to the range next year.

www.kristallvelo.ch