A small office. A second, smaller assembly line. And Enrique.

“In here we don’t assemble e-bikes or complete bikes. Here we exclusively build carriers for cargo bikes. That’s our second production line, next to bike assembly,” he explains. “The work mode as well as quality management are all the same: our GBN standard. But because the equipment, fixtures and quantities for carrier assembly are totally different, we’ve set up this separate line.”

Enrique is standing next to a workbench and is pointing to an L-shaped wooden frame that is attached on top of it. “Originally, this frame was designed by our customer as a dimensional accuracy template. Together we refined it to the point of turning it into an assembly fixture for the carriers. We were even able to further secure and speed up the assembly process as part of the development.” He picks up a carrier frame and sets it into the fixture. “I’ll show you, it’s quick.”

Before GBN took charge of the carrier assembly, the client built them in-house. Their special know-how, as well as the knowledge of certain specifications, has been transferred to GBN through mutual visits and joint work. But it’s not over with just a simple one-time transfer. The tools, their use and the processes are continuously developed further in a mutual partnership. “After we knew how to assemble, there was still the question of how to pack. So we developed a packaging concept and standardized it. The customer and our GBN team are a really good fit because we tick alike. Both parties see their job as a constant learning process, as constant development.”

What’s important for the bike production also applies for the carrier production: The accompanying steps have to be carried out just as conscientiously as the assembly itself. Production planning, ordering parts, inventory monitoring, logistics, quality control, customer communication. “My supporting leg is firmly located in this area, while the other leg remains flexible for other things,” Enrique continues.

He worked versatilely and with a deep knowledge and enthusiasm for bicycles even before joining GBN. “I had already been involved with bicycles for quite some time: As a customer consultant for B2C and B2B markets and even before that with a company for the import and distribution of BMX bikes. And way back when I was a teenager, I used to take care of the fleet of bikes for the family of nine I grew up in,” he laughs. “I appreciate my work at GBN being in many ways congruent with the connotations of bicycle: dynamic and versatile, you keep moving and have fun doing it, too.”

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