Strategic cooperation: Corratec to produce selected Simplon bikes in Romania from 2026

In future, Simplon will have selected models assembled at the Corratec factory in Timisoara, Romania. The production facility has been operated by the German parent company iko Sportartikel Handels GmbH since 2022. Simplon was after a Insolvency application was fully acquired by SOL Capital Management in February 2025. SOL Capital Management GmbH, based in Vienna, uses its funds to support companies with succession solutions and restructuring. The new CEO and co-investor is Christoph Mannel. He had worked at Takeover promised that the new money would "secure both the production site in Austria and 140 jobs." The latter seems to be proving more difficult than expected. In the meantime, further job cuts have been announced at Simplon in Austria. "The economically necessary basic capacity utilisation of the additional production line in Romania nevertheless necessitates restructuring at the main plant in Hard," according to a SOL press release. It has been announced that one fifth of the 110 remaining jobs will be cut.

>> Test Simplon Pavo IV: Race all-rounder with carbon frame from Portugal

>> Simplon gravel bike with TQ-HPR60 motor: Simplon GRID :eLight: for touring & everyday use

>> Two beauties from Vorarlberg: Simplon presents marathon bike and gravel bike

Corratec expands production in Romania

The Corratec plant in Timișoara now employs almost 200 skilled workers and is one of the most modern bicycle production facilities in Eastern Europe. E-bikes, gravel, road and mountain bike models are produced here for the entire European market. The cooperation with Simplon will further increase the site's capacity utilisation. "We are delighted with the trust that Simplon has placed in us with this collaboration," emphasise Cielo and Konrad Irlbacher, CEOs of Corratec. "Our goal with Timișoara is to operate a flexible, modern and sustainable production site in Europe that not only strengthens our brand, but also opens up new perspectives for other manufacturers."

Simplon bikes still mainly from Austria

However, the new owner has promised to continue assembling the majority of the bikes at the headquarters in Vorarlberg. "By setting up a second production facility, the traditional brand is securing its location in Vorarlberg for the long term," explained CEO Christoph Mannel in a press release. The technological and creative centrepiece will remain in Vorarlberg, where "a considerable proportion of the total volume of bicycles, especially the individually configured custom bikes, are manufactured". Simplon has been producing bicycles in Hard in Vorarlberg since 1961. The start of the new production line in Romania has been announced for 2026.