Mokumono Bikes, a new Dutch bicycle brand, has launched a Kickstarter campaign to finance the production of its innovative bicycle frames in the Netherlands. Mokumono was hoping to raise €90,000 on the New York-based crowdfunding platform in a 30-day campaign ending May 20, but as of last Friday, the Amsterdam-based company had already attracted funds of €91,020 from 83 backers. Those who pledge at least €1,150 will receive a Mokumono bicycle next November.
Mokumono was conceptualized over two years ago as the graduation project of Bob Schiller at the Design Academy of Einhoven. Today, he is the head of design while his twin brother, Tom Schiller, is responsible for the supply chain and production at Mokumono. Mokumono will partner with Witte van Moort, a family business in the Dutch town of Vriezeveen to manufacture the bicycle frames.
Mokumono bicycle frames consist of two aluminum sheets pressed into a form and laser-welded together. The innovative design, adapted from car production techniques, allows for almost full automation in the production process, thus significantly lowering labor costs and making it more feasible to manufacture bicycles in the Netherlands instead of in Southeast Asia. Producing locally will also allow Mokumono to better monitor the production process and to cut delivery lead time.
This trend of shifting bicycle manufacturing back to Europe echoes discussions at the Taipei International Cycle Show last month. According to Jeroen Snijders Blok, chief operating officer at Accell Group, bicycle companies are increasingly investing in production in Europe to create more flexible supply chains. Major players tapping into the trend include Accell Group, Pon Bicycle Group, Orbea and Z.E.G.
