European Business: Azor bike b.v. has been a respected name in the cycling industry for years. Could you share the story behind the company’s founding and key milestones? 

Jan Rijkeboer: Azor bike was founded 27 years ago in partnership with my business partner. In the beginning, we built bicycles ourselves, focusing on quality and durability. The company was officially established in 1997, and since then, we have grown significantly. A major milestone was the development of Bakfiets.nl, which has become an integral part of our company and product range. Over the years, we have built a strong reputation as a reliable partner, known for delivering durable, high-quality bicycles that meet the diverse needs of our customers. 

European Business: How is Azor bike structured today, and what sets your operations apart? 

Jan Rijkeboer: Our headquarter is located in Hogeveen, and we operate on a two-hectare site. Bakfiets.nl is part of our company and plays an important role in our success. We produce between 8,000 and 11,000 bicycles per year, tailored for various needs – from bikes for small and tall people to heavy-duty bicycles and customized solutions for different uses. Our goal is to provide a bike for every problem, ensuring that customers get the perfect solution. We even design models specifically for heavier riders, offering extra stability and durability. Our bicycles are built to last, with a production process capable of handling hundreds of bikes per batch. In total, we have manufactured well over 10 million bicycles, a testament to our quality and market demand. Aesthetics are just as important as functionality, so we focus on designing beautiful bicycles that are also practical.We employ 40 people, including ten with visual impairments, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility. Our annual turnover is 12 million EUR, which we have achieved by maintaining high quality, efficient production processes, and rapid delivery service to our customers.

European Business: The cycling industry is evolving rapidly, especially with the advent of digitalization and AI. How is Azor bike adapting to these changes? 

Jan Rijkeboer: Digitalization plays an important role in improving our efficiency and customer experience. One of our biggest innovations is our highly customizable bike configurator, one of the most advanced worldwide. This tool allows customers to tailor their bikes to their exact needs, selecting frame sizes, colors, accessories, and features. By integrating AI into inventory management and supply chain optimization, we aim to improve efficiency and reduce production time. Our focus is on fast, precise, and transparent production, ensuring that we always meet customer demands efficiently. 

European Business: What role do sustainability and quality play in your production? 

Jan Rijkeboer: Sustainability is one of our core principles. Every component we use is selected for durability, ensuring that our bicycles last as long as possible. This reduces waste and makes our production process more sustainable. We also use a cathodic dip coating for all bicycles, which increases their longevity and resistance to corrosion. We believe that sustainability goes hand in hand with trust and transparency. We ensure that our customers know exactly what they are getting, from production processes to materials used. Open communication is key in everything we do, both internally and with our partners. 

European Business: How important is the international market for Azor bike, and how do you approach export and trade? 

Jan Rijkeboer: Export is a key part of our business, accounting for 50% of our total sales. Azor bikes are sold primarily in the Netherlands, Germany, and France, while Bakfiets.nl has a strong presence in Germany, France, the UK, and Scandinavia. We also export to the USA, Canada, and some parts of Africa, although to a lesser extent. Expanding our international footprint remains a strategic focus for us, and we continue to explore new markets. Our distribution strategy is based on strong partnerships with bicycle dealers, who play a crucial role in advising customers and ensuring our bikes reach the right people. In addition, we use our online configurator to give customers a direct way to personalize their bikes and place orders. 

European Business: Lastly, what is your vision for the future of Azor bike? 

Jan Rijkeboer: Our main goal is to remain stable while continuously delivering high-quality bicycles. We want to keep improving our products, expanding our international reach, and integrating new technologies where they make sense. Marketing plays a role in our growth, and we rely on trade fairs, our dealer network, and social media to reach our customers. We will continue to participate in trade fairs like Eurobike to showcase our innovations. A motivated and happy team is the foundation of our success. We see ourselves as a big family and our success is built on teamwork, transparency, and a positive working environment, where everyone enjoys their job.