Peach Tree Times

Cannondale Bicycle Corporation is opening an assembly facility in Effingham County that will double the company's workforce in the region.

The company, a division of Canadian conglomerate Dorel Industries, Inc., makes high-end bicycles for professionals and beginners.

"I am excited that Cannondale will be able to meet the growing demand for their products from this new facility in Effingham County," Pat Wilson, Georgia Department of Economic Development commissioner, said in a release. "We welcome this expansion in Georgia."

Cannondale wants to expand its production throughout the United States and worldwide, the release said.

"Cannondale is breaking out of the pack to secure its future as a leading global brand," Peter Woods, CEO and president of Dorel Sports, Cannondale's parent company, said in the release. "The opening of the facility in Georgia is another step toward our mission of making cycling a part of everyone's life. The momentum of our plans is in full swing, and that means bringing more Cannondale bikes closer to our dealers and their customers."

The company has a distribution center in Effingham County that employs 60 people, the release said, and the expansion will bring 60 more jobs to the area.

"It's rewarding to see a port customer grow from a distribution-only operation to include Georgia-based manufacturing," Griff Lynch, executive director of the Georgia Ports Authority. "Announcements such as this are a strong testament to the role Savannah plays as a hub for global commerce, helping companies like Cannondale serve the needs of customers across the Southeastern U.S."

The company plans to open the new facility during the second half of 2022, with plans to expand, the release said. When finished, Cannondale will have 1.1 million square feet for distribution and assembly operations.

Cannondale has annual sales of U.S. $2.8 billion and employs approximately 8,200 people worldwide, the release said.

"Over the last 18 months, a record number of Americans sought comfort and safety by going back outside," Wilson said in the release. "We saw that right here at home as Georgians reconnected with the beauty of our state, enjoying our state parks, bike trails and outdoor activities."