Bicycle manufacturer Accell, known for brands such as Batavus, Koga and Babboe, closes his factory in Heerenveen. As a result, the company no longer makes bicycles in the Netherlands.
Due to the closure of the factory, around 160 people lose their jobs, Accell reports Tuesday. That factory accounts for around 20 percent of the company’s total production. The manufacturer has drawn up a social plan for the affected employees.
According to Accell, the closure is planned for the beginning of 2026. The company will reduce production in phases and bring them together in other existing factories. This is mainly done in the factory in Hungary and in the French Dijon.
Accell does not disappear completely from Heerenveen. “Heerenveen will develop into a strategic center, aimed at core activities such as design, engineering and supporting functions,” says the bicycle group.
In January 2024, Accell already reported that it merged the production of two factories in Heerenveen into one factory and moved part of it to Hungary and Turkey. The only remaining factory in the Netherlands will therefore close next year.
In October last year, the manufacturer concluded an agreement on the cancellation of 40 percent of debts. During the Coronapandemie, the demand for bicycles rose and many bicycle companies placed extra orders. But because of logistical problems worldwide it was difficult to get the right things on time.
When the need for new bicycles came back to a normal level after the pandemic, Accell, like other bicycle companies with large unsold stocks that pressed heavily on the finances. A costly recall of Babboe cargo bikes was added.
Bicycle Manufacturer Accell, Known for Brands Such As Batavus, Koga, and Babboe, is Closing Its Factory in Heerenveen. As a result, the company will no longer manufacture bicycles in the Netherlands.
Approximately 160 People Will Lose Their Jobs Due to the Factory Closure, Accell Reported on Tuesday. That factory accounts for about 20 percent of the companies Total Production. The manufacturer has drawn up a social plan for the affected employees.
Accordance to Accell, The Closure is Scheduled for Early 2026. The Company Will Phase Out Production and Consolidate It in Other Existing Factories. This will mainly happen in the factory in Hungary and in Dijon, France.
Accell Will not Disappear Entirely from Heerenveen. “Heerenveen Will Develop Into A Strategic Center, Focused on Core Activities Such As Design, Engineering, And Support Functions,” The Bicycle Concern Said.
In January 2024, Accell Already Announced That It was Merging the Production of Two Factories in Heerenveen Into One Factory and Moving Part of it to Hungary and Turkey. So the only Remoining Factory in the Netherlands Will Close Next Year.
In October Last Year, The Manufacturer Reached An Agreement On Writing Off 40 percent of its Debts. Duration the Corona Pandemic, The Demand for Bicycles Increased and Many Bicycle Companies Placed Extra Orders. However, Due to Global Logistical Problems, It was Difficult to get the right supplies on time.
When the demand for new bicycles returned to a normal level after the pandemic, Accell, Like Other Bicycle Companies, Left with Large Unsold Stocks That Weighed Havily on the Finances. On top of that came a costly recall or babboe cargo bikes.