Eastman Industries Limited has recently emerged as a company with much promise regarding bicycle export from India. Established in 1970, Eastman has over five decades of experience manufacturing and exporting high-quality bicycles and bicycle components. Its business activities are in a campus area of one million square feet and have a capacity of 270,000 units per year. Such a devoted workforce of more than 1,000 employees gives Eastman a clear reputation as a trusted leader in the industry.
Product Portfolio and Innovation
Eastman has a wide range of products, from complete bicycles to all possible bicycle parts and accessories. Its product categories include handles and parts, hubs and hub parts, derailleurs, chain wheels, brake sets, pedals, forks and fork parts, saddle parts, rims, and bottom bracket fittings. Including Indian and Chinese products under the same roof gives them an option for customers to choose something convenient for themselves rather than being strict to one region of supply for respective market needs.
Innovation is the name of the game when it comes to Eastman’s manufacturing process. The company has a fully automatic disc paint plant that gives the highest precision, life, and finish to all bicycle components. This makes the company very technologically advanced, giving it a competitive advantage in the market in terms of product quality.
Global Spread Out and Exports Performance
Eastman has a massive global footprint, with exports extending to 100 countries in Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Asia. In Europe, Germany and the UK are gradually shifting towards Indian bicycles due to an increased focus on health and environmental sustainability. The Middle East remains a key area of consumption – the demand is for durable and cost-effective alternatives. South America includes well-embraced markets like Argentina and Chile, which have excellent access to Eastman’s affordable, high-quality products. The Ludhiana and China offices are strategically placed to handle global operations seamlessly, ensuring timely delivery and customer satisfaction.
India exported bicycles worth $54 million in FY2024, which was an impressive export performance by India on the whole. The country recorded export shipments worth $10.41 million to Mozambique, the number one bicycle destination during FY 2023-24, reflecting a fantastic 17.82% year-on-year increase. Next was the UK, where exports increased by 130%, valued at $8.85 million. The Netherlands recorded a fantastic 169.38% increase with exports amounting to $3.47 million. Overall, India saw increased bicycle exports from $46.5 million in FY2023 to $54.38 million in FY2024, reflecting a 16.95% growth.
Quality Assurance and Assortments
Eastman’s international certifications for becoming a very committed quality-associated company include ISO 9001:2015, EN 14766, BSCI, and ZED. This means that the products manufactured receive an international standard above others; hence, reliability and safety for customers worldwide. For the year 2024, Eastman was recognized as a Three Star Export House by the Government of India, which indicates the excellence of the company in export performance.
Strategic Initiatives and Industry Outlook
The global shift towards health consciousness and environmental awareness has amplified the demand for bicycles. European countries, in particular, have seen a surge in interest, with consumers prioritizing sustainable and healthy transportation options. This trend presents significant opportunities for Indian exporters like Eastman. The company’s focus on high-quality production, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to international standards positions it well to capitalize on these opportunities.
Furthermore, the “China Plus One” policy has prompted countries to diversify their sourcing strategies, making India a viable alternative for bicycle imports. Eastman’s robust infrastructure, innovative manufacturing processes, and strategic global presence enable it to meet the evolving demands of international markets effectively.
Conclusion
Eastman Bicycles exemplifies the strengths of India’s bicycle export sector. With a rich history, diverse product offerings, unwavering commitment to quality, and strategic global operations, Eastman continues to drive India’s prominence in the international bicycle market. As global trends increasingly favor sustainable and health-focused transportation, companies like Eastman are poised to lead the way in delivering high-quality bicycles and components to markets worldwide.
