The process saw the company downsize in some departments and expand into new business areas. Lower production costs in Asia meant that domestic manufacturers couldn't financially compete. The biggest problem faced by Huffy was the huge success of Asian bicycle manufacturers infiltrating the US market. Black & Decker's shares in True Temper Hardware and capital stock in True Temper Ltd. In an ill- concieved move the Huffy Corporation spent $5. Washington Inventory Service, a nationwide inventory taking service, was acquired. This brand became known as as 'Huffy Service First'. Huffy operated this brand under the 'Gerry Baby Products' label. In a strategic diversification program Huffy Corporation acquired Gerico, a maker of infant car seats and strollers. The restructure (although highly unpopular) resulted in a 1. He flogged the Automotive Products Division for cash and put the money (more than $1. He then went on to consolidate all the bike manufacturing operations into the Celina plant. He immediately began to close plants and make major staff cutbacks. Shaw III was appointed as CEO of the Huffy Corporation. Realizing the need to diversify, Huffman acquired Frabill Manufacturing, a maker of fishing and basketball equipment. The popularity of the Thunder Trail bike made Huffy the number one producer of bicycles in the United States by 1. Huffy Corporation' was formed in a strategy designed to focus on promoting the 'Huffy' brandname instead of selling the bikes under different labels. The lawnmower market division had been struggling for years. The Outdoor Power Equipment division was finally sold. The corporation was forced to close its Celina plant for two months and lay off 2. A financial recession meant that Huffy bike sales dropped by 5. Stuart Northrup, a former Singer Sewing Machine executive, replaced Frederick Smith as president of Huffman. Huffy Bicycles developed a ten- speed that required the bare minimum of assembly and service. This provided them with an opportunity for up a new market for bike sales. This was the first bicycle to be sold under the. It came equipped with rear training wheels and foot steps. Firstly they released the hugely popular Huffy convertible bicycle into the marketplace. The company survived the post- war recession of 1. His son 'Huff' was immediately elected as president of the Huffman Manufacturing Company. Horace Senior passed away from a heart attack. US government also placed an order for an additional 4. Huffy Bicycles And WWII The Second World War provided a financial boon for Huffmans.Ī government contract was landed for the production of 'primers' - an artillery shell part. Firestone was back in the stable and newcomer Western Auto Company had become a major client. This revolutionized the company and within two years, sales figures were at around $1. Horace 'Huff' Huffman Jr - took over the role as the works manager at Huffmans and quickly switched the production process over to include a 'straight- line conveyerized assembly line'. Salvation Came From The Next Generation Of Huffmans. Competition was stiff and Huffmans was struggling. 4, feeling confident, he set out to establish his own company called the Huffman Manufacturing Company. Davis Sewing Machine bicycle and renowned Dayton Special Roadster. Huffman, owner of the Davis Sewing Machine Company (1. Horace Huffman Snr - founder of Huffy Bicycles - learnt the art of manufacturing at his father's knees. Dave's Vintage Bicycles Research and identify American made vintage and antique bicycles from the 1880's through the 1980's.Ī Children's recumbent tricycle with articulated rear steering, modified from a 1. Here is an email I got from an actual employee of GT: If the bike frame was manufactured at the Santa Ana CA facility, the first three or four digits of the serial. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything. VVVintage Vintage Bicycles, Inc., on the Web since 1995 "Let me tell you about what I think of bicycling. A copy of many of the increasingly popular scooters on the market. The Huffy BMXA mass produced quality product in the bmx style. The beginning of the generic all terrain bicycle (ATB) known for their low price and mass production quality. Featured a radio built into the tank, with the antenna and battery pack on the rear carrier. Huffy Bicycles - An Old America Bicycle Company Since 1.
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