PARIS, France - The French National Institute for Industrial Property (INPI) awarded Look Cycle in the categories ‘Sport- Leisure’ and ‘Everyday Life’ for its innovative strategy. These trophies were handed over to Look CEO Dominique Bergin (photo left) on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the French INPI. On the award ceremony, five special trophies were given and Look Cycle was the only company to get an award in two categories.
According to the INPI, Look Cycle has singled itself out, since being taken over, for keeping its technological know-how in France as well as its production facilities. In the past fourteen years the company has quadrupled its turnover and increased its workforce. “It has thus showed that mastering its production is an essential element of innovation”, stated the INPI in its report.
With nearly 200 patents, of which over half were registered in the last ten years, the company is going through the highest growth period since its foundation in 1951. Since 1998 the turnover has gone from 12 to 43 million euros in 2011. This year 75% of the turnover is generated by export which increased by 17% in 2011. In the past 13 years its workforce expanded from 80 to 500, with nearly 200 people in Nevers, France.
“Our successful business model is based on fundamental choices”, said Dominique Bergin CEO of Look Cycle. “We are family company and not listed on the stock market. At the same time there is no investment fund in our capital, and we have had the same shareholders for fourteen years. In spite of the costs we decided to keep a production site and headquarters in Nevers, France with a strong focus on R&D. 11% of our turnover is dedicated to R&D. We have a strong and ongoing relationship with the cycling champions, which constantly inspire us.”
China, where 95% of the world’s carbon frames are built, chose Look Cycle for its track, road and triathlon teams. The French brand is also partner of the French, Canadian and Japanese federations, and supplies pedals to half the professional riders worldwide.
Caption: Dominique Bergin CEO Look Cycle (left) and Yves Lapierre, General Manager of INPI (right).
by
Bike Europe
13 Dec 2011
last update:23 Dec 2011