Cesare Rizzato Cycles Ends Frame Production

MILAN, Italy - (6 October) - Italy's largest bicycle manufacturer Cesare Rizzato is no longer producing bicycle frames, bringing an end to a tradition that dates back to 1921. It is part of a radical restructuring scheme that has the purpose to make the organization more flexible. 100 employees out of the frame production have already been laid off. According to Charles Hancock, former sales manager at Cesare Rizzato and now responsible for R&D, the company has ended frame production but it will continue as a bicycle assembler and supplier. "Of course the assembling incl. painting, our R&D, marketing and the likes will remain at the company headquarter and factory in Padua," he assures. From now all frames for Cesare Rizzato's bike brands Atala and Kästle will be produced internationally in Asia and Europe (incl. Italy). "All our bikes will continue to have an Italian heart", assure's Cesare Rizzato's Cummincation Manager Anna Módoni. Three months ago the family Rizzato family hired industry newcomer Gabriele Brighenti, a turnaround specialist who will help the owners Umberto and Francesca Rizzato during the restructuring period. Guido Rizzato, who has been called back to the family business, is now responsible for the company's export business. Hancock and Andrea Varagnolo, the present marketing manager, will take on more responsibilities. "We will expand our concentration beyond Germany and Spain where we already have subsidiaries.We are looking to compete in other markets as well," says Rizzato. (JB)