Building a great bicycle starts with choosing the right parts. But according to Herrmans, the real challenge for OEMs is not finding products, it is finding partners that consistently do what they promise.
Company philosophy
“Confidence is built over time,” says François Joly, sales and marketing director at Herrmans. “We come from a small town in Finland where everybody knows each other. In a country with only 5.6 million people, you quickly learn that long-term relationships matter. When you sell a product, you want the customer to come back.”
That philosophy has shaped the company since the 1950s. Based in Jakobstad, Finland, Herrmans designs, develops and manufactures its products locally. What was once considered a disadvantage in a market dominated by Asian production has increasingly become an asset.
Balance between quality and value
Over the last decade, investments in automation and production technology have enabled the company to strengthen its position as a competitive European supplier, offering a strong balance between quality and value.
As CEO Dan Liljeqvist explained earlier this year, the company’s approach has remained remarkably consistent despite changing market conditions. “We are not chasing short-term opportunities,” emphasises Joly. “Our focus has always been on building long-term partnerships and delivering what we promise. That reliability creates trust, and trust creates lasting business.”
Getting the product right starts with sustainability
At Herrmans, sustainability is not viewed as a separate initiative but as part of product development itself. “Making products right is our first responsibility,” says François Joly. “The most sustainable product is one that performs well and lasts.”
The company has integrated circular thinking into its manufacturing processes. Today about half of all the waste generated during grip production is fully reused in the manufacture of new grips. The goal is to keep increasing the amount, until all waste is taken back into use. And its Nucore grip range is taking it to a different level as it already contains 60% bio-based material while maintaining the durability required for everyday use.
“Sustainability is increasingly becoming an aspect customers ask for,” says Joly. “Our R&D, engineering and sourcing teams are constantly working to increase the share of renewable materials, always keeping quality in focus.”
For a company deeply rooted in Finland, nature itself has played a role in shaping that mindset. “When you live in Finland, you are surrounded by nature every day,” Joly adds. “People grow up caring for the environment they live in. That culture is embedded in our product development and production DNA.”
The most sustainable product is one that performs well and lasts”
More than five decades of grip expertise
Herrmans has been manufacturing grips since 1969 and still offers Grip 1, the company’s very first grip model. Today, the range comprises around 80 models, serving applications from city, trekking, mountain to e-bikes. For model year 2027, the company is introducing softer compounds across several grip families, further improving comfort without compromising durability.
Among the best-known products is the Grip Line II, which has been one of Herrmans’ strongest sellers for years. Its ergonomic design and integrated locking mechanism deliver a secure and comfortable riding experience, particularly appreciated by trekking and e-bike riders, while remaining highly competitive in terms of price. For brands seeking more distinctive aesthetics, the Atelier Series combines functionality with natural cork feel, sourced from Portugal and offered in multiple design variations.
Meanwhile, the company is expanding its sustainable Nucore portfolio with the introduction of the new Nucore Era. Designed for city, trekking and touring bikes, the new grip already contains 25% bio-based material and targets high comfort levels.
Partnering for the long term
For Herrmans, components are only one part of the equation. Equally important is the ability to support customers over many years. “We want to be the partner customers can rely on,” Joly says. “In the end, products matter, but trusted relationships make it last.”
In volatile times where supply chains, sustainability requirements and market conditions continue to evolve, the Herrmans formula of manufacturing expertise, reliability and long-term commitment may prove to be one of the strongest competitive advantages.
This article is sponsored by Herrmans.
