When consumers admire the flawless finish of a premium bicycle, they see colour, gloss and design. Manufacturers see something very different. They see pretreatment chemistry, coating adhesion, electrostatic application, curing temperatures, corrosion resistance, transfer efficiency and production stability. Behind every perfectly painted frame lies a highly complex manufacturing process that directly influences quality, production costs and sustainability.
The sppot has been created as a collaborative platform. Together with its new partner Sames, it is growing Europe's coating expertise to help bicycle manufacturers improve quality, sustainability and efficiency.
Platform built around experts and know-how
Founded in 2016, the sppot has grown into one of Europe's leading collaborative platforms dedicated exclusively to industrial surface finishing. Rather than promoting individual products, it connects coating specialists, equipment manufacturers, chemical suppliers, laboratories and industrial users into one ecosystem.
The philosophy is simple. Today's manufacturing challenges in frame colouring, from mass production to limited high-end products, are too complex to be solved by individual suppliers alone. Manufacturers increasingly need integrated expertise instead of isolated technologies. As the sppot puts it: "The real innovation often lies beyond the product itself."
That innovation happens where engineering, chemistry, application technology and production experience meet. For bicycle manufacturers, this systems approach is becoming increasingly valuable as coating quality now directly influences durability, sustainability, production efficiency and brand perception.
Collaborative mindset
One of the newest companies joining the platform is Sames, one of Europe's best-known specialists in industrial paint application and electrostatic coating technology. For the French company, the decision was about far more than increasing visibility.
"The sppot has built strong recognition throughout the market," explains Mr. Brotons, EMEA general manager at Sames. "It brings together companies that openly exchange technical knowledge instead of simply promoting products. That creates valuable discussions with customers and partners, while giving us direct feedback that also supports our own R&D activities."
That collaborative mindset perfectly reflects Sames' own philosophy. Instead of acting as a traditional equipment supplier, the company increasingly positions itself as a long-term development partner for manufacturers.
Innovation starts long before the first robot moves
Founded more than 100 years ago, Sames has continuously developed coating technologies for industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to consumer goods. Today, one of its most dynamic application areas is the bicycle industry. According to Mr. Brotons, the industry's priorities have fundamentally changed.
"The future is zero emission," he says. "It's about making every drop of paint, every kilowatt of energy and every production minute count." Growing sustainability requirements, lower VOC emissions, rising energy costs and increasing product customisation mean manufacturers need much more than automated spray equipment. They need continuous, comprehensive process optimisation.
By upgrading existing equipment, manufacturers can achieve major improvements without the investment and disruption of building completely new facilities”
Besides developing new innovative solutions, Sames increasingly focuses on retrofit solutions that allow manufacturers to modernise existing installations with latest innovations like the rotary bell painting technology. New electrostatic application technologies, intelligent spray control and digital process monitoring can significantly improve transfer efficiency while reducing paint consumption and operating costs.
"Many production lines are fundamentally sound," says Mr. Brotons. "By upgrading existing equipment, manufacturers can achieve major improvements without the investment and disruption of building completely new facilities." This approach also reflects a broader European manufacturing trend. Sustainability is no longer only about buying new equipment. It is equally about extending the life of existing production assets.
Partnerships create better long-term solutions
According to Mr. Brotons, successful coating projects rarely begin with equipment. They begin with understanding production challenges. "We don't simply deliver machines," he explains. "We develop solutions together with our customers."
Personal collaborations start months before the first installation, with engineers analysing production layouts, simulating paint applications and optimising complete coating processes. It continues long afterwards through technical support, process optimisation and training.
As bicycle production becomes increasingly complex with new frame materials, smaller production batches and greater colour customisation, this partnership approach is becoming an important competitive advantage. Sames’ know-how and service is delivered globally through 17 locations with 1.000 employees, who act globally but think locally.
Get Technical - face to face know-how exchange
Since 2022 the sppot has started its own ‘Get Technical’ events, where engineers, production specialists and technology partners can work together in practical workshop environments. Rather than listening to online presentations, participants can test equipment, compare application technologies and discuss real production challenges with experts from across Europe.
The next event will take place on 20–21 October 2026 in Grenoble, France, hosted by Sames. The registration is already open. Visitors will be able to meet all partners and experience demonstration stations covering the latest developments in industrial surface finishing. All in a small partnership circle, allowing to meet and network with all the experts.
This article is sponsored by the sppot.
