Changhua County Magistrate Wang Hui-mei recently led a county government delegation to Austria and the Czech Republic to study urban governance, advanced waste management technologies, and Europe’s bicycle manufacturing sector. As part of the visit, the delegation toured KTM Bike Industries in Austria and Bike Fun International（BFI）in the Czech Republic, highlighting Changhua’s important role in the global bicycle supply chain.
In Austria, the delegation was warmly received by Carol Chen, Chairwoman of KTM Bike Industries, and the company’s management team. Chen shared her experience in leading KTM Bike’s transformation and international expansion, developing the company into a global bicycle enterprise with operations across Austria, the Czech Republic, Vietnam, and other markets. Wang praised Chen’s entrepreneurial spirit and said her achievements demonstrate the resilience and strength of Taiwanese business leaders overseas.
During the visit, the Changhua delegation gained first-hand insights into KTM Bike’s integrated development and production process, including product design, 3D printing prototyping, component validation, safety testing, and final assembly. Wang noted that KTM Bike’s use of advanced technologies reflects the maturity of European brands in R&D efficiency, quality control, and high-value manufacturing, offering valuable reference points for Changhua’s industrial upgrading.
The delegation then visited Bike Fun International in the Czech Republic, where General Manager Matušů introduced BFI’s corporate development, production operations, and recent progress in e-bike R&D. Established 25 years ago, BFI has built a vertically integrated system covering product development, assembly, manufacturing, and market sales. The company also uses big data analysis and market feedback to support product innovation and technology upgrades.
Wang said BFI’s annual bicycle production reaches around 200,000 to 300,000 units, and the company demonstrates strong competitiveness in smart manufacturing, quality management, R&D, and employee welfare. The visit also allowed the delegation to observe new e-bike products and intelligent production equipment, further underlining the importance of technology in improving manufacturing efficiency and product quality.
Changhua has long been one of Taiwan’s most important bicycle component production hubs, accounting for more than 40% of the nation’s bicycle component output value. Both KTM Bike and BFI have maintained close supply chain relationships with Changhua manufacturers, showing that “Made in Changhua” components are already deeply integrated into international bicycle brands and European assembly operations.
Wang emphasized that amid intensifying global competition and supply chain restructuring, Changhua’s bicycle industry must continue moving toward higher value, smart manufacturing, and international collaboration. The county government will continue supporting local companies in technology upgrades, global market expansion, and closer cooperation with leading international brands, helping Changhua strengthen its position as Taiwan’s “home of bicycles” on the global stage.
