Text : Wheel Giant、Photos: CSD
In response to global economic volatility and mounting industry pressures, Taiwan's bicycle giant Merida has launched a comprehensive supply chain resilience initiative in collaboration with nine key partners. The “2025 Merida JIT Collaborative Production Resilience Program,” implemented by the China Productivity Center (CSD), officially kicked off with a grand event held at The Splendor Hotel Taichung.
The event brought together Merida General Manager Vansen Tseng, CSD Chairman Ming-Da Hsieh, and executives from nine major suppliers, including Transart, Dragontech, VP, Velo, Limotec, FSA, Joytech, Sunnywheel, and Liow Ko—signaling a united front for transformation and future competitiveness.
Strengthening the Chain: Resilience + Collaboration
At the ceremony, Vansen Tseng emphasized that the shifting global trade landscape, particularly U.S. tariff policies, presents both pressure and opportunity for the bicycle industry. “Merida is not going it alone—we are advancing together with our supply chain partners to build a more resilient and competitive ecosystem,” he said.
Following the success of a smaller initiative last year involving five suppliers, this year’s program has expanded to include nine companies, focusing on resilient supply chains and collaborative production. Supported by both the government and CSD, the initiative aims to boost adaptability and foster a cooperative spirit across the production system.
Building the Next A+TEAM
CSD Chairman Ming-Da Hsieh recalled the legacy of Taiwan’s original A-TEAM, which helped establish the island’s global reputation in bicycle manufacturing. Facing new dual challenges—digitalization and sustainability—he affirmed that CSD will continue supporting the industry’s next transformation. “With this program, we aim to build the next ‘A+TEAM’—a more agile, globally-oriented manufacturing network,” he said.
From Core to Network: A Shared Journey
Merida Vice GM Leo Lai, who leads the program, explained that the initiative follows a “large guides small” model, encouraging deeper alignment between Merida and its suppliers. The program centers on two key strategies:
1. Enhancing each partner's resilience index
2. Promoting collaborative actions to achieve shared success
With a focus on talent development, co-creation, and collective progress, the 2025 plan seeks to unify resources, upgrade production processes, and deepen trust among partners.
This ambitious collaboration not only marks an internal upgrade for Merida and its partners, but also showcases a model for vertical integration and industry-wide synergy. Through strategic, system-driven transformation, Taiwan’s bicycle sector is poised to shine again on the global stage—ushering in a new era of innovation, resilience, and growth.
Merida GM Vansen Tseng.
Merida Vice GM Leo Lai.
