JJUAN began its activity in 1947 as a manufacturer of bicycle cables. Over the years, its activity expanded and diversified to become a world leader in the manufacture of reinforced hydraulic brake hose for motorcycles. Now, they join AMBE as part of their commitment to the bicycle sector. We interviewed Jose Luis Juan Verdejo, CEO of the JJUAN group
What does JJUAN offer?
J. Juan was established in 1965 as a Public Limited Company from an activity that began in 1947 as, then, a manufacturer of bicycle cables whose main customers were the manufacturers Amat, Masferrer and Castells.
Its activity was extended to the motorcycle sector and diversified its activity by complementing the cable with the manufacture of reinforced hydraulic brake hose of which we are a world leader. 15 years ago we expanded our field of action once again and began to develop motorcycle brake systems (calipers and master cylinders). Today we are the second largest European manufacturer and supplier of brake systems for all offroad and onroad segments.
We offer a comprehensive safety system consisting of gas cable, clutch cable, hydraulic brake system and mechanical brake system.
We are a company 97% dedicated to OEM (first equipment manufacturer) and 3% dedicated to spare parts and accessories.
Why did you join AMBE and how do you see the bicycle sector in Spain from JJUAN?
For some years now, we have been evaluating promoting activity in the bicycle sector. The time has come to contribute our knowledge of the motorcycle brake in the sector. The bicycle sector has gained greater performance power and has become increasingly dynamic. As a company, we like to be part of the group that is interested in and defends the sectors in which we are involved, and AMBE is a benchmark in the world of two wheels. Therefore, if we want to strengthen our presence as a player in the bicycle world, we must be partners of AMBE.
The bicycle sector in Spain is thriving. Social dynamics have rediscovered a useful, sustainable, sporty, family and social vehicle. Its growth will be exponential as long as the culture of Health and environmental hygiene prevails. We see that the bicycle sector presents us with an opportunity to incorporate state-of-the-art technologies to increase the safety of bicycles.
Jose Luis Juan Verdejo, CEO of the JJUAN group:
How have you adapted to 2020, the pandemic and what are your main challenges for 2021 and the future?
At an organizational level, we established very strict work protocols, which allowed us to continue the activity (except for 15 days of rigorous unemployment) without any incidents among the 480 workers in Spain or among the 140 in China. To this day, these protocols, more relaxed, are maintained and every week the HSE Committee analyzes what steps we must follow for the good progress of the health of our workers and, therefore, of the company.
Economically, it has been an extraordinary and hectic year. Despite a disastrous second quarter, in the last six months we have invoiced the same as in 9 months of normal activity.
In 2021 we continue in line with double-digit growth and our challenges are to undertake new market segments that allow us to diversify our activity to minimize business risks. One of those great challenges is the irruption in the world of electric bike brakes and bicycles in general.
We see the future with optimism and with great possibilities for our company in a world that will trend towards deglobalization, but our spirit of “accompanying the client” allows us to be present in multiple countries to provide solutions.
