As from 1 January 2017, the Shimano European head office will be located at the High Tech Campus (HTC) in Eindhoven. Shimano chose the HTC in view of the growing importance of a global business environment, the presence of young talent and a strong focus on innovation.
The Japanese Shimano group is the worldwide market leader in the development and manufacture of bicycle components and the manufacture of fishing rods and reels. Shimano also manufactures shoes and foot stretchers for rowing. The European market is mainly served from the head office in Nunspeet, where the distribution centre is also located.
According to President Marc van Rooij of Shimano Europe Holding (Group), it is extremely important to locate the head office at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven: "This leading European Brainport region has developed a strong cluster of companies and knowledge institutes in the field of sports, technology and design. By establishing ourselves in the area, we strengthen our strategic position, increase our opportunities for the recruitment of international talent and have optimal benefit from the high-tech facilities and international networks in Eindhoven."
The High Tech Campus in Eindhoven currently has 135 companies and institutes with a total of 10,000 researchers, developers and entrepreneurs from 85 countries. In June 2011, the Intelligent Community Forum in New York designated Eindhoven 'the world's smartest region'. Shimano has been closely involved in the design and construction of its new office and expects that the number of jobs at the European head office will gradually increase from 150 to 200.
Owner Marcel Boekhoorn of the HTC is positive about Shimano's arrival in Eindhoven: "It is good for the Brainport region and fantastic for the campus. I see it as a 'perfect match' on the cutting edge of Eindhoven's strengths: sports, technology and design. It also reinforces our connection with the Japanese technology and business network. I look forward to new forms of cooperation that will undoubtedly arise between Shimano and the companies on the campus and in the region."
The sales organisation for the Benelux and the European logistics centre will remain in Nunspeet.
