Huffy is a leading designer and manufacturer of bicycles, accessories, and sporting goods. Founded in 1892, the company has developed a strong reputation for producing quality products at an affordable price.
Through the years, Huffy has become one of America’s best-recognized and trusted brands. From road and mountain bikes to tricycles and scooters, they offer a wide selection of bikes to fit every style, size, and terrain.
Their accessories, such as helmets and wicker baskets, make riding even more fun. For those looking to hit the trails, they also offer a line of rugged outdoor bikes, perfect for conquering any terrain.
Points | Information |
Company | Huffy |
Founder Name | George Huffman |
Owner | Huffy Corporation |
Date of Establishment | 1892 |
Headquarters | Miamisburg, Ohio |
Revenue | $77.0 Million (as of 2022) |
CEO | Claude Joseph Jordan (Dec 2018–Present) |
Registered Address | 8877 Gander Creek Dr Miamisburg, Ohio |
Telephone No. | 1-800-872-2453 (Monday – Friday 8am to 7pm ET) |
Website | huffybikes.com |
About The Founder
George Huffman
George Phillips Huffman was a visionary entrepreneur born in Dayton, Ohio on September 6th, 1862. He studied law at the offices of Gunckel & Rowe before becoming involved in real estate.
In 1887 he purchased the Kratochwill Flouring Mills and the Kratochwill Milling Company as well as other companies such as the National Improvement Company, the Monitor Publishing Company, and the Miami Valley Elevator Company.
He was also Vice President of the Crume & Sefton Manufacturing Company, Treasurer of the Cooper Hydraulic Company, and a Director of the Third National Bank, the Homestead Aid Association, the Consolidated Coal and Coke Company of Cincinnati, and YMCA locally.
In the late 19th century, his Davis Sewing Machine Company began producing bicycles and eventually transformed into the Huffman Manufacturing Company (later the Huffy Corporation). On October 30th, 1884, he married Maude C. McKee and together they had two children – Horace Huffman and George P. Huffman Jr.
By the start of the 20th century he was well known for his business acumen and dedication to bicycle production, leading Huffy Corporation to become one of the most important bicycle manufacturers in the world.
History
1892: The Davis Sewing Machine Company manufactures the first bicycle in Dayton, Ohio.
1910: James Bailey & Co. Automotive Accessories Bicycles Motor Boat Supplies 1910 is established.
1924: The Huffman Manufacturing Company is established by Horace M. Huffman, Sr., George’s son.
1938: Huffman loses a major portion of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company account because it can not keep up with Firestone’s demand.
1940: Bicycle production doubles and sales figures reach $1.5 million mark. Horace Huffman, Jr., (known as “Huff”) joins the company on a full-time basis.
1941: Huffman introduces its first bicycle, offering streamline construction and balloon tires. Horace Huffman, Jr., is elected Vice President and General Manager.
1949: The Huffy Convertible, a child’s bicycle with rear training wheels and footsteps, is introduced. The company also announces its decision to produce lawnmowers.
1959: Huffman acquires a building in Delphos, Ohio, and moves the Automotive Service Equipment division there. New facilities are built in Celina, Ohio, to house the bicycle and lawnmower divisions. A bicycle plant is opened in Azusa, California.
1960: All Huffman bicycles are switched to the new Huffy brand, making Huffman the largest United States bicycle manufacturer.
1962: Horace Huffman, Jr. is named chairman and Frederick C. Smith becomes president and CEO.
1963: The Huffy logo is created.
1964: Huffman expands its Outdoor Power Equipment division with the acquisition of Diele & McGuire Manufacturing.
1968: Huffman goes public with its listing on the American Stock Exchange, and the Huffy Wheel is introduced.
1969: The Huffy Dragster, a new design for children’s bicycles, is released.
1970: Huffy Corporation is formed as an umbrella organization for Huffy’s bicycle division and Huffman Manufacturing sporting goods division.
1972: Stuart Northrup, a former Singer Sewing Machine executive, replaces Smith as president.
1973: Huffman employs 2,500 workers at five locations.
1974: A recessionary period brings on an industry-wide slump.
1975: The Outdoor Power Equipment division is sold.
1976: Huffman enters the motocross bicycle market.
1977: Net sales for 1977 reach $130 million. The company name is changed to Huffy Corporation.
1978: “Huffy Pedals into First Place” is published in Sales & Marketing Management.
1980: Huffy posts its fifth straight year of record earnings and announces plans to open a third plant in Ponca City, Oklahoma.
1982: A licensing, sales, and manufacturing agreement with Raleigh Cycle is cemented.
1988: Rights from licensing and sales agreement with Raleigh Cycle are sold.
1991: $15 million is earmarked to improve computer-generated manufacturing in the bike plant.
1992: The cross trainer bike and True Temper lawn and garden equipment are released. A wage cut is accepted by employees to keep production from moving to Huffy’s bike plant in Farmington, Missouri.
1995: The company records a $10.5 million loss.
1996: United States courts rule that cheap, foreign imported bicycles are not a threat to American bicycle managers.
1997: A BMX model is introduced. Sales of consumer products account for 74 percent of the company’s total revenue.
1998: A significant restructuring plan is announced to better position itself to compete with Asian manufacturers. Huffy closes its main plant in Celina, Ohio, and outsources production to plants in China and Mexico.
1999: The garden tools and wheelbarrow business is sold to United States Industries, Inc. ZAPWORLD.COM is reached for agreement to sell ZAPPY electric scooters through Huffy’s distribution channels.
2002: The 2002 Green Machine is Huffy’s last grasp to regain its former status.
2004: Russell Corporation buys Huffy’s Sports division, and Huffy Corporation files Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
2022: International Directory of Company Histories publishes its entry on Huffy Corporation.
Huffy Logo
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