Lévis business HLC, which specializes in distributing parts and accessories in the cycling industry, has announced a $250,000 investment in its local Wheel Shop, one of only a few wheel-making shops in North America. 

“HLC, the largest distributor in Canada’s cycling industry, is a partner of choice for bike shops, even if it isn’t as well known to end consumers,” says Dave Savard, Director of Products at HLC.  “This major investment in our Wheel Shop will help us be faster and more competitive in supplying North American dealers with even better parts. Dealers will have easier access to a broader line of products assembled in Quebec and won’t have to deal with the Asian supply chain’s delays and skyrocketing prices. It’s a timely investment that will allow us to meet the growing demand from dealers.”

There is an unprecedented demand for bike parts, which has only gone up since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Issues with the Asian supply chain, which North American dealers largely depend on, are making it more difficult and expensive to obtain replacement parts, especially wheels. This means Quebec-made wheels are a boon to dealers, consumers and the industry as a whole.

With this investment, HLC has doubled its shop floor and will hire four more people over the next few months.

“We are not immune to the labour shortage,” says Savard. “But our work environment has been designed for innovative, passionate, smart people. We also offer great benefits with our people’s well-being in mind, such as a flexible work schedule, great work-family balance and much more. We hope what we are offering will resonate with people in and around Lévis who want to make a difference.”

HLC cares about giving back to its community. In 2020, the company launched HLC Advocacy, an initiative to support causes and projects in the cycling world. So far, HLC Advocacy has invested over $50,000 to help several non-profits and their volunteers build trails, bring bikes or bike parts to people who need them, organize cycling events and run fundraising campaigns.

About HLC

HLC, founded in Lévis 75 years ago, is a group of smart, innovative adventurers who supply the cycling industry with brands and solid business solutions to make life better for riders. Formerly known as Cycles Lambert, HLC distributes over 170 of the best brands out there, such as SRAM, Shimano and Garmin, as well as exclusive brands Evo, Megasoft and Wheel Shop. It also provides North American customers with an unparalleled post-sales service.