The wheel is turning fast for Comp-X, which is developing new products, opening new markets and has just adopted a new manufacturing strategy. The Chicoutimi company wants to increase its sales of VéloVoûte, a secure aluminum bicycle parking facility it designed and which also serves as a charging station.
So far, Comp-X has sold about 20 stations in the province over the past five years, reports Daniel Gélinas, business development manager. You can find them, among other places, near the Véloroute des Bleuets and the cycling network of the Témiscouata region. Two more are coming to the P’tit train du Nord.
The advantage of the VéloVoûte? A secure option for locking your bike.
The VéloVoûte is quite simple: a stand supports the bike while a chain secures the frame and the wheels of it. A three-cubic-foot box above the rack secures the battery as well as the saddle, for example, as well as a helmet and other personal effects or accessories.
Each VéloVoûte can be used to lock four mounts. A bike-energy charging station for two bicycles can also be added, an option chosen by 95% of the company’s customers.
“For a VéloVoûte, we are talking about $6,500, which includes the installation, illustrates Daniel Gélinas. To have two charging ports, we’re talking about $5,000 more. »
After attracting the interest of three potential distributors, Comp-X is currently in talks with two of them to bring its product to new markets.
“These are companies that are already active in the distribution of charging stations for electric cars, and there, they want to enrich their catalog, explains Daniel Gélinas. For us, it is a natural fit because they are already in contact with cities and decision-makers. »
The most important benefit of an agreement with a distributor would of course be to increase its market tenfold, notes the business development manager. The company hopes to be able to shine throughout Canada, but also beyond.
“One of the two distributors is also active in the United States, so that could be extremely interesting for us. »
Another important project, Comp-X is now busy expanding its offer.
For example, it wants to develop configurations that would make it possible to park and recharge around twenty bicycles at a time.
The company also wants to design parking lots with shelters to charge bicycles using solar panels – a useful option for places cut off from the electricity grid.
Finally, anticipating an increase in demand, Comp-X is also working to repatriate its manufacturing. Because for the moment, the company does business with suppliers, a solution that is sometimes problematic.
“It sometimes becomes difficult to give our customers firm delivery dates,” says Daniel Gélinas. We want to have more autonomy. »
After a slowdown caused by the pandemic, Daniel Gélinas is excited to see Comp-X regaining the initiative.
“No breakage or theft has been reported to us so far. Reliability takes time to demonstrate. With the wave of electric bikes, we think we have a good product for companies that want to be bike-friendly. »
