For consumers, Quality Bicycle Parts (QBP) might not be a name we think of when it comes to parts and bikes. On the other hand, our local bike shops need to get products to sell to us some how. Since 1981, QBP has been supplying brands like Ridley, Lazer, Shimano, 3T, Selle Italia, and many, many others we all know and love to over 5,000 local bike shops across the country. They have also brought us house brands like All City, Foundry, Salsa, Surly, and Whiskey Parts Co.
Based in Bloomington, MN, QBP operates distribution centers in Bloomington (QBP Central), Ogdon, UT (QBP West), and Middletown, PA (QBP East), and employs over 600 workers. The current QBP East location, 103,000 square feet of leased warehouse space, was opened in 2011, and employs 41 people. The plan is to move the QBP East facility to a newly constructed distribution center in Lancaster, PA, on the site of the historic Lime Spring Farm just outside of the city. With buildings that date back to the 1720’s, the farm is being transformed to a corporate park with some residential and light industrial sites, while the historic buildings will be preserved as a historical site. The proposed 120,000 square foot facility, which could eventually be expanded to 200,000 square feet, could be completed by December of 2014, and would employ 55. As the building expands, another 25 employees could be added. Additional seasonal help would also be added during the holidays and other busy periods. Construction could start as early as Spring of 2014.
The company plans to build the new distribution center to meet Energy Star and LEED standards by making it energy efficient and using sustainable materials. Both QBP Central and West have achieved LEED Gold standards, and QBP hopes to continue down the same past with East. QBP also makes it a priority to help its employees live a healthy lifestyle with events like canoe day trips. The proposed distribution center would also include bike racks, showers, and locker facilities to promote employees riding to work. QBP has also vowed to help develop more biking and walking trails in the area, and surrounding Lancaster County.
So next time you stop in at your local bike shop to pick up a spare tube or part, think about where those parts are coming from, and how the shop gets them. Chances are, they are coming from QBP.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year