Our visit to Fox Racing Shox in Taiwan

When we arrived, we met Oliver, our German contact, and Graham, who is responsible for the manufacturing in Taichung.
Graham is from Britain, but has been living in Taiwan for the last 19 years. He speaks fluent Chinese and can communicate Fox’s values and goals very well to the employees. It can be a little strange seeing a European speaking such good Chinese.

He told us, in English thankfully, why it is so important to have a production site in Taiwan. For quite a while now, Taiwan has been the center of the bike world. Having a production site there allows Fox better access to the bike manufacturers that assemble their bikes in Taiwan. It also lowers the delivery times to and from the USA. Fox spent much time figuring this entire process out before opening up a factory there. 

In the bike world, Fox’s manufacturing site is one of the most modern. The building was constructed to custom specifications and finished in 2012. Besides production, this building is used as a center for technical training of the national importers and OEM customers.

To protect Fox quality standards, at the beginning, only a fraction of the Fox product range was assembled in Taiwan. 

The raw materials and components were shipped in from the USA. After Fox was sure that everything worked, piece by piece they added more of the assortment mirroring their production process in the USA.

Since then, the Taiwanese factory can produce all parts that Fox makes and it is, by now, bursting at the seams again; even with the structured layout and efficient assembly lines that Fox has created. 

We feel reminded of Fox’s part in the automotive industry, where the company has mastered the art of meeting the highest of quality standards with their optimized manufacturing processes.

The hanging assembly documents and the custom made work stations, with 3D printed containers were striking. 

Naturally, every manufacturer does everything possible to enhance the quality of their products. And of course, Fox tests the materials and functionality of production continuously. Besides the mechanical tests, an employee tests each finished part. However, that it still not enough: to ensure that there are no mistakes, the employees undergo a weekly examination and Fox also uses a 2-hour job rotation system to prevent routines from taking hold and to keep the work interesting.

One notices how enthusiastic and proud the employees are to be working for Fox. The company is cool, and its performance is way above anything else around. Free community lunch, music on the factory floor, and ending work punctually are not a matter of fact in Taiwan, even if it is relatively westernized. Fox understands that success is dependent on motivated employees and that is why they do so much for their 250-person team. 

Employees relish a chance to receive one of the special Fox t-shirts. You only get one when you are a very good employee and after you have collected enough “Fox coupons” that are based on your performance. New employees strive to hang up their yellow newbie vests and start wearing one of the t-shirts as soon as possible. 

Now we know the reasons behind Fox’s success. The way their products perform and function is outstanding, and that has much to do with the high quality standards of the Taiwanese factory. We were very impressed with what we saw on our visit. The Fox factory in Taiwan has set the bar very high when it comes to top quality manufacturing. 

Philipp: “The photo from Bob Fox in the foyer says it all. The company creates the perfect balance between nonchalance and professionalism. I have seen many factories in Asia. Since our visit, I know that a Fox suspension system belongs on my bike. The higher amount of effort put into each product justifies the increased price.”

Christoph: “Let’s get real: every mountain biker dreams of having Fox suspension. However, they are often too expensive and unattainable. After seeing the how Fox assembles their products and the precision at every step, I am ready to pay the extra price. Quailty like this is worth it.“

Julian: “I was impressed with the efficiency of production. One notices that everything is planned and tested.”

Holger: “The performance of Fox suspension products is without a doubt superior. Now I know why that is.”