About Us
Covation Holdings Limited is the global holding company with an assortment of outdoor brands for everyone including Huffy, Niner Bikes, Batch Bicycles, Royce Union, VAAST, and Buzz E-Bikes. These brands ship more than 5 million bicycles annually with an extensive global distribution network that spans 50+ countries.
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Covation holds a wide-ranging licensing portfolio with world-class partners such as Disney, Marvel, Lucasfilm, National Geographic, Ford, Nickelodeon, Hasbro, and Panama Jack. The vast distribution network includes leading global retailers such as Walmart, Amazon, Target, Swire, Big W, Academy, Argos, Smyths, and many others.
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The vertically integrated business includes manufacturing arm FuturuX Global, headquartered in Hong Kong with factories based in Ningbo, China. FuturuX Global is one of the three largest bicycle manufacturers and exporters in China, delivering quality, innovative products.
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Allite, Inc., headquartered in Hong Kong, is the newest venture for Covation. A cutting-edge material sciences company, Allite focuses on development and commercial applications of new, proprietary magnesium alloys, such as Allite Super Magnesium™, which advances performance and durability in robotics, energy, construction, aerospace, electronics, transportation, sporting goods, and other industries and products.
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Covation Holdings Limited products and applications are recognized for durability, innovation, comfort, and style, enhancing the lives of every member of the family, and improving industries of all types. Covation Holdings Limited is privately owned with corporate offices in Hong Kong.
History
1892
1936
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1995
2010
2017
2020
George Huffman, owner of The Davis Sewing Machine Company in Dayton, Ohio recognized the bicycle boom. Sewing machine workers at his company produced its first bicycle in 1892.
The company unveils the Huffman Dayton Streamliner bicycle, the first to feature the “Huffman” name.
The Huffy Convertible was a leap in bicycle innovation. The bike was the first to add training wheels. It was also the first model to include the “Huffy” brand name.
On the west coast, bikes were reconfigured with high-rise handlebars and banana seats. Huffy introduced the trend to the broad market with the Huffy Dragster.
The renown engineers at the Huffy Tech Center built bicycles for cyclists on the U.S. Olympic Cycling Team which earned five Olympic medals.
Huffy and Disney signed a licensing partnership, launching numerous best-selling products featuring favorite characters.
Cruiser bikes were revamped and refreshed, lifting the products from vacation rental options to a major adult category at retail.
Huffy EZ Build and Quick Build products entered the market, making assembly fast and easy for parents, and at retail.
Huffy entered the electric bike market putting fun, easy to ride E-bikes at family-friendly price points.
2018
2018
2019
2020
United Wheels recognized the market need for quality bicycles for discerning buyers shopping between mass market and bike shop price points. A new division was launched to research the consumers’ needs and market opportunities from the ground up.
Batch Bicycles, for kids and adults, were launched at the Las Vegas Interbike International Bike Show. The unique brand is sold without minimum order requirements to bike dealers, and directly to consumers with delivery to local dealers for assembly.
Batch products land solid reviews in key bike publications including the Batch comfort bike named Editor’s Choice by BikeRumor.com.
Bicycling magazine summed up their review with the following, “Take-away: The Batch E-Commuter offers a quality build and riding experience at a pleasantly affordable price.”
2005
2011
2012
2016
2017
2020
Niner is founded with a focus on product development, launching its first single-speed 29” bike as the category exploded.
Forbes recognized Niner Bikes as one of America’s most Promising Companies.
Niner solidified its position in the U.S. market with 300+ dealers, in addition to sales in 40 countries.
Fort Collins, Colorado became Niner’s new home for engineering and designing high-end, premium products.
Niner was acquired by United Wheels, enabling the brand to focus on its product development and global dealer network.
E-bikes were added to the full line of Niner bikes, particularly carbon fiber options.
2016
2018
2019
2020
After years of following the European E-bike market, Buzz Bicycles was dedicated as a key initiative for the company. The initial brand requirements continue: Deliver the ultimate transportation solution at a great value.
First-run products were tested by consumers to gain key insights for product development.
Consumer targets, product launch plans, and manufacturing culminate in end-of-the-year availability and positive reviews.
IPSOS and Buzz collaborate on E-trans research, providing extensive consumer insights of E-bikes.
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1997
2012
2018
2019
Royce Union was established in Holland, at the height of the bicycle craze.
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The company entered the U.S. market selling its quality product line at local bike shops.
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Royce Union continues its reputation for solid performance with English Roadster models, popular 3-speed and 10-speed bikes, and advanced folding bikes.
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Huffy Corporation acquired the Royce Union brand, committed to maintaining the brand’s focus on innovative, quality products.
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Royce Union was available exclusively at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
An exclusive line of Royce Union bicycles was launched on amazon.com, featuring Mountain, Comfort, Commuter, and Youth bikes. The line was designed to provide solid performance for every member of the family.
Premium Carbon Fiber frames were added to the Royce line. These models include the top-spec componentry to enable premium ride experience.
2017
2018
2019
2020
2020
The brand assembled a team of enthusiasts, product designers, and engineers to address the distinct needs of high-end sport performance riders. Research uncovered manufacturing options and rider preferences.
Product development focused on Allite Super Magnesium™ for its superior performance qualities. It is lighter than aluminum yet stronger than titanium and 100% recyclable.
VAAST Bikes were launched at Eurobike, garnering immediate praise from the Global Cycling Network and Peloton magazine.
VAAST Bikes revamps all packaging, making it plastic-free and 100% recyclable fiber-based in the name of sustainability.
VAAST Bikes continued to receive rave reviews in the cycling press and generate a growing dealer network.
2006
2010
2018
2019
United Wheels dedicated a team of engineers, chemists, and metallurgists to create a material which can utilize break-through technology to advance production processes and human achievements.
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The Advanced Technology Team continued work, focusing on the enhanced capabilities of magnesium. The unique alloy has superior properties to aluminum and carbon fiber.
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Allite was officially named a company within the Covation organization, responsible for the company’s rapidly developing material sciences program. The same year, Allite Super Magnesium™ was launched as a superior structural material for use from aerospace and automotive to electronics and sporting goods. The material is widely adaptable, including forging, extrusion, and die-casting technologies.
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Allite received the Award of Excellence, Process Category by the International Magnesium Association for the company’s innovation, technology, impact, synergies, competitive material displacement and economics. Also, in 2019, Allite teamed with Weis Manufacturing to develop a concept bike for the North American Handmade Bicycle Show combining Allite alloys with Weis design and geometry.