Gustavs Ērenpreis Bicycle Factory ( Latvian: Gustavs Ērenpreis velosipēdu fabrika) was a manufacturer of bicycles and bicycle parts in Riga, Latvia. The factory was founded in 1927 and continued in private operation until 1942. Prior to World War II it grew to become the largest and most important bicycle factory in the Baltic States.[1] After the war, the factory was nationalized by the Soviet Union and became the largest bicycle factory in the Latvian SSR as the Red Star Riga Bicycle Factory.
History
Background
From the beginning of 20th Century, cycling was a popular and growing sport in Latvia, leading to a competitive bicycle manufacturing industry in that country.
The Gustavs Ērenpreis Bicycle Factory was established in 1927 by master Latvian bicycle manufacturer Gustavs Ērenpreis (1891–1956).[2]