THE HISTORY OF KENT INTERNATIONAL INC.
Kent International Inc. boasts over one hundred years of rich history and is currently led by CEO Scott Kamler. With four generations of family ownership, the company has evolved from a humble bicycle shop in Manhattan's lower east side to a global powerhouse of innovation in the cycling industry.
1907
Abraham Kamler founds Division Cyclery in Manhattan with retail, repair, and rental services.
1912
The Kamler Family relocates their business to Newark, New Jersey, setting the stage for future growth and calls the shop Kamler Cyclery.
1950
Phil Kamler transforms the business from retail to wholesale and renames the business as PhilKam Cycle Supply Company.
1958
Philkam Cycle becomes Kent International Inc. and begins importing bicycles from Europe.
1972
Arnold Kamler joins the family business, and the offices and showroom relocates to New York City.
1978
Kent opens a production facility in New Jersey, which produces 42,000 bicycles in the first year.
1980
Kent expands its manufacturing to a larger facility in Kearny, New Jersey, and produces over 200,000 bicycles annually.
1991
Due to unfair competition from China, Kent is forced to close their USA factory. The new reality of being an import only business sets in.
2000
Kent enters the folding scooter market and sells more scooters than any other company in the market.
2010
Scott Kamler joins Kent, ushering in a new era of growth and strategic direction.
2013
Kent partners with Nikki Haley to build a factory in Manning, South Carolina, revitalizing American craftsmanship.
2014
The Bicycle Corporation of America factory opens, aiming to produce 250,000 bicycles annually.
2016
Kent wins the Toys R' Us Supplier of the Year award for its commitment to quality and innovation.
2020
Kent receives the Supplier of the Year award from Walmart, reaffirming its legacy of excellence in the industry.
Kent International Inc.'s journey reflects enduring values of entrepreneurship, innovation, and family commitment, poised to explore new opportunities and leave a lasting legacy.
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