At the birth of Pakistan there was not a single factory in the country, which manufactured bicycles and their spares. Taking advantage of the situation, some major importers brought in bicycle from abroad and such imports were passed on for sale to retailers most of whom were located in Lahore’s major market in Nila Gumbad area.
In 1952 shortage of foreign exchange started creating difficulties for the importers. Giving careful though to the problem, the shop owners of Nila Gumbad chalked out a plan to establish a bicycle-manufacturing factory within the country on co-operative basis. As such 22 persons got together and laid the foundation of a co-operative society. Its first meeting was held on 17th July 1953, later, on 8th September 1953, the society was registered under section 9 of Co-operative societies Act II of 1912.
As stated above the society was registered to provide mutual help and benefits to its founding members. According to the rules of the society, its controlling powers lay with its general body. By the grace of God since its inception to this day, elections of the society are held punctually. The society has been functioning successfully all along is because of the fact that its members take deep interest in its working. Elections of its working committee and Board of Directors are held new after every three years. Since the Directors also happen to be the owners, they take decisions for the betterment of the society with full sense of responsibility.
Initially, only a few spare parts of bicycles were manufactured locally and about 90% spare parts were import from abroad. With the passage of time, the situation started improving and today almost 98% bicycles spare parts are being manufactured in house or through vendors. The credit goes to the society that is providing spares regularly. To all the bicycle-manufacturing units in the country to produce finished their goods. The success of the society can be viewed by the facts and figures enumerated below.
1- The number of its members has increased from 22 to 228.
2- The fixed capital, which was initially of Rs- 22,000/- has grown up now to the tune of Rs- 67,670,000/-.
3- Area of the Factory has increased from 3 1/2 Kanal to 25 Acers.
4- In the beginning, there were a few workers in the factory, while the factory has 2,300 workers now.
5- The production of factory has increased from 5 bicycles per day to 2,000 (approx) bicycles per day.
It is a matter of pride that the society is the only one in the country, which is manufacturing bicycles (Both for men and Ladies), Heavy Duty Cyclovans, Wheel chairs, Push chairs (Both fold & fixed models), Exercise cycles, Push chairs, & Tricycles. The last two mentioned above have specially been produced for disabled and are sold on no profit basis, as well as exported heavy duty Cyclovans, to Yamen.
The society is playing a vital role as a Leader of cycle manufacturing industry. It is making progress due to its precision, planning and dedication of its workers, supervisors, administrators, and engineers. Who are always ready to work hard and face any problem with courage.
The society has entered in a new era with the production of fancy bicycles, different types of sports model bicycles like VIP, student and panda have been introduced in the market and are being sold successfully.
BMX Sohrab steel bicycle is the best model of 1990, which has taken the country by storm. In 1991, BMX 16 of pony brand was marketed and it got no 1 position in its class.
International class sprinter 10 speed racer was introduced in 1993 and multi-speed mountain bike in 1994. New model launch as, Mountain Bike over jumper, Rider and MTB suspension as are also very popular in young generation.
Rustam & Sohrab cycle factory is owned by Pakistan Cycle Industrial Co-operative Society Ltd. Its different sections are equipped with best imported manufacturing machinery.
These includes,
1- Computerized electro plating plants.
2- Electrostatic spray-painting plants.
3- Automatic brazing plant.
4- B.B. shell plant.
5- Heat treatment plant.
6- Bottom bracket axel.
7- B.B. cup.
8- Pedal axles.
9- Free wheel.
10- Crank manufacturing plant.
11- Motorcycle Project.
To maintain quality control, the latest methods of examining and checking are applied. The factory-designing department is equipped with modern tools/Machinery.
The society is constantly striving to achieve self-reliance in manufacturing all bicycles products and is regularly adding the latest machinery and plants to its factory.
Besides providing other facilities to the workers, the society is providing the benefits of medical, social security bonus, group insurance, and house rent allowance to them.
A fair price shop, canteen and free hospital have also been established for the workers. The society sends its 5 workers for Hajj every year. A regularly training programme is being conducted to increase their efficiency, technical abilities, skills and expertise.
It is worth mentioning that the price of other bicycles manufactured locally is going beyond the reach of the common man but Sohrab’s efforts to scale them down have been appreciated by all.