The Process
Gaoyang
Individual parts are made in Dongguan China at a manufacturer called Gaoyang (GY). They have high tech machining, injection molding, die casting, and tool-making processes in house. They have excellent communication, quality, and logistics.
Rocket Man
Lewis aka "Rocket Man" leads the Madrone manufacturing and logistics efforts at GY. He loves fine coffee, precise tooling and LeBron James. He ensures that all parts are within tolerances before shipping to Madrone for assembly.
Making Parts
Most of the parts are CNC machined from 6061 and 7075 aluminum, anodized, and etched. Some parts are stainless steel or hardened steel (cut by wire EDM). Our pulleys are injection molded, and our cams and clutch covers are 3D printed nylon.
Madrone Workshop
Our workshop is located in Ashland Oregon USA. This is where we build new derailleurs and rebuild used ones. We make fixtures and tools, fulfill orders, and support customers. On a typical day, there are 2 to 4 people in the shop.
Assembly
Parts arrive at the Madrone workshop and are inspected before going into inventory. Each day when orders come in, derailleurs are built to order following our assembly and inspection procedures using the specialized tools we make in house.
Shipping
After assembly, each unit and order goes through a final inspection by a person who did not build it. Units are then cleaned, packaged, and receive a shipping label. We ship using UPS and USPS. Tracking numbers are emailed to customers.
