In 1961, a 3-speed bicycle hub displayed at the New York Toy Show was the catalyst for what would eventually become Shimano American Corporation. The popularity of 20-inch wheeled bikes with hi-rise handle bars fueled a demand for multi-speed hubs and Shimano was producing an affordable and reliable version that caught the attention of the industry. So much so, that by 1965, Yoshizo Shimano, the youngest son of the company founder in Japan, opened an office in New York to get quicker product feedback and to provide technical and warranty assistance to retailers selling bikes equipped with Shimano parts.Though Shimano American has grown from that first modest office staffed by only three people to a full distribution center with sales and marketing offices, the goals are the same: to ensure that Shimano always has a listening ear to provide feedback on relevant trends and needs of the North American market for both bicycle and fishing products and make those a reality for our customers. Additionally, a good product is often judged as such by the support that the company provides, and our offices are staffed with customer service personnel that can answer questions and facilitate warranty resolution with just a phone call.Shimano's participation extends much further than the product, though. Through advocacy programs, ISO 14001 certification, and even commuter / car pool programs for employees, Shimano practices good local citizenship, pursues continued access to those areas that are enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts, and is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment.