Dirt Bikes

Factory Tour: Gas Gas S.A. Spain

A look at the Torrot/GasGas factory in Salt, Spain

December 2, 2016

On the Monday after this year’s ISDE in Spain, Dirt Rider editor Pete Peterson and photographer Shan Moore got an exclusive opportunity to visit the Gas Gas/Torrot factory in Salt, Spain at the invitation of Mark Berg, the COO of Gas Gas/Torrot North America.

If you remember, Torrot Electric Europa S.A. purchased Gas Gas in 2015, pumping new life into the struggling company by way of a 13 Million Euro investment. Since then, things have never looked better for Gas Gas. In fact, when we toured the factory at the end of September, the first 2017 units were being delivered to dealers across the globe. At the recent EICMA trade show in Milan, Italy, Gas Gas gave the world a sneak peak of its 2018 models.

Gas Gas had electric “Kid” trials models on the production line when we toured the factory. Here’s a look.

Dirt Rider editor Peter Peterson (right) stands in front of the GasGas/Torrot factory in Salt, Spain, with GasGas US Western Region Sales Manager Jubal Brown (left) and COO of GasGas/Torrot North America Mark Berg (center). GasGas’ goal for 2017 is to restore the company’s place in the trials market and to develop a new enduro model, as well as grow the electric bike market.Photo By Shan Moore

GasGas has a rich off-road history, and inside the entryway of the factory exhibits various models from that past.Photo By Shan Moore

2017 GasGas EC 300 ready to ship to dealers across the world. GasGas currently has 32 deals in the United States and eight in Canada.Photo By Shan Moore

2017 GasGas 280 TXT trials models sit ready for delivery.Photo By Shan Moore

Every bike coming off the production line goes through a vigorous testing routine before it ships out. Here is the dyno, which is just one part of that testing.Photo By Shan Moore

Electric “Kid” models being assembled on the production line. GasGas told us that it takes about 14 minutes from the start of the production line to the finish to build a trial or enduro model and about eight minutes to build a Kid model.Photo By Shan Moore

There are two stations for engines, one for trials bikes and one for enduro bikes.Photo By Shan Moore

Frames awaiting inspection. This is the quality control station for incoming parts built by vendors. This insures that any parts built outside the factory are of sufficient quality and specifications. This ensures that the plastic parts fit properly on the frame, etc.Photo By Shan Moore

We wheelie enjoyed the tour of the GasGas factory!Photo By Shan Moore

The "Green Room" is a relaxing place where employees can go to clear their minds and take a break.Photo By Shan Moore

A bright and cheery cafeteria encourages the employees to relax during lunchtime.Photo By Shan Moore

Here’s an overhead look at the massive parts warehouse.Photo By Shan Moore

We tried out best to get a look inside the R&D room, but were thwarted at every turn!Photo By Shan Moore