A leading manufacturer of cycling apparel and accessories will move its operations from the San Francisco bay area to Old Fort, and create 53 new jobs over a three-year period.

Kitsbow, a company in Petaluma, Calif., will relocate to a section of the Parker Hosiery building in Old Fort and invest $890,000 here. Kitsbow makes jerseys, jackets, hoodies, shorts, gloves, socks, ankle and knee warmers, caps and water bottles for cycling enthusiasts.

On Wednesday, Kenny Flowers, the N.C. Department of Commerce’s assistant secretary for rural economic development, came to Old Fort and made the formal announcement at the Parker Hosiery building concerning this new industry for Old Fort.

Kitsbow is a premium clothing brand for cyclists. Using materials from all over the world, Kitsbow makes clothing with innovative materials to create quality, durable gear without sacrificing style. Started in 2012 by mountain bikers, Kitsbow’s team will relocate its West Coast operations to Old Fort with a new manufacturing and distribution center, according to a news release from the N.C. Department of Commerce.