LOUISVILLE - Precision bicycle parts maker Wheels Manufacturing Inc. has added 4,000 square feet of manufacturing space at its current location to meet demand, according to company founder Dave Batka.

The Louisville-based parts company is growing as more people ride their bikes to work, Batka said. He said he recently bought new manufacturing equipment and plans to hire two or three new employees once the equipment is installed.

Wheels Manufacturing's product line of about 1,000 different bicycle parts is mostly oriented toward repairs, he said.

"Our whole market is increasing with the price of gas and people riding more," Batka said. "We do really well in recessions. People fix things in recessions."

The privately held company's 22 employees are located at 1475 Arthur Ave., No. 1 in Louisville. The company was founded in 1988.