Classe move to China

Hi and Happy New Year.

Just caught this thread. I don't own Classe equipment -- never heard it. I'm writing to echo as loudly as is possible - given that nobody can "hear" a blog -- that I too join the protest about the loss of US/Canadian jobs to offshore countries. There are way too many folks out of work here and companies ought to think not just about the bottom line but also the interests of other stakeholders, such as loyal employees and the country at large.

I live in the Philly area. For those who might not know, Philly was once a blue collar manufacturing mecca that employed hundreds of thousands of people. Great names that are no-more include Daroff (Botany 500 suits), Lukens Steel, Bethleham Steel, Budd Mnf'ing, Cross Bros meats, the US Navy Yard, ship yards, chemicals, and the list goes on. No more.

Another factoid that may surprise some -- the Delaware Valley region produced roughly 10% of all war materiel manfg'ed during WWII. No more.

Another factoid. PA is thinking about privatizing the state owned liquor system. Isn't that great?? Just think, booz will be 2 bucks cheaper for a fifth. But what about the State Store employees that will be let go? What are they going to do. Go on welfare???

The failure of US/Canadian industry to recognize this trend and reverse it will ultimately come to realize that in the fullness of time, it will be self defeating. What's the point of being able to make Classe amps for a grand or two cheaper overseas if there's no one around to buy the amps. Maybe the analogy is not applicable with hi-end audio, but it certainly is with everyday consumables.

That my 2 cents worth on the subject for 2012. Boo, boo to Classe and other companies like it. Buy North American made!! BTW, look at my system -- pretty much all my stuff is made here (US or Canada).

Will moving to China devalue the brand? Will quality suffer?

To me? Absolutely.
I work with a company that moved some of its manufacturing to China and the initial product suffered horrible reliability problems.
The job loss is an even more important aspect. Two years ago I was shopping for a new car for my wife. We narrowed it down to a Ford or a Toyota. The Ford was made in Mexico, the Toyota in Kentucky. Made in USA was the deciding factor.

Yeah, for Americans.. Or Canada.
I try to buy stuff made in USA.
Considering the actual trade war we are in with China (guess who has won the first five rounds? CHINA)
We are still able to change the outcome, but only if each individual who cares does something about it.
Now I have bought one or two little bits from China, and lots of other countries. But for the bulk of purchases, it is USA for me.
The last $60,000 plus has been Detroit (2012 Ford Focus), Minnesota (Magnepan 3.6 new), Canada (Bryston electronics)exclusively. With one detour for a used Kuzma, and others for a pair of cartridges. (England for the Rega P5, I wanted a VPI but they were all sold out at the time)
So I am trying to fight the trade war the only way it matters, buying American made stuff.
Every dollar spent buying Chinese is another bullet in the heart of America. And the heart of the American workers, economy.

I have to say yeah I am not perfect, and I bought some stuff from elsewhere.. but I try to do right. And if you live in America, you should consider it.. it matters.

I guess we only want the Chinese $$ to finance our bankrupted governments but not the products they produces.

Should the Japanese boycott Honda, Toyota ... for building their cars in USA and shipping them back to Japan for sale? Or the Germans building their BMW and Mercedes in US and exporting to other countries?

The last time I checked Classe is a private company and their goal is to make profits and stay in business. Does anyone have a clue in running a PROFITABLE business?

BTW, I'm not a fan of Classe and have no plans to buy one.

Timrhu, just because A company failed doesn't mean Classe will fail. Ultimately their customer will let them know one way or the other.