Fred Bear Bows Imported?

[deadeye]

I heard from a bow rep last fall that the parts for the Fred Bear compounds were being manufactured overseas and assembled at the Gainesville, FL plant.

Yesterday I talked to a local archery shop owner about a donation item for an upcoming banquet. He has been a Bear/Jennings dealer for many years. I asked how the sales of the Fred Bear bows were last year. He got a stern look on his face and said he dropped them! He said they they shipped everything overseas and laid off employees.

Does any know of this? I know a guy that has quite a few connections in the industry. He and my son just got back from the SHOT show. I am going to ask him to see what he can find out.

If this is true, it's a sad day. I'll bet Fred Bear is turning over in his grave!

[michihunter]

Not sure if it's true or not but I know Escalade has been swiping up all the little companiees it can.

[BT]

The fact is that if it sells then what makes it will continue to be.

Anyone remember the "made in America" push back in the '70's when consumers got an urge to require American?.

It didn't work because the bottom line is that money means more to people than loyalty to the country of origin.

Same thing as goes on at Walmart today.

Walmart started saying "made in America" but after 10 years or so they didn't even bother trying to hide the fact that the bulk of their products came in whole or part , from china.

And still ..... they continue to out perform.

At this point .... what does it matter anyway?

If it were made in a factory here it would be made by Mexicans who would simply send the money back to Mexico where it would not help us or our economy anyway.

[michihunter]

I fault the lazy bastards that have no pride in their work anymore. Can't blame most company owners to try and find labor that will do the job at a cheaper cost. For some it's the only way to stay competitive.

[SPIKER]

michihunter said:

I fault the lazy bastards that have no pride in their work anymore. Can't blame most company owners to try and find labor that will do the job at a cheaper cost. For some it's the only way to stay competitive.

I can. They go to third world countries to circumvent the health care system, the minimum wage requirements, the safety codes, you name it.

If we don't wake up as Americans, we will someday find ourseves in a war with no industry to manufacture weapons to protect ourselves because they will be made over seas!!!

[SPIKER]

How about this?, Let's start coming up with threads of archery products that ARE made in America and start out at the grass roots level!

No more Korean, or Chinese made arrows, let's see American Made!!

[BT]

That's not a bad idea but the sad fact is that if you limited yourself to American made Products....you might as well shoot willow arrows off a yew bows shelf

Alright....maybe it's not that bad

But it is pretty bad none the less

[michihunter]

I stand by my original statement that the companies are not the blame. How can you fault someone for lowering their mfg costs? How can you blame a company for wqanting to profit? Afterall, that's why they're in business. If you want to change it, you have to change the workers mentality first. I once was one of the guys yelling " BUY AMERICAN", but have since realized that the country is falling apart because the majority of people want a paycheck for nothing. They want $30/hr with complete health coverage and are the first to take a day off cuz, Hey, what the hell, they can afford to. Not sure how many of you are from or near a big city where mfg reigns supreme, but for those that are, I'm sure you'll agree. I will buy whatever my hard earned money can afford and if it's a foriegn product, that's only because I feel that it's a great product at a great cost. To buy American only to support the fat cats that line their wallet for sleeping on the job, well I just don't believe in it. Do what you want, but in the end, what exactly will you be supporting?

[BT]

Your right Michi.

[SPIKER]

I have to disagree gentleman, respectfully.

Allthough there are slackers in every walk of life, and it burns us to the core that they do not share our ethics, I will be damned if I turn my back on my country. I support the United States Of America and everything she stands for!!

I am a union member and know very well what you speak of Ted, and it kills me to see it, but I can not judge the entire system for these losers.

Also, the bottom line is that the archery companies are not these giant corporations that you see in Detroit, or that I work for. They are small buisnesses compared to these industrial giants and need our support.

I will, with moderators permision, of course, start a thread called "American Made", and list as many home made products as I can find.

We have to look out for our own, because no one else will!!! God bless America, and keep our troops safe until they return home!!!!