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Originally Posted by Silverhobby
Andy, The point that is brought up here; Do you have the "pull" to get all the axles built to USE USA Timken, or US made bearings and brake parts?
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I will make this "one and only" post regarding the China question.
To have parts made in the good ole USA or even many other products, at a price that USA citizens can afford, is getting more and more difficult by the day.
Sears started the issue many years ago, by having products made, and having the Sears name placed on them. The same holds true today for many parts, in many different industries.
Therefore, it is not unusual, for thousands of US companies to have parts made in a foreign country, and having their name placed on that part.
That holds true, as an example, for automotive and truck parts, RV parts, electronic parts and thousands more.
Word has it from more than one reliable source, that most USA manufacturers of bearings, indeed have them made in China, and have their USA name placed or stamped into that part.
That type of activity was more than likely caused by ourselves, because of our labor rates, and literally in thousands of industries.
We read about those things everyday.
Do I have an influence with GKN Henschen? Sure do. But how much is the question.
Back then, when Airstream bought all of their axles from Henschen, even during the heydays, that business was about 3 to 4 percent of Henschens total business.
At this point in time, we are, obviously a fraction of that business.
Hopefully, that answers the question as to how much pull I have with Henschen, some yes, but the kind to force them to change some venders, no.
The question then became, "how about if we specified American made parts,
ONLY."
First thing that would happen, is a huge time delay, of several months to get parts from a USA manufacturer. Second, would be a price increase.
Why price increases from a USA manufacturer?
Steel prices, fuel surcharges, shipping charges, labor costs, warehousing costs, liability insurance costs, and the list goes on and on.
It's always been interesting, of why we can export raw materials to foreign countries, they in turn make a product, ship it back to the USA, and sell it for a fraction of our selling prices for the same thing. Labor differences, sure. But other things too.
At best, most of these problems we created ourselves.
What is the answer to these problems?
Who knows? I don't know, does anyone know?
We could all say that we won't buy anything unless it was made in the USA.
WOW !!!
If we did that, how many people could afford the new prices we would all have to pay?
Of course, that would help our employment problems, and I am sure reduced the foreclosures that surround us today.
We can't even control fuel prices, let alone foreign made parts.
Freight charges today, is a
JOKE and a half."
Freight line fuel surcharges are now at 32 percent. Residental deliver charges are now $75.00. Calling you to see if someone is home to accept the freight, is $30.00.
In some instances, the freight lines "extra charges," exceed the actual freight charges.
Local business deliverys now are adding fuel surcharges, etc. We just paid a $65.00 fuel surcharge for a delivery of less than 20 miles.
Where will it end??????
I was taught that to end something, you have to go back to the beginning, and start fixing it from there.
Any volunteers??
This subject can go on forever, with thousands of fixes, remedies, and opinions.
Historians say, "world wars," while a huge disaster, brings our country and it's people, closer together, as well as solving many other problems. I don't want to go there again.
The idiotic behavior of all to many foreigners as well as USA citizens, on the Arizona Memorial, is more than disgusting. What a way to say thank you, to those that gave their lives, for you and me. It's a Memorial, not a playground.
This is my one and only post on this subject, since my time is already commited to working on many things, that I can change, or have an influence on.
And then too, I must remember, especially in my senior years, "I ain't what I used to be," and I want and need to spend much more time with my loved ones.
Now I put my soap box away.
Furthermore, because of some health issues, Hawaii keeps on calling, louder and
louder.
Respectfully, to all.
Andy
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