Not made in China website

[Bear Chow]

Not made in China website

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RANTING ON

Can someone point me to some good references for American made goods? Here we are, our economy is in the crapper and I want to help the good ol USA. Recently I thought I was doing my part and bought a new pair of work boots. Without doing any research the 1st USA brand name that popped into my head was Redwings.

So I found a local store, found a decent pair of shoes. I was looking to spend a $100 it cost me $140. I brought them to my office to put them on this morning and when I grabbed the tongue to pull them up. "MADE IN CHINA", Crap!

I can tell you honostly my new $140 boots just aren't as comfortable as when I was trying them on in the store. That tag seems to be irritating the top of my foot and affecting my nervous system.

My own fault I admit it.

RANT OFF

[Trigger]

I hear ya! It's becoming increasingly difficult to find items that are made in America, even items you always thought would be. My dad loves Old Timer pocket knives, so I was looking for one to get him for Christmas. Went to Tractor Supply to get one and sure enough, Made in China. I told the salesperson to put it back. I told him I didn't want one that was made in China. He just looked at me confused. I found a web site that sold older versions of the knife and actually paid more to get a couple of them, but they are made in the USA, which is all I really cared about. I also recently looked for a pair of boots and have always liked Danners. Went to a store and sure enough, Made in China was written on them. Heck, Rocky Boots used to be made in Nelsonville, OH, but once again, they've been shipped overseas. It's going to take consumers not buying these items before the companies are going to do anything about it. The problem is that most people are sheep and will simply purchase whatever is in front of them without even thinking about it.

[blazerbrad]

I think the biggest issue is that people put cost and availability first. You have to admit that most "made in China" stuff is cheaper and easier to find.

A good example of the "easier to find" part is when I got new brake assemblies for my trailer last year. The local TSC is 5 minutes from my house, always open it seems, and had them sitting on the shelf.....but they were generic "made in China" ones. A couple of calls found USA made brand name parts FOR ABOUT THE SAME PRICE, but I had to drive 30 minutes away and sneak out of work early to get there while they were open.

[acousticrawk]

Not made in China website

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RANTING ON

Can someone point me to some good references for American made goods? Here we are, our economy is in the crapper and I want to help the good ol USA. Recently I thought I was doing my part and bought a new pair of work boots. Without doing any research the 1st USA brand name that popped into my head was Redwings.

So I found a local store, found a decent pair of shoes. I was looking to spend a $100 it cost me $140. I brought them to my office to put them on this morning and when I grabbed the tongue to pull them up. "MADE IN CHINA", Crap!

I can tell you honostly my new $140 boots just aren't as comfortable as when I was trying them on in the store. That tag seems to be irritating the top of my foot and affecting my nervous system.

My own fault I admit it.

RANT OFF

haha, yeah. only the REAL expensive RW's are made in the usa.

[maddhatter]

The government in there great wisdom thought it would be a good idea to make it so that we have to compete with slave labor prices. We can not and will not win this until the import / export laws are made more fair and the labor laws of China as well as all trade partners are in place. Yes the prices will go up but the economy would be better.

As long as people go on about how great products like Toyota's or Honda's are even when it is clear our cars and trucks are just as good or goes on about how there made here now, with no concern for how there empire was built in the first place to be able to build here now this will never change and we will get weaker and weaker until we are paying slave wages also. I'm all for trade just fair trade.

Why do we only like cars built by people that have tried to kill us in the past?

How is it fair when one tv is built by slaves and one by well paid workers?

[fabricator]

i've got stickers that say...

LOST YOUR JOB YET ?
---------------------
KEEP BUYING FORIEGN !

[GPER]

Honda's are made here in Ohio, they also have all their black top replaced every five years. so they do contribute to this states economy.

[JeepHD]

Honda's are made here in Ohio, they also have all their black top replaced every five years. so they do contribute to this states economy.

I have also "heard" that Honda has a preference to deal with other Japanese businesses to supply them. So even if an American business bid lower, they may still go with a Japanese business. I am near Anna, so I can definitely say Honda has helped the local economy.

I have a question to pose. Let's say you have a local mom and pop retail location selling chinese products. Do you support them, or do you still buy american (I think the Redwing example would fit this scenario). Seems to me that it would be better supporting a local business no matter where there product is made.

[blazerbrad]

Everybody has the right to their own opinions, but I don't understand how somebody can complain about an American company manufacturing products in a foreign country then also complain about a foreign company manufacturing products in America.

Honda is a perfect example of a foreign company that provides a huge economic boost to America, and the state of Ohio more specifically. I'm probably partially biased as I live in a community where Honda, both directly and indirectly, is by far the main employer and contributor to the local economy.

Does Honda prefer Japanese parts suppliers? I don't know for sure, but is it because they are from Japan or make a better part? I do know that many of these foreign parts suppliers have offices, distribution centers/warehouses, and R&D facilities in Ohio. And let's not forget that regardless of their preference there is no Japanese transport company, contruction contractors, etc... to use in Ohio.

So what's better, buying a Honda assembled in Ohio........or buying a GM, Ford, or Dodge assembled in Mexico or Canada? And keep in mind that the "domestic parts percentage" isn't that much higher for the "domestic" vehicles. I can tell you that Honda closing would have a significant impact on the state of Ohio, and a devastating impact on the local communities. If GM closed, not so much.

But anyway, enough of that. I'm not trying to say foreign companies are better or we should support them more than domestic companies, just simply throwing out some facts and view points. By the way, all 3 vehicles in my driveway are Chevrolets ('90, '03, '06).

[maddhatter]

F*CK Honda and Toyota. They don't do sh*t for us and if they were gone Ford or Cheby would have a plant in the same spot. That is just what I was talking about in my first post double talk BS. We all know good and well none of this will change so it's all BS anyway. I don't HATE Japan I just LOVE the USA.

Well ok, I do HATE Toyota. :D There EVIL!! I also LOVE Fords but this new line of Ford / Toyota coming out right now makes me sick! It's like sleeping with the enemy but I also understand Ford needs to do what it has to to stay on top.
I'll take a Mexican built Ford over any Jap junk built here just to have the Blue Oval on my truck.

And yes I do own 2 Zuks right now! LOL

[carwash]

i've got stickers that say...

LOST YOUR JOB YET ?
---------------------
KEEP BUYING FORIEGN !
says the guy that only wheels foreign ****.

[fabricator]

didn't buy it, was junk when i got it...



am comfortable with it
spent thousands to get it to where it is... "EDIT which is still junk""
cash was spent in the U.S.
it's kinda like you...
trying to think whats left that is stock....not much comes to mind
couple of housings , block, cowl......you know

most all has been bought
or built right here

still have stickers...

[carwash]

just yanking your chain Rob...

my rig was made in the usa... i think every bit of it.

it's most impossible to buy complete made in USA... and definitely more expensive. clothing is the most difficult i think, almost all of it is made overseas.

[itbrokeagain]

My favorite.

American Standard china products say on their box made in Mexico.
Sorry I mean porceline not china. Ha

[BiggDaddy]

Dannon yogurt, made in Minster, OH. By me even!!

BiggDaddy

[her94yj]

wow not sure how to chime in here i work for a German company thats got plants all over the world 109 for a fact but the one i give a
sh^t about is right here in ohio the one that hands me my check every week, as for the big 3 well wow how do i put this softly i think they brought alot of this on themself while honda and yota where building long running and great gas mileage cars and offering them for 15k and under new. while the big 3 where going big and adding a blue tooth hook up a tv in the head sets gps that can tell me the temp of some place ill never go. yet wanting me to shell out 25-30 k for a car that is not so good on gas and alot of junk i dont need. all i ask in a car is get me from home to work and back EVERYDAY and dont cost me half a days pay to fill it up 2 times a week to go work 3 days a week to just make the car payment.........


sorry rant over

[tinbeater]

F*CK Honda and Toyota. They don't do sh*t for us and if they were gone Ford or Cheby would have a plant in the same spot. That is just what I was talking about in my first post double talk BS. We all know good and well none of this will change so it's all BS anyway. I don't HATE Japan I just LOVE the USA.

Well ok, I do HATE Toyota. :D There EVIL!! I also LOVE Fords but this new line of Ford / Toyota coming out right now makes me sick! It's like sleeping with the enemy but I also understand Ford needs to do what it has to to stay on top.
I'll take a Mexican built Ford over any Jap junk built here just to have the Blue Oval on my truck.

And yes I do own 2 Zuks right now! LOL


I very much agree. That why I drive a Chevy Tracker to work at a Dodge dealer.:rolleyes:

[94Dodge Truggy]

wow not sure how to chime in here i work for a German company thats got plants all over the world 109 for a fact but the one i give a
sh^t about is right here in ohio the one that hands me my check every week, as for the big 3 well wow how do i put this softly i think they brought alot of this on themself while honda and yota where building long running and great gas mileage cars and offering them for 15k and under new. while the big 3 where going big and adding a blue tooth hook up a tv in the head sets gps that can tell me the temp of some place ill never go. yet wanting me to shell out 25-30 k for a car that is not so good on gas and alot of junk i dont need. all i ask in a car is get me from home to work and back EVERYDAY and dont cost me half a days pay to fill it up 2 times a week to go work 3 days a week to just make the car payment.........


sorry rant over
Last I looked honda and toyota were priced comparably. U.S. unions and labor are main causes of american auto industry crisis. Good American machinery is still out there for the consumer. You just have to have some knowledge of the product before you buy it to make a good purchase. All of the machines in my shop are U.S. made. Planning on purchasing another soon to do my part in helping the economy.

[carwash]

It's not the big things, it's the little things... I don't think it's the cars, etc, it's EVERYTHING else...

Let me take a walk around my house here... see what i come up with. Let's start with what i'm wearing...

New Balance shoes - Europe
Tshirt from Steve & Berrys - Mexico
Henley shirt from Target - Guatamala
Lee Jeans from Sears - Bangladesh
Hanes underwear from Walmart - India
Hanes socks from - India
Samsung TV - Japan
JVC dvd player - Japan (victor co. of japan - jvc)
Sony surround sound system - Japan
Motorola cable box - America (WOW)
Kitchen Towels - Pakistan
Panasonic camera - Japan
Area rug from Target - Mexico
Dishes from Bed Bath Beyond - China
Silverware from same - China
Baby Blanket - China

And that's just the stuff within eyeshot of me here sitting in the living room...

That's where we are failing, not the car industry... it's EVERYTHING else... everything i have sitting here is imported. It sucks.

[Bear Chow]

That was interesting list so I compiled my own sitting at my desk. I must have really hit a bunch of nerves here. The big three is a completely different problem. My issues are all the disposable items and wears that we consume and have to replace on a regular basis.


Pilot Stapler(from the 1950's) - USA
Samsung Monitor - China
Kenwood two-way radio - Singapore
Charging base for radio - Taiwan
Toshiba Phone - Indonesia
Nokia Cell phone - Mexico
Cell phone battery - Japan
Dell mouse - China
Dell Keyboard - China
no-name brand Speakers - China
Staple remover - China
Razor Knife - China
HP Sci Calculator ( from the 1980's) - USA
Copy of the federal code CFR - 49 printed in china
Toothbrush - USA - yes it sits at my desk in my pen cup it use to stop people from stealing my pens. I guess they ether don't care or don't realize I use my toothbrush.

I am pleased to announce the company I work for sells more than 50% of our total goods to China, Taiwan, Korea and Brazil.

[maddhatter]

It's not the big things, it's the little things... I don't think it's the cars, etc, it's EVERYTHING else...

Let me take a walk around my house here... see what i come up with. Let's start with what i'm wearing...

New Balance shoes - Europe
Tshirt from Steve & Berrys - Mexico
Henley shirt from Target - Guatamala
Lee Jeans from Sears - Bangladesh
Hanes underwear from Walmart - India
Hanes socks from - India
Samsung TV - Japan
JVC dvd player - Japan (victor co. of japan - jvc)
Sony surround sound system - Japan
Motorola cable box - America (WOW)
Kitchen Towels - Pakistan
Panasonic camera - Japan
Area rug from Target - Mexico
Dishes from Bed Bath Beyond - China
Silverware from same - China
Baby Blanket - China

And that's just the stuff within eyeshot of me here sitting in the living room...

That's where we are failing, not the car industry... it's EVERYTHING else... everything i have sitting here is imported. It sucks.


Yep, Your right. Cars and trucks are just something that the big 3 do so well they were able to keep up even with the Japs using slave labor. It was just a matter of time before things got bad for them. I am still shocked at how well Ford is still doing but it is in no small part do to how many cars and trucks they sell over seas. Most that other stuff you listed we could NEVER make as cheap as there made now by others.

GM is building a huge plant in China right now and by 2011 there will be "made in china" GM's all over the USA. :eek:

[94Dodge Truggy]

My company as I looked around I saw cnc mills and lathes all made in the USA, forklift 1/2 USA, 99% of machinable materials-USA, endmills and taps- USA, work tables-USA, pencils-USA, phone-USA, cheez-its- USA, my boots (Rockies) not USA. I am having a hard time reading the tag in my underwear but would guess not USA? :eek:

[maddhatter]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/16/gms-future-in-china-build_n_126732.html

[maddhatter]

This is a good short read on just what is really going on.


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GM Says It Doesn't Need $2B Government Loan It Requested
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TOM KRISHER | March 12, 2009 01:49 PM EST | AP
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DETROIT — General Motors Corp. says its restructuring plan is starting to take hold, improving the automaker's fortunes at least to the point that it won't need a $2 billion government loan installment that it had requested for March.

Chief Financial Officer Ray Young said Thursday that GM formally told the Obama administration's autos task force on Wednesday that it wouldn't need the money this month. But in an interview with The Associated Press, Young would not say when the struggling automaker would need more government money or whether it will reduce the size of its loan request.

"It seems like our companywide cost reduction efforts are moving well, as well as we've been able to defer spending that we previously anticipated in January and February," Young said. "I think that's a positive development."

GM, which is living on $13.4 billion in government loans, has requested another $16.6 billion as it tries to weather the worst auto sales slump in 27 years.

Young said GM is continuing to calculate its cash balances and plans to update the task force when it may need more money.

"We're working through the forecast right now," he said. "We're not going to slow down in terms of our companywide cost reduction initiatives. We continue to look toward deferring expenditures as much as we can in order to avoid having to draw more liquidity."

Young's statements appeared to help GM's shares. They rose 24 cents, or 12.9 percent, to $2.10 in afternoon trading.

Young said GM's cash burn rate, the amount of spending above revenue, has slowed since the company submitted a viability plan to the government on Feb. 17.
Story continues below

"The cash burn that we thought we were going to have in January and February is not as high. Clearly we still have a cash burn," he said, attributing the burn rate to a lack of revenue from the company shutting down many of its factories for the month of January.

GM burned through $19.2 billion in cash last year on its way to a $30.9 billion loss.

Young would not say if GM will need another government loan draw in April. In its viability plan filed Feb. 17, GM asked for $2 billion in March and another $2.6 billion in April. It would not need any more money until 2011 when a $4.5 billion revolving line of credit comes due. The company also says it could need up to $7.5 billion more if the economy doesn't improve, for a total of $30 billion by 2011. It plans to start repaying the loans with $2 billion in September.

GM is coming close to spending the $13.4 billion in government loans it received through February. The money, Young said, was used largely to pay parts suppliers, employees and dealers when GM had little revenue coming in due to January production slowdowns across the globe.

"We had very little receipts, but we still had a lot of payments related to prior production and prior sales," he said. "We used that liquidity in order to address basically a lot of expenses that we had."

Young also said in the interview that GM's new contract with the Canadian Auto Workers union, ratified Wednesday by the membership, comes very close to closing the cost gap that GM has with foreign automakers that have U.S. factories.

He conceded it doesn't close the entire gap, and would not say how much GM will save from the concessions or what its hourly labor costs would be. Young also said GM is in talks with the CAW and the Canadian government about forming a trust fund that would pay retiree health care costs inn Canada.

Young wouldn't comment on Chrysler LLC Vice Chairman Tom LaSorda's threat to close Canadian plants if Chrysler doesn't get cost-competitive contracts and government aid, saying Chrysler's costs could be different from GM's.

GM, under the CAW contract, agreed to keep 20 percent of its North American manufacturing volume in Canada. The agreement includes a wage freeze to September 2012, the elimination of an annual bonus and a reduction in paid time off, among other concessions.

Young also said negotiations are progressing in the U.S. with the United Auto Workers over swapping stock for part of the cash payments that the company is required to make to a union-run trust that will take over retiree health care costs next year. GM already has a deal on other labor cost concessions, but details have not been released.

Both the trust concessions and labor cost cuts are required under term sheets that came with government loans granted to GM and Chrysler. The term sheets say both companies must do their best to reduce labor costs so they are equal to Japanese automakers with U.S. factories by the end of this year.

Ford Motor Co.'s U.S. hourly workers earlier this week approved cost cuts and funding half the trust with stock, and the UAW has said the GM deal would be patterned after Ford's.

Ford officials said Wednesday that the concessions would reduce its total hourly labor cost to $55, still at least $6 higher than Japanese automakers with U.S. factories.

But Young said GM can still comply with the terms of its loans using the Ford deal as a framework.

"We're working through that," he said. "There are other things that we can work on with the UAW in terms of further closing the gap, and a lot of that's related to improving productivity further."

Young said Ford also indicated it would need productivity gains to close the cost gap.

"I think the term sheet says that we're going to be competitive with the transplants. It doesn't say identical."

Ultimately, Young said GM still has to demonstrate to the autos task force that it can become viable.

[itbrokeagain]

I am having a hard time reading the tag in my underwear but would guess not USA? :eek:


Is that because of the brown racing stripes? :eek:

[plance1]

Who do you think builds the buildings that the japanese use to build their cars and/or parts?! We do. As a construction manager, we chased and worked on many buildings for japanese, not a single asian guy was working for any subcontractors, yup, all red-blooded, honest americans.

I love all cars and trucks, Mercedes, Toyota, Honda, don't care, if its cool and or interesting, I like it. If I don't like it, I at least can apprecate it.

I worked on a GM dealership recently and the people there were fantastic, all the way up the food chain to the owner of the place, nicest people in the world.

On the other hand, my brother bought a new suburban or tahoe, can't remember which and he has had it in the shop no less than 16 times in less than a year. When I asked why he says when he takes it to the dealer, they always tell him that he has to come back after the part comes in. Including such routine things like belts! So for every problem, he has to go twice, once to ask for help and the second time to get help. And why should he have to go back within a year for a new serpentine belt?

Another buddy of mine has a friend who delivers parts to auto manufactures. When he goes to detroit, its always a hassle to get his rig unloaded. When he goes down south to an asian manufacturer, everyone pitches in and helps out.

I hate the fact that every dang thing is made in china by 10 year old slave laborers and I want to see the return of American manufacturing. But we as a nation have become too soft and too used to buying crap from China that only a war with China will cause us to figure out how to make things again.