Wascomat/China

[Anonymous]

has Wascomat moved their factory to China?

[soapman]

Is not China its Thailand. They moved their dryer factory last year and they are moving their washer factory this year. I expect they will start to lower prices when the machines come from low cost countries.

[Anonymous]

They will never lower prices.

[Ken]

Thailand's laber is even cheaper than China.
Quality is the key,not where is made .

[Boxer]

Thailand's laber is even cheaper than China.
Quality is the key,not where is made .


One of the world's leading manufacturers of professional washer extractors.

Our Ljungby factory is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of professional washer extractors. For nearly 100 years we have manufactured professional laundry equipment.

Today we specialise in the production of high-, normal-, medium- and extra-spin washer extractors with drum volumes ranging from 55 to 850 litres.

Employees
We employ approximately 550 people. The production unit is comprised of 380 employees out of which 300 are employed in production of equipment and 80 in R & D, production planning, logistics and purchasing.

The Swedish sales- and service organisation employs 71 persons and supply and service customised laundry solutions to apartment house laundries, hotels and health care institutions in Sweden.

This is Like taking a Mercedes-Benz and building them in China.

Not very happy about this not at all

[soapman]

Production at this plant is mainly for the professional
market. Production will gradually be transferred to a new plant in Thailand. The transfer will start at the beginning of 2006 and is
scheduled for completion at the end of 2006, when all production at Tommerup
will be discontinued. The cost of the closure amounts to SEK 49m which was
charged against operating income in the fourth quarter within items affecting
comparability. Approximately 180 employees will be affected.

[Anonymous]

Does it really matter where the machines are assembled? Honda & Toyota still make great cars now that they assemble them in the USA.
Enginering is what makes a quality product. You could teach any monkey to assemble.

[William]

I am sure you are not implying that the Thai are monkeys, but I agree with you on the part about engineering. A good design, quality tools, and good training will make a good product anywhere on earth.

How many people own an "import" car? Most are made in the US now. But people say "American" cars have lower quality. It is in the design and corporate philosophy.

[PeterH]

There are a lot of changes that are supposed to be taking place over at Wascomat that will effect us more than where the machines are put together.

[Anonymous]

To clarify I don't think the Thai are monkeys.

[William]

PeterH is correct. The winds of change are blowing at Wascomat USA and much will change in the next few months.

[Ken]

If Wascomat still use all the quality parts to put the machines together,they should be ok.

[Anonymous]

time will tell if the machines are as good as from Sweeden.

[soapman]

How can we find out what kind of parts they will be using?

[Anonymous]

Only time will tell what parts they use. When plants are moved to Asia they usually do it to save cost, that means parts too.

[Anonymous]

I wonder if this will be a problem for wascomat.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14906669/

[goingtoarizona]

Pantene's posted link to that article was pretty darn funny. Personally, were buying a truckload full of AMERICAN made Dexters T600's. I have three that seldom ever require any repairs. The Wasco's at my competitors look very outdated. My Maytag (front load) parts bill is out of control. I like their toploaders, but the Primis and Unimac made front's I have just don't compare to Dexter's Quality and customer service.

[Ken]

I don't think anything will change,this hapen in some countries every few years.People still have their vaction there,people don't really kill each other during the take over in some area.
One problem for Wascomat:their machines last too long!so you will see some 20,30 years old or even older Wascomat in laundromat,that is why you may see them break down.Wascomat always make good quality machines.
When I bought any stores,Primus washers were the first one to go!

[William]

It is impossible to say whether the coup is positive or negative at this point. Either way, I am sure that Wascomat will be just fine.