Thread: Master "Champ" #217 adjustable-shackle combination padlock

I just heard a talk by the president of the U.S. Manufacturers Association about bringing manufacturing jobs back into the U.S. Given the fact that it was the U.S. manufacturing companies themselves, first claiming the unions were the problem and moving companies out of the union controlled North to the non union South, to then move from the South to Mexico and China for even cheaper labor, I don't see it happening. Unless of course, we want to work for $1 an hour. I understand I am greatly over simplifying a very complex problem, but if it is quality you want you won't get it at $ 1 an hour, anywhere. Doug

Originally Posted by BBE

A little misinformation there Pete. Frist of all, we are still proud and that is very unlikely to change. The American Lock factory was closed in Crete but only because we moved all the manufacturing machinery from there to the Milwaukee plant, where the product is manufactured today. The Dexter plant in AL was closed and the brand eliminated by the Schlage Lock Co upon their purchase of the assets from Master. When did that happen? Around 16 years ago. Schlage has recently resurrected that brand name and labels some products as 'Dexter by Schlage'.
BBE.

1. Although the American Lock machinery was moved from Crete to Milwaukee, I'm wondering how many employees, if any, went along?
2. Although the Dexter by Schlage name was resurrected c.2004, other than name, the product has no connection whatever with the former Dexter Lock or Dexter by Master Lock. The entire line is now made in China, much like Master Lock's current door hardware offering. The fact that I-R Schlage officially closed the plant is of little consequence, they did the same thing with the excellent Lori Brassworks solid brass door hardware line, I think it's called "elmininating the competition".

Thanks for the clarification Billy, and yes Master Lock is still a proud name, even if somewhat diminished from its former stature. My two cents.


Pete Schifferli

Originally Posted by Pschiffe

The fact that I-R Schlage officially closed the plant is of little consequence, ..........

Pete Schifferli

It is actually of pretty significant consequence Pete when you said in your other post that Master closed it. In my opinion that is the height of misinformation.
BBE.