Just to flesh out Brandon's statement here, we're also affected by this situation, in that all our legacy Tom's Modelworks etch for the Pearl Harbor BB's is produced there. I had just ordered some restock right before this happened in November, and had been wondering why this was taking so long to be filled. I've talked with the other owner, and he told me that they will resume production hopefully in April, and that they have quite a backlog of production to get done. Fortunately, in Bill's point, I've been able to replace most of what is on those frets with 3D parts, so really the only reason I need those now is for the railings.
As for moving the tools, Mike's correct. Ted tried three times to get our stuff to our normal etcher, and failed all three times. They believe they own these tools, and getting them to shift the tools somewhere else is about impossible. They're nice guys to talk to, but have a somewhat warped view of what constitutes ownership.
Jon
I have been getting alot of messages about why we are not restocking Gold Medal Products. I wish to set the record straight and let you hear it straight from me....
Ever since Loren sold Gold Medal to me (which was 2 years ago now), I have kept all of his products in stock, and even brought some back to production that he had previously discontinued. My goal is to continue the entire line into the future.
Here is why they are out of stock at the moment and have been for months.
The factory that produces the photo etch for us (which is the same factory that produced it for Loren, and the same factory that produces for other brands that you are very familiar with) is temporarily closed down. One of the two owners had a stroke several months ago and as soon as that happened... all production stopped. He is expected to make a full recovery and he wishes to resume working. BUT, even if that happens... they will be catching up from being shut down for months.
There is quite a bit involved in simply moving to another factory otherwise we would have done it by now. Our only option for right now is to wait until they can start production again. I hope to get an update from them at some point in the near future.
Brandon Lowe
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