Who owns Who

[12dbsinad]

I challenge everyone to go visit factories overseas (if you could) and see how much different it is compared to the US. I had a chance to visit Icom Japan, and I'll tell you I was amazed at the work environment. Very clean facility, minimal talking. Everyone has a duty and everyone stays completely busy during work hours. They even have rules on how long it takes for you to walk to and from the restroom from your station. They literally maximize everything. Everyone's job is just as important as the next guy, including the cleaning personnel.

They can make a product in half the time at a third of the cost. Over here, unions enable a person to not change a toilet paper roll because "it's not their job description". People literally sit around because heaven forbid they do someone else's job, even if it's desperately needed. Some places are even having to give "social media breaks" so they can check their damn facebook accounts! Those things are just the tip of the iceberg.

It's because America can't compete, and we want dirt cheap products at Walmart.

 

[mmckenna]

It's because America can't compete, and we want dirt cheap products at Walmart.

Enter Baofeng, stage right...

 

[12dbsinad]

Enter Baofeng, stage right...

Well, I mean they can market a dual band radio, ship it and sell it for 20 dollars, AND, it somewhat works for very basic comms (regardless of it being legal)

It hate to see a 150 dollar Baofeng!

 

[mmckenna]

Well, I mean they can market a dual band radio, ship it and sell it for 20 dollars, AND, it somewhat works for very basic comms (regardless of it being legal)

It hate to see a 150 dollar Baofeng!

Can you imagine what their actual cost must be? Figuring shipping, parts, labor…. They've got to be making some profit.

 

[12dbsinad]

Can you imagine what their actual cost must be? Figuring shipping, parts, labor…. They've got to be making some profit.

I always say the same thing!

 

[MTS2000des]

They can make a product in half the time at a third of the cost. Over here, unions enable a person to not change a toilet paper roll because "it's not their job description". People literally sit around because heaven forbid they do someone else's job, even if it's desperately needed. Some places are even having to give "social media breaks" so they can check their damn facebook accounts! Those things are just the tip of the iceberg.

It's because America can't compete, and we want dirt cheap products at Walmart.

Unions didn't cause the electronics industry to dry up. Corporate America sold us out. What you left out of the Japanese vs. American industry example is that the Japanese companies take good care of their employees versus trying to get over on them: they "groom" employees from their birth practically, providing things like housing subsidies, education, health care, and decent wages, you know- simple formula: take care of your employees, pay them a living wage, and they'll take care of the company. Invest in them, and they'll return it ten times over.

The American corporate way: screw unto others before they screw unto you, and here we are...how well is the "American" way working out for us these days?

 

[cpetraglia]

That ship has sailed. Manufacturing of this kind of stuff stateside ended decades ago. It isn't coming back. Why? too many raw materials are not made here anymore, raw materials make component parts- guess what else isn't made here anymore: component parts. The addiction that corporate America has with cheap (slave) labor isn't going away.

If you think equipment is expensive now, add the "MADE IN USA with USA MADE COMPONENTS"= triple the cost.

I sure am glad I bought my three BK radios 2 years ago. They all work perfectly, no problems.

 

[samcken]

they "groom" employees from their birth practically, providing things like housing subsidies, education, health care, and decent wages, you know- simple formula: take care of your employees, pay them a living wage, and they'll take care of the company. Invest in them, and they'll return it ten times over.


Your view of Japan may be a little rosy. Ask those still living with their aging parents. It's the culture that grooms them, not the company. If I had a company I would certainly prefer Japanese employees in certain jobs. Consider the Japanese proverb "The nail that sticks out gets hammered."

 

[12dbsinad]

Unions didn't cause the electronics industry to dry up.

Never said they did, it was just an example how messed up the American work force is. Unions has a purpose back in the day, today I think it's safe that ship has long sailed for the most part.

Corporate America sold us out. What you left out of the Japanese vs. American industry example is that the Japanese companies take good care of their employees versus trying to get over on them: they "groom" employees from their birth practically, providing things like housing subsidies, education, health care, and decent wages, you know- simple formula: take care of your employees, pay them a living wage, and they'll take care of the company. Invest in them, and they'll return it ten times over.

The American corporate way: screw unto others before they screw unto you, and here we are...how well is the "American" way working out for us these days?

Japan society is completely different. They have vending machines with beer in them out on the sidewalks. They go to school all day. They aren't waking around with ego's and self entitlement like us America's do. I see nobody stepping to the plate except 1 person all these years. Even to do something.. Instead we got a complete and total sell out with all the past nut jobs. It's years of this, it's a compounded problem.

 

[MTS2000des]

Never said they did, it was just an example how messed up the American work force is. Unions has a purpose back in the day, today I think it's safe that ship has long sailed for the most part.

Japan society is completely different. They have vending machines with beer in them out on the sidewalks. They go to school all day. They aren't waking around with ego's and self entitlement like us America's do. I see nobody stepping to the plate except 1 person all these years. Even to do something.. Instead we got a complete and total sell out with all the past nut jobs. It's years of this, it's a compounded problem.

You seem to be completely avoiding the fact that AMERICAN COMPANIES, not unions or "people walking around with ego's..." SOLD US OUT to foreign interests 20+ years ago. Did unions play a part? Yes. Corporate greed? Absolutely. Now we have a society of consumers who produce nothing. The failure point is that consumers with no income can't consume anymore.

The price to pay for being "self entitled" is coming due. Companies that used to be revered are nothing more than names sold to the highest bidder owned by foreign interests who have zero intention of ever opening a single factory on our shores ever. Now who did that? I'll give you a hint, the same Wall Street grifters who now pilot the ship...

 

[12dbsinad]

You seem to be completely avoiding the fact that AMERICAN COMPANIES, not unions or "people walking around with ego's..." SOLD US OUT to foreign interests 20+ years ago. Did unions play a part? Yes. Corporate greed? Absolutely. Now we have a society of consumers who produce nothing. The failure point is that consumers with no income can't consume anymore.

The price to pay for being "self entitled" is coming due. Companies that used to be revered are nothing more than names sold to the highest bidder owned by foreign interests who have zero intention of ever opening a single factory on our shores ever. Now who did that? I'll give you a hint, the same Wall Street grifters who now pilot the ship...

Yeah, there is a REASON why American companies sold us out. They didn’t just wake up one day and say, you know what, screw America,we’re moving. No.. they sold us out because they HAD to.

I’ll say it again, they couldn’t compete. The cost of doing business in America is insane compared to other countries. Just the amount of red tape and regulations kill many industries. Our trade tax an absolute joke. Try making a product and selling it out of the US, then buy something foreign and see who gets screwed.
You know what was also happening around the same time? NAFTA. If you don’t believe that had an ill effect on American companies then you live in la la land, or weren’t around at that time to see the affects.

You couldn’t survive in America, period.

 

[kikito]

As my late mother said, "I'm in reality. Won't you join me?"

Defeatist or realist?

Sounds like an arrogant pessimist to me. Just like a past president was saying the same thing: “Those jobs will never come back” And yet here they are back. You’re putting all this obstacles to just an idea I suggested and many people agree with. Yes, there’s already many companies building more things here as we speak.
I STILL STAND BY WHAT I SAID. We can seize the moment to bring back more of the industry, companies, jobs, etc. back to where they belong. But go ahead if you like having 8 of every 10 products in your house saying “Made in China”. I will NOT agree with you and I don’t care who YOU think you are, period. I’m not some snot-nose kid you can condescend into submission I’ll tell you right now...

 

[MTS2000des]

Sounds like an arrogant pessimist to me.

Another ad hominem response. I expect nothing more.

And yet here they are back. You’re putting all this obstacles to just an idea I suggested and many people agree with. Yes, there’s already many companies building more things here as we speak.

I'll ask again: what manufacturing jobs in the electronics industry have "come back"? Still waiting for the answer or some real data.

Yes, there’s already many companies building more things here as we speak.

Cite some factual real examples. Real ones, not fiction or links to Fox news.

We can seize the moment to bring back more of the industry, companies, jobs, etc. back to where they belong.

So let me know when that happens. I haven't seen it yet. Last I checked, the Ford plant here in ATL is history, as was GM Doraville. Two real world examples of industries that aren't coming back. Meanwhile, who opens plants here? Kia/Hyundai. A FOREIGN company. Granted, it's US labor, and many parts are sourced within the borders, but the COMPANY making the profit isn't domestic.

I will NOT agree with you and I don’t care who YOU think you are, period. I’m not some snot-nose kid you can condescend into submission I’ll tell you right now...

I'm not asking nor care if you agree/disagree/like/dislike. I'm not asking you to care. I'm stating facts. They don't change because you don't like/agree/disagree, etc. Facts don't change. I could care less who you are. This is the Internet. Put on your big boy pants and realize people can disagree with you and you're free to either discuss it like an adult or move on.

 

[MTS2000des]

Yeah, there is a REASON why American companies sold us out. They didn’t just wake up one day and say, you know what, screw America,we’re moving. No.. they sold us out because they HAD to.

I'm glad you agree what the root cause was. That was my point. Thank you for clearing up the confusion.

I’ll say it again, they couldn’t compete. The cost of doing business in America is insane compared to other countries. Just the amount of red tape and regulations kill many industries. Our trade tax an absolute joke. Try making a product and selling it out of the US, then buy something foreign and see who gets screwed.
You know what was also happening around the same time? NAFTA. If you don’t believe that had an ill effect on American companies then you live in la la land, or weren’t around at that time to see the affects.

I don't disagree. NAFTA was a bad idea, but who put that into motion? The same corporate interests at work grifting and stealing today. Follow the money. It doesn't lie.

You couldn’t survive in America, period.

I'm not sure what you mean. Explain.

 

[rapidcharger]

Ritron says their radios are made in America
A certain politician is running on a Buy American agenda so instead of buying radios from L3 or wherever, they should buy Ritron.

 

[12dbsinad]

Ritron says their radios are made in America
A certain politician is running on a Buy American agenda so instead of buying radios from L3 or wherever, they should buy Ritron.

I’d certainly promote buying L3 vs Motorola if you want to buy at least assembled in the USA products.

 

[12dbsinad]

I'm glad you agree what the root cause was. That was my point. Thank you for clearing up the confusion.

I was never blaming solely the unions. My point was our work ethic doesn't help American manufacturing, unions included.

I don't disagree. NAFTA was a bad idea, but who put that into motion? The same corporate interests at work grifting and stealing today. Follow the money. It doesn't lie.

Who put it into motion? A lot of people. But I can point to one certain clan that fought hard for it and signed it into law regardless of all the backlash from congress and the American companies. Follow the money you say... ya, you got that right. These are the same people some of use are trying to prevent from ever leading this country again.

 

[Project25_MASTR]

Was reading some of the posts and wanted some clarification

-Motorola owns Vertex- slowly phasing their product line out
-Harris has controlling interest in Tait? thought it was a license agreement
-JVC Kenwood has EF Johnson, andZetron<?>
-RELM is now BK

Everyone is building radios off Chinese designs

Vertex is gone. Completely absorbed by Motorola effective Jan 1, 2018. Only three or four products are still being sold (mostly EVX radios) but they've been being sold under the Motorola name since March 2018.

EF Johnson is also gone. They were officially absorbed by Kenwood in January 2019 and some of the EFJ upper management was removed as well as the headquarters in DFW being re-branded to Kenwood. The EFJ team is now the P25 team at Kenwood (which now Kenwood has good brand recognition at DFW airport I guess).

Bendix King merged with RELM then they relabed as BK...I think there may have been another identity crisis in there that I'm forgetting as well.

Icom has a reseller's agreement with RF Technology for the Eclipse 2 repeater (which is assembled in Texas and DFSI compliant).

I’d certainly promote buying L3 vs Motorola if you want to buy at least assembled in the USA products.

Unfortunately, that means dealing with a certain distributor who I (and other local agencies) won't have anything to do with. Harris/Tait's big problem is they don't have distributor diversity...doesn't really matter if the product is assembled in the US or a better alternate budgetwise, if they are going to force customers to use a distributor that doesn't take care of those customers or has questionable ethics, it only goes to hurt Harris and Tait in the long run by keeping potential customers away.

 

[jhooten]

... Toyota was assembled in the US, ...

In San Antonio Texas by Juan, Carlos, Jose, and Pedro who are here just doing jobs Americans don't want to do.

 

[Project25_MASTR]

In San Antonio Texas by Juan, Carlos, Jose, and Pedro who are here just doing jobs Americans don't want to do.

I just bought a Yota for the wife...wasn't assembled at the JLC Ranch plant though, came from Indiana had a neat chart which showed what came from where. To be fair, Tacoma has some interchangeable parts with Hilux but Tundra is exclusive to the North American market and uses more American made parts than any of the other domestics with the only real exception being GM Heavy Duty. In my digestion of information last week at the Toyota dealership I also learned why Landcruisers are so expensive...exported JDM.