AFP Australia Facebook Twitter Email Published on Tuesday 19 May 2020 At 01:15 A claim that Black + Decker, a US hardware manufacturer, is suspending its operations in China and building a new factory in Texas has been shared in multiple posts on Facebook. The claim is misleading; the company said it will continue to operate in China. The claim was published on Facebook here on May 6, 2020.
So here is the deal B&D is moving a small section of their business to Fort Worth/ Alliance "A new Stanley Black & Decker manufacturing plant is set to be located at a site just east of Interstate 35 W at Eagle Parkway and North Beach Street. Debra Hale Read more here: https://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/article230424999.html#storylink=cpy" They still have plants that employ 8000 CCP residents of China. Some truth some false. At least it is a start and they did have a start up plant in Connecticut
I'd say it's insurance should US / Sino relations sour to the point that manufacturing in China is no longer a viable business option...no point in investing big in technology upgrades in China if the prospect of return on investment may be shaky...better to establish that part of their operation in the relative security of the USA, especially when there's a government tax incentive pork barrel to sweeten the deal. B&D will keep their operation in China going for as long as it is profitable to do so.
Black and Decker is now Stanley Black and Decker and a whole slew of other brands. No longer really a tool company, it is now in the GE model and acts as a holding company where they have things made for their name and sell to others. Some of their tools are good, some aren't. Their first and only interest is to the stock holders, right or wrong, that is the present system of management in the US. more at Stanley Black & Decker - Wikipedia As Chell said, they will do business where ever they can make the most profit and be able to keep it. China might be a little iffy if Trump is re elected, so it would make sense to hedge a few bets and get as much in the way of tax benefits etc as they can. If they have to assemble tools in the USA per Trump's rules, they will, if not they will continue to make them where ever it is cheapest and most secure over seas.
I suspect, but do NOT know, that there are more companies that are seeding operations stateside to have a place to exist when the doors are closed. A more interesting line if enquery might be what will the Chinese do with those production facilities are abandoned by the US (part) owners. You don't even have to guess at that, do you?
Well, I would say add them to the list of tools I won't buy, but the way it's going, we'd soon be would anyone to buy tools from.............
Been there, CCP will take it all and even stole lines in security impound lock down. I know because I designed them (mfg lines) and refused to go to China. Still have the AutoCad listed as China.
Oddly, my son tells me Elon Musk just bought a huge track of land near Austin. Rumor is this is where the soon-to-leave Calif plant will be placed. Tesla acquires $5 million worth of land outside Austin to build new factory - Electrek
Possibly interesting side light on B&D. Quote without comment from the August issue of Consumer Reports Time Traveler column; "1917 The handheld drill is patented by S. Duncan Black and Alonzo Decker. Its portable pistol grip design for single hand use is inspired by a Colt .45 automatic pistol."
Like it or not, we live in a world economy. I try to buy America, when and if I can find it, not easy at any price. That said, I do own a few B&D tools. Always thought they were cheaply made, clunky, awkward, but serviceable, albeit, they may or may not finish the job.... But finishing the job might be limited to how the tool is used or abused.
I think they filled the nitch for the beginner hobbyist, but not for the professional, though I must admit I had a B&D air drill I liked very much. They seemed to make an effort in industrial tools but I think it was too late and other professional tool manufacturers seized the moment. I have to wonder if the move will inspire an improvement in quality?
IIRC they own the Craftsman name after Sears went under. Won't be buying made in China. All of my Craftsman tools say made in USA !
I bought a lithium battery upgrade for my old NiMH powered dewalt 18v drill and 1/2 inch impact instead of buying new ones and batteries that all would likely be made in china.
