This is probably old news to most here, but I'll post it for those who haven't heard: according to the Pottstown Mercury, Gudebrod is closing for good, and will not be coming back. Here's a quote from the article: "Really, there's nothing left. The banks own everything," W.E. "Nat" LeGrande Jr., company president, said in a phone interview. "It's over."

I don't want to post a link, but you can find it by doing a Google news search for Gudebrod. This should provide a dissatisfying end to the months of speculation about what would be happening to the company.

That's sad.

Matt Smith
Greensboro, NC

Hmm I wonder what will become of stock on hand. If they have or are going to liquidation the banks will likely attempt to sell off all remaining stock. It is, of course, a sad thing when any company folds up their tents - but especially so for a company that has a long history and solid products.

I did some on-line looking (and read the article cited above). All is not quite so grim. It says the thread division was sold to another company along with the machinery and the Gudebrod name and that the new owners didn't want to move the machinery too far.

if the new owner will make the thread at the same - Quality - ??

Bill - willierods.com

The new owners do plan to resume production of rod wrapping thread. At least this is what they told me. Whether it will actually happen or not is just something we'll have to wait and see.

...............

Always a prime question when a company is in start up mode. However since the machinery will be the same and it's likely some of the workers will be the same I'd say the odds are pretty good that the quality will remain the same. As with any new company taking over an existing one there is also the possibility that some aspects / product lines may be dropped. Remember Gudebrod made more than rod wrapping thread. They also made flat braids, beading threads, yarns, spun polyester, fly tying threads including kevlar. I think it's a safe bet that there will be a concentrated look at the "bottom lines" of all the products by the new owners - and that the less profitable ones will not survive. There MAY be a secondary aspect as well. Consider how many rod building companies have been 'off shored' why buy would they buy thread made in the US and worry over delivery lag times, import rules and the like when their local companies can also produce similar thread. We are a rather smallish community of users.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/27/2010 03:29PM by Ken Preston.

The new owners are in part, the old owners.

..............

That is a good thing Tom

Bill - willierods.com

That is a good thing Tom i guess only time will tell ??

Bill - willierods.com

Having been downsized myself I feel bad for the workers.

Joe

Like they say -- it's the economy stupid LOL Still a shame for such a good company

Bill - willierods.com

So in otherwords....Relax people.... its just thread.

NERB that types with a bar of Ivory soap in his mouth.

Like Michael said, "Relax." There's a lot of useful thread for we folks. Hate to see them "pass on", however, as they had stuff that helped me get started. Times change.
Stan