General MFG. has announced that it will be winding down operations at its manufacturing facility in Drummondville, Quebec sometime in the fall of 2012. The exact date has not yet been established, but a further announcement will be made when this information becomes available.
This decision was deemed necessary to increase the company’s efficiency by combining all Canadian operations under one roof and by eliminating non-profitable SKUs from its product mix. It should also be noted that this decision will not affect their successful distribution centre in Murfreesboro, Tenn, U.S.A.
Current supplies of raw materials are being used at the plant to build up inventory of some of the more popular models, and to build up a long-term supply of replacement parts. Warranty service and replacement parts for existing General MFG. models will be available through General International and their network of dealers for years to come.
In a news release, the company says that it: “Intends to continue building on our proud heritage, and the depth of knowledge and experience acquired from over six decades of service to the woodworking industry will guide us in our ongoing commitment to supply woodworkers with quality innovative products.
“This decision will also allow us to refocus our attention and resources on expansion and further development to our General International, General CNC and Excalibur products that are growing in popularity with woodworkers the world over.
“We invite all of our dealers and customers to visit our booth (#5053) at IWF in Atlanta Aug. 22-25, to get a hands-on look at the breadth and depth of the extensive, high quality product offerings from General International."
