Thanks Mr. High-and-Mighty. The FACTS are that only a very small percentage of the employees (select upper management) will be relocated. Anyone below that level is out of a job. Think whatever you want, I didn't create this thread for people to flame eachother. Sorry that I thought it was a shame that more American jobs are moving across our border. My bad.
The point is: that it is a shame that companies have to do this to stay competitive in price, and the 600+ american jobs that will be lost. There are many that are doing this. Franklin Electric Submersible Pumps is another of the many, that has shipped their business to Mexico. My brother worked as a shift manager in one of their Arkansas plants for 15 yrs and they did this. At least they did give him a severance package, which included paying for schooling to retrain some of the employees to do other jobs in the work force.
teh fact of the matter is that the consumer has driven polaris to this, don't blame the company for trying to stay profitable... consumers want more for less all the time, its the walmart mentality that caused this, nothing more.... the company still has to remain profitable to stay in biz and when everyone else can produce for less money it will allow them to sell for lower prices and effectively squeeze poalris out of the market, its simple economics and business strategy man... do I feel sorry for the families affected? of course, but pinning the blame completely on polaris is way off base... the consumer, mgmt, unions/labor costs, etc. all play a part... personally I'd give the consumer about 50% of the blame...
The FACT is that many guys read the post and tend to think, "well 600 screwed employees" without ever considering reality. Consider a moment just the two items regarding the operations that will not be affected. Consider WHY the company is moving, to be central to their customer base. Also, if you really think that only middle management will be relocated, then think about why? Those that will no longer work at Polaris will eventually find work. Just like in every other industry that has "lost" jobs Lastly, if you post something without a great deal of fore thought then you will get flamed! Have you not see the other threads where someone has whined about "jobs lost"? Every one of them has a group that goes one direction and another that goes the opposite.
If you're one of the six hundred that is your reality. Companies move to make more profit, BP just did a bunch of moves in the Gulf to expedite the process and make more profit, how has that work out for the consumer? One day we will figure out what the Greatest Generation already knew, we are in this together, and if we work on putting our country, family and friends first over our self interest, we will all be better of in the end.
I'd love to tell you that I was independently wealthy... I am currently finishing college (Bachelors), Operations and Supply Chain Management and entering for a Masters in International Business Administration. I am also a Materials Planner for a local mid sized company. Before leaving my job to go back to college full time I was a manager of cabinet shops. None of this has a bearing on what I think about companies moving or outsourcing. If American companies (or employees) can not do the job efficiently and effectively as someone in another company than they will loose to foreign companies.
You are right, are you one of the 600? FACT, companies are no different than individuals. They are doing what is best for them. They have that right. As far as how it works for the consumer? One, we don't ***** when we get products for a less expensive price or a price that does not increase at the rate of union wages. Two, as far as BP, I did not hear anyone complaining about the gas prices when they are less expensive than they were at some point in history. Everyone knew of the risks with off shore oil. Obama was even for it, until we have a disaster. Now, he's gonna "kick ass". With every good there is a bad, or at least a chance for one. As far as putting things before ourselves, I can agree to a point, but a very limited point. It is when we strive for success that we increase our lot Who the heck is the "Greatest Generation" and what makes them so great? Please don't tell me "our grandparents generation" I know how my grandfather had it, it was not all a box of chocolates.
First off, different people live in different realities, it's a fact of life. And while I'm not one of the 600 people losing their jobs, I can sympathize because I personally know a few of them. This subject in and of itself means different things to both you and I. The FACT is that this will completely devastate an entire town. I don't think I can stress this enough, It affects me and my area differently than it does you. Yes, I am pissed about this. No, I will never buy a Polaris ever again. And yes, there was forethought involved, although even if there wasn't, take a second to remember this is an internet forum. Call me crazy, but I'd like to see those lowly factory jobs that apparently you don't care about remain in America.
I keep reading about the consumer getting blamed for the move, so explain this to me. If Joe Consumer won't pay the prices that Polaris is demanding for an american made quad, why would anyone in their right mind pay the same amount for one made in Mexico? Polaris isn't exactly the Lou Gerhig of the ATV world, can't see this helping that problem.
There is only one reality, some of us live further from the center than others. I agree that the town and those that will no longer be working at Polaris are going to suffer negative effects of the change. What the reality is, is that Polaris is not moving ALL of their operations to Mexico, just some. In addition, not every employee will loose their job. Also, Polaris has made it clear that they are not only keeping two of their Midwest operations open, they are working to try to sell some of the WI operations so that some of the jobs will be left or at least with other companies. I will ask this again, what is wrong with a company doing what is good for them and potentially the greater number of their customers, by moving their operations of this plant to a more centrally located region? How is this any different than a company or city telling people that they can never move because it is not good for the company of the community? How would you feel if you wanted to make a move that would be beneficial to your long term success then were either forced to stay or no one would give you a job because you had moved? You do not know me nor do you know how I feel about the "lowly factory jobs". For more than 20 years that was how I earned a living. I know full well what a factory job is worth. I may be in management now, but this is not the reason that I believe what I do. You are right, this is an internet forum. But I am not the one getting pissy about the issue either. Don't take my opinion personally, because believe me, I do not take another persons opinion personally. Just different. I just wish that guys could separate emotion from reality when something like this happens I will also never buy a Polaris, because I ride Yamaha
We do not have the entire slate of information. But you can bet that there are people with more information that believe that they are right. Plus, it is their company, they can do as they wish with it. I do not believe that location of manufacturing is the reason that people in America are choosing the brand of ATV. The Japanese brands are the top sellers. I think that there are many factors like investment, technology ROI, and location with respect to the greater customer base. Having ATV manufacturing this far north is silly. That would be like moving their sled operations to Texas. The shipping costs are terrible. The company I work for spends 40 to 50k a month on inbound freight. Think of how that translates to shipping assembled ATV's. Shipping costs are on the rise, with no real plateau in sight.
It is not really the Wal Mart Philosophy as much as it is the "consumer mentality" the consumers drive the marketplace. It is like cars. The big three and even other manufacturers produced what was selling, until fuel shot up, then customer preference changed and now look. More hybrids and smaller more efficient cars. Consumers are in control
I understand what you are saying on that level, BUT where it bothers me is we (the consumer) often times don't get a choice to pay a little more for the same product and quality. Example: I have been wearing a certain brand of boot for 15 years now. They ain't cheap, but you knew what you were getting. I went in two years ago to pick up another pair and the store owner (a friend of mine) informed me that although the price hadn't changed, they had moved production overseas. I foolishly bought the boots and they weren't half the boot they were. I'd have gladly paid another 20 to 30 dollars more understanding that manufacturing cost, especially in this country have gone up. I didn't get that choice. These companies beat on their suppliers for better pricing and the cost cuts have to come from somewhere. If the suppliers don't comply and give better prices or hold their prices, then it's on to the next joker who thinks volume with no margins is where it's at. This is why we have no manufacturing left in this country.
To a few of you on here, why jump down his throat? I think all Eric Is saying here Is It sure would be nice If these American company's would stay here In the US Instead of jumping sea. I think we'd all like that.
