Loomis Has sold Out???

[Norski]

Is it true that G.Loomis has sold out to WHO!!!

Between them and Lima, there are the best IMO, so if this is true where do you send for any repairs???, on the G.L. ???????
Thanks for the replyes.

[blacktail519]

:whazzup: :whazzup:

[Fshklr]

GLoomis sold to shimano years ago (3?) was there something newer ...Shimano applies the standard warrenty on the loomis rods and is still in Woodland Wa I believe.

[IFISH4U]

They got bought by Shimano, you still go to the same place and they are still called GLoomis.

[Mark Vickers]

Its just that now the profits go back to Japan...

[Salmonator]

These discussions are getting soooo old. They are still made in Woodland and Gary Loomis is still very involved. And how many of you guys screaming buy american (not pointing fingers at you specifically RK) fish with Shimano, ABU Garcia or Diawa reels?

Penn is moving overseas, who else builds a reel in the US other than high end saltwater reels?

[superfly]

Gary Sold Loomis to shimano over 6 years ago, I don't know where you guys have been.
Peace
Superfly

[Wet_Willy]

Been in the same place as the guy asking about the steelhead run on the Tualatin River...

[spinner53]

Ya, their new catalog shows a Mr. Shimano as some kinda VP. I wondered when I saw that last year, now i know... At least they still employ american workers. I think about who building my Buzz Ramsey's, but for $ 70, i end up sending some $$$ to taiwan.

By a Loomis, send some money to Japan. me thinks more $$ stay here though......

I'm rambling, need more coffee, bye.

[Mark Vickers]

Arrow through the heart there Salmonator. [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img] :smile:

Yeah, I'm improving in my purchasing local stuff, but when I do a count, I'm still deeply in the red. I own a Japanese truck, a German car, and work for a company that builds a big chunk of its products in Asia and then markets them globally (NIKE).

Most of my fishing stuff is American made though, and I like supporting the local shops and manufacturers. I make sure all the beer and wine I drink is Oregon made. :grin:

I guess its a matter of knowing where your dollars are going and understanding the implications bad or good. That said, nowadays, that definitely is part of my purchasing plan.

[HORNBLOWER]

The subject of G.Loomis status has come up many times, with a lot of rumors. I just returned from the plant this morning after a tour through their plant. Hopefully, I can clarify some of the rumors I've heard in the past. Primarily, it clarified that all rods are made here in the U.S.
1. Rods are made in Woodland, WA....not overseas. Each rod is prepared individudally, by hand. The graphite cloth is cut by hand on a stainless stencil; placed (rolled carefully)by hand on a stainless mandrell, and the rod is then carefully processed, one at a time by precision machinery.
2. The rods, after full preparation, are grouped in batches for the baking process.
3. Rods are individually sanded by precision machine, and sections of each rod individually fitted. Those rods which are painted are individually handled and then baked in a continually rotating oven.
4. Handles and tips are applied at the plant.
5. Wrapping of the rods is done by several contracted wrappers outside the plant (as far north as Seattle.
6. Rods are returned for paint-screen stencil. Then threads are coated, and rods finished.
7. Final inspection takes place, and packaged.

I have to say that the entire process is impressive, and that the people working there were very conscientious about details of their tasks. Because the finishing-machinery handles some of the steps, rotating many rods at a time, it is truly a mass-production process. Nevertheless each rod receives a great deal of individual attention as it goes through its building process. Gary Loomis still has his parking place in front, and comes into the plant when he is in town. My understanding is that he still serves in an advisory capacity. (I don't know for how long that agreement was set).
I hope this will dispell some of the false rumors I've heard in the past.

[Norski]

Thanks Hornblower, RIVER-RAT.

[Gun Rod Bow]

They still have awsome service. I have stopped in with rods needing service and been treated wonderfully. [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]