Fuller Brush... files Chapter 11

[dgltrader]

Hi there,

Just saw this on msnbc.com and thought it might impact HOF's and those looking to own a classic Hatt (I am still looking)...don't they make the portlights and gaskets for classic Hatts?

A couple of items jumped out...(Bold mine)

"...The move comes just two months after the company said it had overhauled its operations, declaring itself to be “rebooted” with a new website and a “whole new line of products specifically designed for today’s consumers.”

...."the company aims to maximize its revenue streams from its most popular products, while eliminating the production of other, less profitable items."

...."Fuller Brush’s assets and debts each amount to between $10 million and $50 million."

"Private equity firm Buckingham Capital Partners bought the company from CPAC in 1997. CPAC, which manages companies in the cleaning, personal care and imaging industries, is also filing for bankruptcy protection, according to The Associated Press.

Just in case I did not "link" properly (or was blocked).
Yep, the link blocked being a newbie and lurker I do not have the privilege yet.
So try to let you cut and paste it...
Well that doesn't work either so...
either Google or add the prefix to address (http etc.)

the address-bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/23/10486264-fuller-brush-files-for-bankruptcy-weeks-after-reboot

I suspect that "our parts" might well be shed in this process... I wonder (hope?) that someone (SAMs ?) might try to grab the inventory, and perhaps the molds/tools/etc. important to "our" boats. Perhaps a HOF member could take it on, or under the wing of an existing business?

If they decide to "fire sale price it" it might be more profitably, even with "a small market" for a new owner to continue to sell the products...at the least they would have the last inventory.

First I heard of this...happened Tuesday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.. and I immediately thought of the classic Hatts.

dgltrader

 

[Pascal]

Newfounds metal makes those portholes, in original bronze material. Saw them at strictly sail last week end, although was disappointed to find out they were made in china..

 

[madhatter1]

Made in china is junk 100% of the time. I am on a buy American kick looking at all the labels. The MAIN reason I do this is that I am so sick of everything being such junk not fit for use. I bought an interior brass reading light for my v berth last year. The corrosion on it is worse than the two in front of it that were put in in 1996. Can't get good stainless anymore, it all rusts (I admit I do not know where it is made). I buy American made even if it costs more because generally it is a superior quality and in turn supports US workers. I even avoid the chinese TP for the boat and RV. Those portholes might be bronze but I bet poor quality metal that the cheap chrome will peel off.

 

[sandspur1966]

Ive been on the same buy american kick for a few years. Great website is www.stillmadeintheusa.com nice lady in the midwest keeps it up. I send her a paypal payment every year to help defray some of her costs.

I have not worn a chinese made article of clothing in years... Right down to my socks. In fact with the exception of electronics like this stupid ipad im typing on now, i am pretty much down to all north american products with some european stuff (wine chocolate and my cars etc.)

It feels good.

 

[Pascal]

Agreed! We were looking for portholes for the sailboat and moved as soon as we heard "made in china"! That boat will not have Chinese parts on it!

 

[madhatter1]

I am not against any foreign products that are great for what they are. German engineering is still very good in cars. Many other examples like wines, foods, and manufactured products that we either don't produce or simply are not that good at. Those aside I will always look for the American product. When I was growing up the big joke was "made in Taiwan". Now china products are an even bigger joke. My house was completed in 2006 and I was very lucky to not be involved the drywall bit. I don't know much about Fuller but even if they liqudate the best products will be picked up by the FREE ENTERPRISE system and continued by another company. If they hang on then good for them.

 

[krush]

I bought a pot that was made in USA...at walmart. It was junk. Probably union.

 

[Angela]

Newfounds metal makes those portholes, in original bronze material. Saw them at strictly sail last week end, although was disappointed to find out they were made in china..

That's not what Fuller Brush makes - they make the plastic ones which are the ones many of us have and leads me to wonder where we're going to find them when they need replacing. They tend to crack at the upper hinge and are a pain to replace unless your boat is in a yard and you have some scaffolding to work from. I'm not a fan of them, but it's what there and it's what fits back in the hole in the hullside.

 

[Pascal]

Personally when they crack I d replace them by the original bronze version, I believe they are the exact same size. I just love the way they feel. I can't helping thinking Hatteras cheaped out when they switch to plastic

 

[jim rosenthal]

They did cheap out. Plastic doesn't rust, but it cracks. Metal can be painted so it doesn't rust, or treated with C-X. Plastic is hopeless.

 

[Angela]

​

Personally when they crack I d replace them by the original bronze version, I believe they are the exact same size. I just love the way they feel. I can't helping thinking Hatteras cheaped out when they switch to plastic

My recollection is that your bronze portlights are bigger. I remember we compared them some time in the past and they were not the same. I like the bronze, but it means replacing all of them just to repair one when the plastic ones are gone. I wish Hatteras had just stuck with the bronze all along.

 

[Angela]

And the plastic yellows with time.

 

[sandspur1966]

If Fuller discontinues the portlight business as part of the restructuring, hopefully Steve M will load up on their old stock. I'd imagine they have quite a few in inventory in Kansas and would be unloading them at bankruptcy prices. I have no idea how many he sells per year but perhaps SAMS could warehouse a 10 year supply at a great cost basis.

Not that I'm looking for a deal myself per se, I am so thankful that Steve is around, it would be good to see him make a few extra sheckles.

 

[bobk]

Does any one know who makes the foam gasket? Hope that is a product that will continue to be available.

Bobk

 

[Boatsb]

With all the enterprising and knowledgeable business people on the site knowing they will need these port lights I would think someone would look at taking over the production of them as a business venture and not ask Sams to stock up and sell them at a low cost.

 

[eze2bme]

Last year I ordered replacement rubber gaskets from Fuller which were too small in diameter and leaked. I returned them to Fuller and re-installed the old gaskets. I then Carefully measured the old gaskets and went online and found surgical tubing of the same inside and outside diameter. I cut new gaskets and they have worked great ... and at considerably less dollars than Fuller.

 

[Angela]

Does any one know who makes the foam gasket? Hope that is a product that will continue to be available.

Bobk

Foam gasket? I've bought these "complete" portlights from Fuller in the past and they didn't have foam gaskets. Were mine missing something? I didn't see one taking the old off and the new ones, likewise, didn't have one.

Wait - are you talking about the round rubber gasket that goes on the channel of the window part that opens to the inside? If so, they are rubber (at least that's what all of mine are and when I ordered new ones from Fuller, I that's what I got - black rubber) - if you have foam, I suspect someone before you replaced it with off the shelf foam insulation in a tube shaped extrusion that I've seen at Home Depot. My new ones were black rubber that fit perfectly and the ends were welded together to make what looks like a giant rubber band - direct from Fuller.

 

[bobk]

Ang, yes I'm referring to the gasket that seals the clear light to the frame. I bought a complete set from SAMS to change out all of them on the boat when I bought it almost six years ago. I thought they were black rubber micro foam extrusions, but now I need to go check. A few spares would be good to have.

Bobk
Chateau de Mer
1981 48MY

 

[nitroexpress]

Made in china is junk 100% of the time. I am on a buy American kick looking at all the labels. The MAIN reason I do this is that I am so sick of everything being such junk not fit for use. I bought an interior brass reading light for my v berth last year. The corrosion on it is worse than the two in front of it that were put in in 1996. Can't get good stainless anymore, it all rusts (I admit I do not know where it is made). I buy American made even if it costs more because generally it is a superior quality and in turn supports US workers. I even avoid the chinese TP for the boat and RV. Those portholes might be bronze but I bet poor quality metal that the cheap chrome will peel off.

I agree with you completely! If the folks in the US would not buy the crap the produce, they would be in deep trouble very quickly! I refuse to buy ANY crap made offshore!

 

[mike]

FWIW.... called Fuller Brush today, they are still selling the port lights and their respective parts. However, they are not sold on the net, you have to call direct 1-800-227-2961