What is a true manufacturing company? Is It Star/SVP?

[Jman423]

Let's hear from those in the know. This will help people looking for information on which companies are trustworthy and which products are reliable.

For this discussion, we'll focus on Star/SVP.

 

[dcb]

One of the two US brands that are very vertically integrated from a manufacturing perspective.... they make the majority of their own products with little outsourcing.

 

[RS485]

Wow, they're actually _asking_ for feedback! Kudos to Star!

Customer Satisfaction Survey | Star Safety Technologies by Grote

Since 1889 Star has been manufacturing Railroad, LED, Beacons, Lightbars,Traffic Directors, Back-Up Alarms, Strobe, Halogen and Siren products. All proudly designed, manufactured, and assembled in the USA!

www.star1889.com

 

[Thebakerman]

This is a hard question to answer (for me) because while I'm not a big fan of their halogen revolving lights, I've never used their LED products but hear they're very good. I don't think it would be fair to rate them based solely on the one or two halogen products I'm familiar with.

 

[Jman423]

Their LED stuff is a mixed bag, and I think it's due to what they were able to produce without violating existing patents. Some of their optics are quite impressive, while others are expensive with very little effective return.

 

[Cleaning Traffic]

Interesting that this topic came up, as I think their LED products are phenomenal! Lights, flashers and switches/controllers especially. Been using their products for years. Interesting because someone brought up in a previous post about their outsourcing. There are 3 major components to production of ANY product: Design, Manufacturing and Assembly. In my opinion, ALL 3 must be done in the USA in order for a company to label their products "MADE IN THE USA". As soon as it is learned that just one of these components are being done in another country, then the product is not worthy as being labeled as such, but this doesn't mean that it doesn't perform well. I have used and sold many products who outsource all or some of these 3 components (Code 3, Federal Signal, Soundoff to name a few) and obviously perform just as well as Whelen, Star, Feniex, etc. I have also used and sold emergency vehicle lighting (and audible) parts imported directly from other countries that not only perform just as well as the "top brands) but offer the same 5 year warranty as well (Abrams Manufacturing, LED Equipped, Whacker, etc.). Moral of my story? Outsourcing puts your product at risk of being bootlegged.

 

[Cleaning Traffic]

Their LED stuff is a mixed bag, and I think it's due to what they were able to produce without violating existing patents. Some of their optics are quite impressive, while others are expensive with very little effective return.

Although violating patents from a company like Star would be surprising to me, I don't doubt anything anymore, especially in this industry. It takes the most minute deviation to protect someone from patent infringement, like merely switching from positive to negative power/ground source for example.

 

[Jarred J.]

@Cleaning Traffic your info is mistrued.. according to research i posted in another thread "Made in the usa" rules only apply to autmotive manufacturing and textile operations.. not warning lights

Complying with the Made in USA Standard

Introduction Basic Information About Made In USA Claims The Standard For Unqualified Made In USA Claims Qualified Claims Comparative Claims The FTC and The Customs Service Other Statutes What To Do About Violations Introduction The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is charged with preventing

www.ftc.gov

 

[Jman423]

@Cleaning Traffic your info is mistrued.. according to research i posted in another thread "Made in the usa" rules only apply to autmotive manufacturing and textile operations.. not warning lights

Complying with the Made in USA Standard

Introduction Basic Information About Made In USA Claims The Standard For Unqualified Made In USA Claims Qualified Claims Comparative Claims The FTC and The Customs Service Other Statutes What To Do About Violations Introduction The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is charged with preventing

www.ftc.gov

If you're right, you're right. But don't expect to build trust with your customer base if you're going to insult their intelligence... no matter who the company is.

 

[Cleaning Traffic]

@Cleaning Traffic your info is mistrued.. according to research i posted in another thread "Made in the usa" rules only apply to autmotive manufacturing and textile operations.. not warning lights

Complying with the Made in USA Standard

Introduction Basic Information About Made In USA Claims The Standard For Unqualified Made In USA Claims Qualified Claims Comparative Claims The FTC and The Customs Service Other Statutes What To Do About Violations Introduction The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is charged with preventing

www.ftc.gov

I could have sworn the words "in my opinion" were before the message in my statement referring to the worthiness of MADE IN THE USA branding!

 

[DatedGore]

Where does Galls & Carson's tones come into SVP/Star?