AT Cross Co. Q2 2008 Earnings Call Transcript - Seeking Alpha
"Specifically, we decided that by the end of this year, we will move several component operations such as fountain pen nib and ball pen point production from our Lincoln, Rhode Island facility to China. On an annual basis, our moves will save the Company $2 million beginning in the fourth quarter of 2009. The effort will require a modest restructuring charge, less than $1 million, but we feel the charge is well worth it. We will continue to aggressively pursue opportunities to lower our cost structure. If we could bring processes into the China facility, we will. If we cannot bring the operations in-house, we will look to establish vendor relationships in China. All of this is with the purpose of lowering our cost and shrinking our time-to-market."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/86658-at-c...nscript?page=-1

No supprise, they have been moving that way for some time.

Interesting to see how it effects sales. Probably won't.

I think I was just about the only person around who still bought Cross BECAUSE they were American made. Now, I will simply, when the need occurs, buy the foreign goods I preferred in the first place.

Chris, thank you for another thought provoking post. I just responded to your post on Pentrace. Not that I had anythign really important to say, but for the benefit of those here who do not check in with Pentrace I said,


"We will continue to aggressively pursue opportunities to lower our cost structure."

"And, " ... shrinking our time-to-market,." have become mantras of American industry. But at what point do the corporations cease to be "American?" Not only does quality deteriorate in the goods manufactured, the removal of industry from our shores contrubute directly to the financial and cultural decay of our American cities and a drastic increase in gang activity and crime. At what point does such focused self interest become greed? At what point does "business" become treason?

I wonder. And I stand by my questions."

This will be my last Contribution to the Cross Forum to say how glad I am to have bought my four classic fountain pens (Jade,Lapis Lazuli,Century II 'Bluewood' and 150th Anniversary Edition in Sterling Silver) when they were made with pride in the USA and how sad I am to see another great name going East "with the purpose of lowering cost and shrinking time-to-market." Nothing to do with increasing profits,of course.
Goodbye my good old friend Cross!

I too have said goodbye to Cross, and for the same reason.