[South Florida DX Association] Fw: [TowerTalk] Comments - Cubex- Lightning Bolt- GEM

[Richard M. Gillingham]

Copied this from the TowerTalk reflector yesterday.  Hope all works out well 
for Norm.

It's in response to a thread about US cubical quad manufacturers closing or 
selling businesses.
Norm, W4QN replies:

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <CubexCo at aol.com>
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2006 1:50 AM
Subject: [TowerTalk] Comments - Cubex- Lightning Bolt- GEM


> ........In the quest for greater profitability, many companies are 
> dropping
> smaller
> customers, as the cost of paperwork, stocking and customer service cost
> greater than the money they make from the smaller customer.  Many 
> companies
> either charge additional fees or charge extremely high rates for small
> quantities....Often the only alternative is to find other suppliers or go
> out of business....this is true of ham-related equipment, or industrial
> equipment.........
>
> ........ they were forced to drop the antenna line as their suppliers
> had been purchased by larger companies that refused to do business with
> companies that buy only small quantities.
>
> LB is gone, and Cubex, another "American" quad manufacturer, is up for 
> sale
> right now.  Owner just doesn't want to keep it going.
> ==============================================
> I have been following the thread regarding Lightning Bolt, Cubex, Quads 
> and
> the antenna business with some interest.  I have copied a few excerpts 
> from
> those emails above and thought I might give my view looking from the 
> "inside".
>
> Small businesses and suppliers -
> I am sure there may be acceptions, but my experience is that there is no
> shortage of businesses that are very willing to work with you and deliver 
> quality
> components at reasonable prices.  Some components are "imports", but many 
> are
> delivered by LOCAL "small" businesses.  As I gained experience in 
> operating
> Cubex I found that I could get better prices, faster delivery, and because 
> they
> were often literally in the neigborhood, I did not even have to stock some
> parts, but could do JIT (just in time)material management.
>
> There are many processes in the manufacture of antennas that it would be 
> nice
> to do using the latest machine technology, CNC, robotics, etc.  But these 
> are
> expensive tools, and it takes a lot of capital that cannot be justified
> giving the size of the business.  But there are many simple tools and 
> fixtures that
> can be fabricated to improve repeatability and quality that are efficient 
> and
> cost effective.  They are part of the job when running a small business.
>
> Interfacing with customers was probably to most rewarding experience in
> operating Cubex, but a close second was enjoying the relationships 
> cultivated with
> our suppliers.  They are American entrepreneurs, working hard to deliver
> quality goods at fair prices and a pleasure to deal with.  I must also say 
> as an
> Engineer, designing new products, processes and solving problems was also 
> a
> great part of the enjoyment.
>
> The antenna business is challenging, and it is necessary to bring new and
> innovative products at the right price in order to just stand still in 
> some
> cases.  The market problems as we saw them were fewer and fewer new 
> entries into
> the hobby.  An aging active user group, often "downsizing" and moving into
> accommodations that did not allow antennas.  In general restrictive 
> covenants
> regarding antennas seem to be one of the more difficult obstacles to 
> overcome.
> Invisible paint would have been a great product innovation.
>
> It is true that Cubex is for sale, and if successful in finding a new 
> owner I
> think that Cubex Quads will continue to deliver high quality and superb
> performing antennas.  I acquired Cubex in 1997 after finding that 
> retirement from a
> large Corporation in 1996 wasn't much fun.  I have had an enjoyable eight
> plus years operating Cubex, but now it is again time for me to retire and 
> pursue
> some more personal and family oriented activities.  I take issue with the
> statement "Owner just doesn't want to keep it going".
>
> On the contrary I am very dedicated to try and find someone to keep it 
> going.
> Cubex is been serving the amateur market going on 49 years. We are the 
> only
> North American quad company still operating, it is a great company, with
> outstanding products and I would like to see it celebrate it's Golden 
> anniversary
> in 2007.
>
> Regards,
> Norman W4QN
> President Cubex Co., Inc.
>
>
> "The Power of a Cubex Quad"
>
> http://www.cubex.com/
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
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