Re: Drang nach dem Osten for UMI?


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Posted by Conn/Selmer Layoffs on October 04, 2003 at 18:56:16:

In Reply to: Drang nach dem Osten for UMI? posted by Chuck(G) on October 03, 2003 at 13:19:08:

Elkhart music industry hits sour note

NewsCenter16 Reporter Robert Borrelli
10/03/2003


Due to competition and the need to cut costs, Conn-Selmer announced
today that it's laying off some of its workforce and closing one plant.
It means 90 to 100-people will lose their jobs early next year.

For years the plant, located at the corner of Main and Simonton in
Elkhart, has produced band instruments for America's future musicians.

Workers got word just the morning that by the end of the second quarter
next year Conn-Selmers north Main Street plant would close.

"It is sad that is has to happen this way but that is what they want,"
said 20-year employee John Markley.

Conn-Selmer was already a consolidation of two band instrument
companies
bought out by Steinway Musical instruments.


Fighting the competition

Cutting costs and dealing with competition, Steinway sought concessions
at the North Main Street plant by both job cuts and a reduction in pay.

"Last Friday we voted, basically, on a pay reduction scale," said
13-year employee Mark Miller.

The company will move production of flutes, clarinets and oboes to its
other plants as it seeks to remain competitive.

One worker said that when they saw instruments hitting the market and
selling for just $100 to $200, they just couldn't compete.

Officials from Conn-Selmer and the UAW were unavailable for comment.


History

Con-Selmer's history in Elkhart began in 1927 when George Bundy bought
a
small factory on North Main Street. The rapid growth of school music
programs, along with baby boomers entrance into elementary school
caused
the band instrument industry to grow in the 1960's and 70's. In the
early 60's, the company acquired Vincent Bach Brass Instruments.

Over the years it began acquiring other companies such as Glaesel
Stringed Instruments, Ludwig Drums, Emerson Flutes and in 1996,
Steinway
Musical Instruments.

Currently, Con-Selmer is the largest manufacturer of band and orchestra
instruments in the United States.



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