Part of what amazed me was that every single man and woman in that plant seemed genuinely happy to see a visitor. My guide told me that they may give as many as 5 tours in a day, or go as many as 3 days without a visitor. More than once, a forklift had to wait for me to move, or a tech stood up from his stool to let me by in his aisle. I would have thought it a great inconvenience for them to put on such tours. And frankly, most factories would consider it a liability. (They do make you wear safety glasses and hand out ears.) They do this for FREE, mind you-- they don't make a dime off of you, unless you know (as my friend did) to ask about the factory 2nds bullets.
So why do they do it? I think that it's about recognizing that they are completely beholden to the customer, and that without the customer, they don't have a plant. (you would be surprised how small their single plant in the world is. A couple of acres, tops, including inventory.) The people who want to come through are shooters all, and mostly reloaders. We're not a real litigious bunch, and as such aren't a big liability to have in the plant. But we're fiercely loyal to our brand, and frankly, it's hard NOT to make them more your brand, after such a friendly visit. I've generally considered Sierra to be my brand over the years. But truthfully, I've decided on Hornady for a lot of things. SXT pistol bullets in several calibers. Hornady Custom in .30-30, and now the new LeverRevelution. Their 250g is the one for my .35 Whelen. So maybe the brand loyalty is shifting, a tad, for me.
Come to think of it, I don't know if they could pay a spokesman to sing their praises much louder than I am, right now....
Of course, SOME people get to go to Knob Creek! But that's okay, those of us at the Northcoast BloggerShoot will find something to do this weekend, I suppose. ; )
I have to plug the 30-30 FTX bullets and credit them and Marlin for bringing back to 30-30 as a great hunting round for North America.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to lug around a rifle that doesn't weigh as much as a heavier .308 or 7mm rifle.
Cory
Would LOVE to go thru that plant!! I use their bullets for a lot of different rifles and handguns. Lucky guy!!
ReplyDeletePart of what amazed me was that every single man and woman in that plant seemed genuinely happy to see a visitor. My guide told me that they may give as many as 5 tours in a day, or go as many as 3 days without a visitor. More than once, a forklift had to wait for me to move, or a tech stood up from his stool to let me by in his aisle. I would have thought it a great inconvenience for them to put on such tours. And frankly, most factories would consider it a liability. (They do make you wear safety glasses and hand out ears.) They do this for FREE, mind you-- they don't make a dime off of you, unless you know (as my friend did) to ask about the factory 2nds bullets.
ReplyDeleteSo why do they do it? I think that it's about recognizing that they are completely beholden to the customer, and that without the customer, they don't have a plant. (you would be surprised how small their single plant in the world is. A couple of acres, tops, including inventory.) The people who want to come through are shooters all, and mostly reloaders. We're not a real litigious bunch, and as such aren't a big liability to have in the plant. But we're fiercely loyal to our brand, and frankly, it's hard NOT to make them more your brand, after such a friendly visit. I've generally considered Sierra to be my brand over the years. But truthfully, I've decided on Hornady for a lot of things. SXT pistol bullets in several calibers. Hornady Custom in .30-30, and now the new LeverRevelution. Their 250g is the one for my .35 Whelen. So maybe the brand loyalty is shifting, a tad, for me.
Come to think of it, I don't know if they could pay a spokesman to sing their praises much louder than I am, right now....
Of course, SOME people get to go to Knob Creek! But that's okay, those of us at the Northcoast BloggerShoot will find something to do this weekend, I suppose. ; )
ReplyDeleteYeah, but I hear Matt cut off his ear immediately after getting back, so it's a trade-off...
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of travel and visits...I need to do some, at least after I go see the family.
John
Oh, I kept most of my ear.
ReplyDelete