G Loomis and Shimano

I never realized that Shimano has owned G Loomis since 1997...

Here's a press release regarding Gary Loomis' retirement earlier this year..
http://www.gloomis.com/publish/content/gloomis/en/g__loomis_homepage/newsevents/new_news/gary_loomis_announces.html

   
News    
Gary Loomis Announces His Retirement from G.Loomis
May 15, 2008
Since selling his fishing rod company in 1997 to Shimano American Corporation, Gary Loomis has spent the last eleven years at G.Loomis, Inc. in a promotional capacity and assisting when needed on new rod designs. Now, Loomis has decided it is time to move on and focus on other interests, including several conservation projects in which he’s involved. He founded Fish First, a group dedicated to restoring salmon runs in his home state of Washington in 1995, and was the driving force in bringing the first chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association to the West Coast.

“I have nothing but many great memories and a lot of pride in our achievements here at G.Loomis,” said an emotional Loomis, as he addressed all of his employees at a recent company-wide meeting in the Woodland, Washington facility to announce his retirement. “I probably should have left a long time ago, but I really love the company and the people here so it seemed like the best thing for me to do. Other interests along with Fish First and the CCA have all been competing for my time. I spent the past eleven years helping promote G.Loomis. It carries my name and means a lot to me. I’ll always be a part of the team. G.Loomis is in good hands and headed in the right direction. As hard as this decision was, I know it’s time for me to move on to the next chapter in my life. With all of these other projects on my plate, I feel it’s in my best interest as well as G.Loomis’ to leave at this time.”

“Gary is a dynamic individual that has a huge interest in saving our salmon,” says Bruce Holt, Executive Director at G.Loomis, “but more importantly he is a friend. I know he’s retiring from here with mixed emotions, but knowing Gary, it’s the best thing for him to do. Having worked, hunted and fished with him over the years, it will seem strange that he’s not in his office across the room, but I know where his heart will always be. He now has the time to focus his attention into his most recent challenge and that’s saving the salmon.”

Because of his efforts with both fishing rods at G.Loomis and his very active conservation efforts, Loomis has received various acknowledgements over the years. Recently, he’s been inducted into the International Game Fish Association’s Hall of Fame, was named one the top 25 ‘people who have changed the face of hunting and fishing’ by Outdoor Life magazine, and Field & Stream magazine recognized Loomis’ work with Fish First with its ‘Heroes of Conservation’ honor. In 2005, he received the ‘Future of Fishing’ award, one of the highest honors bestowed by the American Sportfishing Association.

Does anyone know if Lamiglas is still locally owned?

Brian

Lami is still locally owned as far as I know, although they have moved some production to China.

-Allen

One thing I think that we need to remember when a company is "bought out" is that it's not always followed through in the same way. Sometimes a company will buy out another and re-shape it to fit their corporate view. They may close down factories, lay off workers, and essentially absorb their competition. Most companies do this when they want to buy out a rival and take a larger share of the market. Then there are companies that see the value in a company, as it is, and just want their profits. In this case nothing may change, even in their executive offices. So all the people who do R&D, manufacturing, heck even the people answering the phone in the front office are as they are and still the same local employees.

My guess is that Shimano has done the latter in regards to G Loomis. The reason I think so is they have a very strong following and I haven't noticed any changes to their lines, quality, layoffs, or shut downs of their plants. So while they may have a new owner the company is essentially the same. As such I don't think we need to just jump ship and leave them in the dust because their new owners are on the other side of the pacific. G Loomis will still be the same quality rods, made by the same people in our backyards and payed by a rod or reel we purchase; so I believe if you like their gear that they still deserve our support.  

Z

What I was really hoping for was that my inexpensive Shimano Clarus rods had been influenced for the better by the G Loomis company purchase.

No such luck B. The magic fingers of the factory workers have to actually make the rod.

Here's a vid of the factory and the process of rod making. Pretty cool.
http://www.thefin.com/Channels/G-Loomis/G-Loomis-How-it-s-made1

Thank you Z for the video.  I love G-Loomis' rods!

One thing I think that we need to remember when a company is "bought out" is that it's not always followed through in the same way. Sometimes a company will buy out another and re-shape it to fit their corporate view. They may close down factories, lay off workers, and essentially absorb their competition. Most companies do this when they want to buy out a rival and take a larger share of the market. Then there are companies that see the value in a company, as it is, and just want their profits. In this case nothing may change, even in their executive offices. So all the people who do R&D, manufacturing, heck even the people answering the phone in the front office are as they are and still the same local employees.

My guess is that Shimano has done the latter in regards to G Loomis. The reason I think so is they have a very strong following and I haven't noticed any changes to their lines, quality, layoffs, or shut downs of their plants. So while they may have a new owner the company is essentially the same. As such I don't think we need to just jump ship and leave them in the dust because their new owners are on the other side of the pacific. G Loomis will still be the same quality rods, made by the same people in our backyards and payed by a rod or reel we purchase; so I believe if you like their gear that they still deserve our support.  

Z

The only difference is the profits now go overseas and don't stay in the USA.

The only difference is the profits now go overseas and don't stay in the USA.

Partially true. Those profits also pay the paychecks of the people who create a G Loomis rod.

If you love G Loomis rods they're still the same quality rods designed by the same fishermen who fish our rivers and are made by the craftsmen of Woodland Wash.. Still one of my favs and still American made. If you're not a fan and would rather keep all the profits going to a local company then that's fine too. There's some other great US rod makers out there. Although don't forget, just because they're American doesn't mean that their rods are made locally like Pole mentioned.

Z

The only difference is the profits now go overseas and don't stay in the USA.

Partially true. Those profits also pay the paychecks of the people who create a G Loomis rod.

I see your point - American jobs. However, profits are what are left over after all liabilities are paid. Liabilities like American jobs. Profits still go overseas.

Profits still go overseas.

I'm not sure what you're arguing since I made that point in my very first post.

see the value in a company, as it is, and just want their profits.

I think the better question is do you want an American made rod with a Japanese parent company, like a Loomis? Or would you like a Chinese made rod from an American company, like some Lamiglas are? If you really want to fly the local flag 100% you can always pony up for a Sage. Home based and made on Bainbridge Island.

Z

Profits still go overseas.

I'm not sure what you're arguing since I made that point in my very first post.

see the value in a company, as it is, and just want their profits.

Yes, but you changed your definition in your very second post.

Profits still go overseas.

I'm not sure what you're arguing since I made that point in my very first post.

see the value in a company, as it is, and just want their profits.

Yes, but you changed your definition in your very second post.

Don't think so. Just gave a little more detail about my first observation. If you think I changed my opinion, fine. I think you're nitpicking and you're free to have your own opinion. Next time we meet on the water I'd be happy to show you how great Loomis rods are for yakfishing though.

Z