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[Rain Jaudon]

Just getting into an install and at the first meeting I am told all of the equipment, wire, connectors, etc must be Made in the USA.

I've googled till Im blind.  Ive looked at PDFs, spec sheets, and scoured web sites.

How do I find out if the gear I bid is made in the USA?

Rain

Allen & Heath ZED 428
Audix MB1250HC, OM5, i5, Micropod 18HC
JBL AC2212
Tascam CD01Upro
Renkus Heinz SG81
Galaxy Audio MSPA
Biamp Nexia SP
Crown XTi amps
Tourgrade mic stands
Atlas MRB brass floor pocket
Juice Goose RP100RX
Rapco DI boxes (sl2, Lti)

[Bob Kenton]

Im pretty sure that the A&H Zed is made in China.

[John Roberts {JR}]

Good luck.. the manufacturers  will know but you have to find the right people to ask... You could make it a contract term of the purchase order that the products must be manufactured in USA.

I find it academic for most electronics since all the parts inside surely come from across the pond, so typically the only domestic content are touches at final assembly.

I recall it was a good thing for Peavey when they were breaking into the fixed install market that Walmart had a policy of buy US made products when possible. Times change...

I wouldn't even venture a guess on what percentage of PV gear is made in USA, in the value segment of the market that sounds like a recipe for failure, and PV doesn't like to fail.

If you want to make it interesting, have them insist that all sub assemblies and components are made in USA too.  

JR

[Hal Bissinger/COMSYSTEC]

Crown and JBL are also made in China.

I applaud your customer's initiative but they are about 20 years too late. I don't want anything that has been made in China either but it's fighting a losing battle these days. Perhaps hopefully in a few years that will change due to the new administration and the negative reputation of Chinese goods.

-Hal

[Rain Jaudon]

I also have 65" LCD TVs, Peerless wall mounts, Twisted Pair BALUNS, and more on this bid.  Contract holder told me nothing about all my gear needing to be Made in America when we signed contract or were awarded the AV Bid.

This is starting to look worse and worse.  I didn't factor in the hours needed for the exhaustive search that's required before they will even consider a waiver on this.

I have to scour the web for any "made in America" manufacturer that makes a similar product to the ones I bid.  

[Rain Jaudon]

This customer is the US Government.  I have a long term working relationship with the local client and the Base building.
Main contractor on this job contacted a few big box AV companies from around the south eastern US and their bids were too high.

Now they've decided to renovate the interior and upgrade the audio system.  

Whole place was gutted today and they are waiting on me to remove the existing AV.  I have about a month before I'll be back in there installing everything.

[Hal Bissinger/COMSYSTEC]

LOL! Just TRY to find a TV that is made in this country. Ain't gonna happen, no way.

Your customer's request is unrealistic. If it wasn't a requirement in the original bid and they are bringing it up now that should send up red flags. I wouldn't even bother doing any research because it is an impossible requirement.

-Hal

[Hal Bissinger/COMSYSTEC]

The US government? Bunch of hippocrates! Aren't they the ones who encourage companies to manufacture offshore?

-Hal

[Rain Jaudon]

Preach on brother Hal.

I went round and round on all of this with them today on site.

Seems the govt. will give me a waiver but I have to get the mfts. to write letters stating the product isn't made in the USA anymore. Furthermore I'm required to product an exhaustive list of US makers proving my attempt to find a comparable product Made in the USA.

[Hal Bissinger/COMSYSTEC]

Exhaustive list of US manufacturers? That shouldn't take you more than a minute.

-Hal