Full Version: Sidmar Productions - End of an Era
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1]
20 Jan 2005
To: ALL
This is kind of sad. Maybe just a sign of the times.
Sidmar Productions, a long-standing L.A. area woodworking company, and an institution to the awards and engraving industry, has closed its doors.
This year, marks my 34th year as a professional engraver. Sidmar was supplying custom (and stock) woodworking to the industry, well before I came on the scene.
I talked to the owner, about a week ago. I was calling to enquire about a custom-size solid walnut plaque board. I was launching into my description, when Paul cut me short, saying, "Before you get too far into what you're about to say, I need to tell you, as of the end of last year, we've shut down."
I was shocked!
Paul cited an increase in raw material prices, overhead, and the fact that much of what we see in award shop showrooms, these days, is acrylic and glass. Not much of the old standby, solid walnut, is used.
Too bad.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#2]
20 Jan 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1] 21 Jan 2005
David,
You couldn't tell the folks at Studio Workshop in Omaha that the traditional walnut plaque has died. I think the wood plaque dollar is being spread a little thinner with more competition, domestically and internationally. I would also agree that other plaque materials and award options have taken their toll as well.
I am not familiar with Sidmar, but I never like to see any business fail. I have a great customer, a large electrical contractor, who is closing their doors in less than a month. They have been in business since 1932. Business closings always have a ripple effect, regardless of which side of the distribution chain they are on.
EDITED: 21 Jan 2005 by DATAKES
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#3]
21 Jan 2005
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#2] 21 Jan 2005
David,
I imagine the cost of living in the L.A. area played a part. Employee wages were probably higher than in other parts of the country, and yes, imported wood products also took a toll.
Thankfully, there are some custom woodworkers left. As you say, it's just sad to see such an institution forced to close its doors.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
EDITED: 21 Jan 2005 by DGL
From: Mick [#4]
21 Jan 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#3] 21 Jan 2005
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#5]
21 Jan 2005
To: Mick [#4] 21 Jan 2005
The AGA walnut wood from China probably has hurt big time also. It is some type of hardwood and unfortunately looks very good. It is also far cheaper.
[AGA stands for as-good-as.]
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#6]
21 Jan 2005
To: Mick [#4] 22 Jan 2005
Mick,
What was the reason Valor closed? Their work was impeccable.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: Pete (AWARDMASTERS) [#7]
21 Jan 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#6] 22 Jan 2005
David,
I would suppose that there is not enough money (volume) in strictly custom orders, so companies like Valor and Sidmar probably did the bulk of their business in stock boards.
The less expensive boards from Mexico and other cheap labor locations must have made it almost impossible to compete. So they are gone for the same reason that Wal Mart killed so many of the Mom and Pop stores in America. If someone is selling your product sucessfully for less than you can produce it - your goose is cooked. I don't comdemn Wal Mart or blame manufacturers for using a less expensive product, they just built a better mouse trap.
I used to buy from Valor, they were a very good vendor with excellent products. Still I began buying the less expensive boards because in most cases my customers could care less. So much for loyalty (on my part), but then we don't see much loyalty any more do we?
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#8]
22 Jan 2005
To: Pete (AWARDMASTERS) [#7] 22 Jan 2005
Pete,
Excellent points. I'm sure you're on the mark.
I'm just a guilty as anyone. I only used Sidmar for custom work. When I used traditional plaque boards, I would usually order through JDS Industries, where products, such as the piano finish plaque boards (imported) were the right item, at the right time, at the right price.
It's a sign of the times, that I don't think we'll see change.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: Mick [#9]
22 Jan 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#6] 22 Jan 2005
From: Zonas [#10]
23 Jan 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#8] 23 Jan 2005
Friday night, I stopped by Nebraska Furniture Mart - a mega size furniture store. Was looking for a new dining room table. Told the sales person what I was looking for..... first words out of her mouth was, I'm sorry but two furniture (wood) manufactures closed their doors January 15. They don't know where they are going to get solid high end wood tables from any more. And these weren't custom ordered tables. Americans need to wake up and see what is happening!
Zona
Zona's Engraved Creations
From: Ken D. (KDEVORY) [#11]
24 Jan 2005
To: Zonas [#10] 24 Jan 2005
Sales might be down from where they were, but stories like this show there's still a demand. The really sad part is, if only one closed, there might have been enough business for the other.
Some of these businesses have been around for a very long time. I wonder how much they've been actively marketing their products. It might also be time to update an old business model. It's no longer enough to let people know that you make a **. You now have to educate them too. Why is your ** different / better? Why buy yours? There are times people buy only on price, but there are also many purchases based on value.
What do your potential customers value? Why does your offering better meet these needs than the next? How is your potential customer aware of this? Questions we all need to explore on a regular basis.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#12]
24 Jan 2005
To: Ken D. (KDEVORY) [#11] 25 Jan 2005
Ken,
Even though I only used Sidmar for custom work, when those jobs came around, I wasn't price shopping.
They always got the job.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: Mick [#13]
27 Jan 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#12] 28 Jan 2005
NEW UPDATE
Recieved a fax today, a "Lange" family has purchased Valor Woodcrafters. Hired back the skilled and very talented employees, and promoted Judy to Plant Manager (should have been done before).
They ARE still in business.
They also now have e-mail, Judy is judy@valorwc.com
This company does GOOD work.
Fax also said they now have Alder/Laserable products.
To contact them:
Valor Woodcrafters
816 E. Grand Ave.
Fruita, CO 81521
800-829-3028
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#14]
28 Jan 2005
To: Mick [#13] 28 Jan 2005
Mick,
That's music to my ears. I have a recurring project, that originally would have gone to Sidmar Productions. I was wondering where I'd be able to get it done.
Now, I know :-)
Thanks for the update. That's great news!
Edit: I created a "Link" for Valor
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
EDITED: 28 Jan 2005 by DGL