Powerquest Factory - Page 4

performancemary · 11-01-2005, 09:42 PM

Hay folks I was there on a tour with Winnea the first week of October. The place was empty ( no employees) at 4:00 but there were still several boats in the process of construction and one Sun Cruiser finished. . Winnea said there was a new owner but gave no indication of doom. Howerer I did see the prototype Poker Run addition sitting outside and it was a long long way from being much of anything close to a working model.
I share everyones concern, I love their boats and am on my third. Know one make a more spacious, comfortable go fast. I have never had an issue with their quality or value and up to now have had outstanding customer service.
If there are new owner's we need to let them know we want them back !!!!!!!
One of the previous posts said something about a
John Alden Babbitt. Does that mean anything to anyone?????

mars · 11-01-2005, 11:30 PM

I was the one that spoke about John Alden Babbitt. I'm living in Quebec Canada and there is no dealer near by and I was in communication with this guy from PQ. He sent me a lot of documentation about PQ boats. I guess he is the sales manager that takes care of people who wants info on the web.
He gave me real good service until september 29 that was the last time I heard about him

Fast Forward · 11-02-2005, 03:16 PM

It's Official! I talked with someone today that had the inside scoop. Turns out Keebler Cookie bought the plant

. There's your deep pockets! And they plan on keeping all the models other than downsizing them all to 1/2 scale.
Those elfs don't need all that room.

Gotta have fun with this!!! They'll be back open in a month or so.

Bob280Silencer · 11-02-2005, 03:52 PM

I have a 280Silencer and I think the quality is great.My friends have Fountains, Donzis & Formulas and my quality is as good if not better.The older PQs must have really sumtin' !Hope they open again with the same people(probably at half salary since they'll be sellin' the half size boats for half price!)BOB

Dave98 · 11-02-2005, 05:59 PM

Quote:

It's Official! I talked with someone today that had the inside scoop. Turns out Keebler Cookie bought the plant . There's your deep pockets! And they plan on keeping all the models other than downsizing them all to 1/2 scale.

I understand they have lots of dough!

But it might be just part of a half-baked plan to make cookie cutter boats........

In all seriousness, I hope they come back and continue to provide the outstanding customer service and quality they had before.

Fast Forward · 11-02-2005, 07:46 PM

I'm sure there going to be some pretty elf-in fast boats!

Dave that was good!!

Fast Forward · 11-02-2005, 07:58 PM

By the way from what I was told today Magicfloat was right on the new owners. Sounds like they have yet to close the deal, but should be soon. Was also told they are working laying up a few boats but close at 2:30 everyday. So not all is lost and they will be back up and running stronger than ever. So with that said go order that new boat!

Macklin · 11-03-2005, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob280Silencer

I have a 280Silencer and I think the quality is great.My friends have Fountains, Donzis & Formulas and my quality is as good if not better.The older PQs must have really sumtin' !Hope they open again with the same people(probably at half salary since they'll be sellin' the half size boats for half price!)BOB

You guys are funny! Thanks for the chuckle this morning.

But seriously, I think Bob has nailed it. I've watched many brand new boats come into the club (all of the above included) that all have had bigger issues than my PQ ever had. And my boat has held up beautifully over 4 years. Still looks brand new without a single stress crack anywhere. Couple of cig burns in the carpet, but I don't think those are factory related.

Here's to PQ coming back even stronger. They do build a great boat!

Reckless32 · 11-03-2005, 02:40 PM

I wonder where the employee base will come from with a lot of these people not working and probably went on elsewhere to make ends meet. That would mean a lot of green newbies would need to be hired & trained (by someone?). I don't think I would want one of the first several new boats built by that crew during the learning curve. Basically you just don't stop for a period, then jump back in the game and not miss a beat. The equipment and materials inside also deteriorate from neglect or lack of use/maintenance. There are issues that come along with a shutdown, especially in a small facility.

Customer service begins with good honorable people who mean and do what they say, and not just blow smoke. PQ has to recruit and maintain good people put in the right positions for an extended time, to regain or attain the label of a stand-up boat builder who takes care of it's followers. If deep pockets has any bearing whatsoever on improving upon PQ's reputation, the burden and rightful attention should fall in the people category.

Sudden covert happenings like this surprise work stoppage, always unnerves me in terms of wondering what their intentions are. Why not just come clean on it upfront and assure folks things will be back on track after a brief intermission?

Mentalpause · 11-03-2005, 07:19 PM

I agree Reckless - a key is going to be where did the best workers go? And are they willing to come back?

Maybe they are going across the state to build the F4!