Once in a while, we still see vestiges of American manufacturing excellence, like Viking Appliances. Few companies match the status or quality of Viking stoves. While so many companies manufacture overseas and import goods, Viking is nevertheless depending within the US. Viking products may go for a bit more cash today than its counterparts, but you will know where that money went.
Viking Appliances are an old school success story
Viking Appliances got its start when founder Fred Carl was building a home, and his wife desired a commercial style range stove and oven, as outlined by the Viking Appliances website. She was particularly fond of the Chambers stove her mother had had, and he was drawn to the stainless steel used in professional kitchens. So, Carl had to design a commercial style range that was practical and safe for use in a home. No one else was making one, so he would create one.
Viking raids kitchens
After years of perfecting the design, Fred Carl finally had a design approved, and production started by January of 1987. . After going through several factory location, a permanent facility was opened in Greenwood, Miss. Fred Carl’s hometown. Today, Viking products are sold in over 80 countries, and offer high end refrigerators, grills, and even high quality cutlery.
Struggles with the modern world
Viking Appliances hasn’t escaped unscathed from the recession. They aren’t running for a bailout, but there has been fallout. They aren’t exactly bleeding money like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but there are losses due to drops in demand, according to MSNBC . Output is about half of what it was in 2005, but the business does not release detailed financial information. You will find occasional good examples of American businesses, and Viking Appliances are one. One would hope they can stick around for a lot longer.
Sources
Viking Website
http://www.vikingrange.com/consumer/global/content.jsp?id=cat30019
Chambers Oven
http://www.chamberstoves.net/
MSNBC
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37094337/ns/business-us_business/
