Posted on 02/14/2016 8:25:40 PM PST by 11th_VA
ANDERSON, Ind. (WISH) - A HVAC company owner is turning his back on one of his biggest suppliers after he said the supplier turned its back on its employees.
Wednesday, Carrier announced it plans to relocate its manufacturing plant from Indianapolis' west side to Mexico, taking 1,400 jobs with it. The decision obviously isn't sitting well with employees but it's also bothering several heating and air companies.
It's a business decision that comes from the heart.
"We're not helping buy a CEO their 5th vacation home, we're helping feed our family," said R.D. Poffenbarger as he installed a thermostat.
He owns 911 Heating and Cooling in Anderson and is loyal to his suppliers.
"I've used Carrier products in my company the whole time," he said spanning 16 years in business. But he said that won't happen anymore, not after what Carrier announced Wednesday.
"They were always promoting that they were made in the U.S. and it just shocked me that they would (relocate to Mexico)," he said.
The out-of-the-country move is part of the reason why Poffenbarger says he'll no longer use Carrier products. "You notice different workmanship…failures," he said. "It just gets to be a cheaper product."
He also sympathizes with the workers. Living in Anderson, he knows what it's like when manufacturing companies skip town.
"Used to be Delco, Guide Lamp, GM, and they all left. So I have friends you know, I have people I went to school with as parents that all of sudden were out of jobs," he said.
Poffenbarger plans to use only suppliers like Goodman or Ameristar going forward. It might hurt his bottom line, but he said it won't hurt his conscience.
"I was talking to my service manager Coby and I said you know, we may take a hit for doing this but I feel it's right," he said.
Earlier in the day, Poffenbarger said he was at a HVAC supply store. He said while there, other heating and air company owners told him they agreed with his decision. He said the supply store was also contemplating not carrying Carrier products.
I had a Carrier that was pretty decent. I now have a Lennox that I hate. Hate hate hate. It has been a headache from day one. If Carrier still makes a good product, I’ll buy it wherever it is made once this hideous Lennox monster finally fails me completely. Did I mention how much I hate my Lennox heatpump? I hate it! Hate it hate it hate it. I do not know where it was made, btw. But I hate it.
I had a Carrier for over 20 years - I was the only house in the neighborhood that hadn’t replaced mine and the thing wouldn’t die. I finally replaced it to relocate my unit and expand my deck. My Trane is no where as good, but I’ll never get another Carrier - it’s the principle at this point.
Ford Motor Co. as well deserves a national boycott
Ford is on the list too. You probably won’t believe this but I have a 20 year old Saturn with 247K miles on it. Drinks a quart of oil a week, but it still runs.
Whether you support the move or not, anyone who buys a Carrier product made since the announcement is either crazy or stupid.
Or both.
I’ve posted several times that I’d love to see Donald Trump call Gregory Hayes, CEO of UTX, and express his wish that the job transfer decision be reconsidered. Because, Trump can tell him, he’s got a lot of public appearances planned and it would be a shame of Carrier was mentioned in each of them and on national TV every chance he gets, because that could have a negative impact on UTX stock price, which in turn could threaten Mr. Hayes tenure as CEO, and his tens-of-millions-a-year salary.
You know, just give him a little heads-up, CEO to CEO....
Whatever they have planned to save on reduced labor cost in Mexico will pale by comparision to a 1/2% stock value reduction.
I’ve posted several times that I’d love to see Donald Trump call Gregory Hayes, CEO of UTX, and express his wish that the job transfer decision be reconsidered. Because, Trump can tell him, he’s got a lot of public appearances planned and it would be a shame of Carrier was mentioned in each of them and on national TV every chance he gets, because that could have a negative impact on UTX stock price, which in turn could threaten Mr. Hayes tenure as CEO, and his tens-of-millions-a-year salary.
You know, just give him a little heads-up, CEO to CEO....
Whatever they have planned to save on reduced labor cost in Mexico will pale by comparision to a 1/2% stock value reduction.
Lots of new F 150’s on the road in Florida these days. Made in Mexico. Guess who’s driving them.
Just wait until Trump starts talking about this
I want the good heat-pump, wherever it is made. It is crazy expensive to repair and replace the garbage units some companies are selling.
Are those the aluminum trucks?
When I was in the HVAC game in the 80’s, I saw so many heat pumps here in NW Ohio, I didn’t know what to think, other than they were oversold. Those things are meant for a southern climate that doesen’t get as cold as ir does up here. Oh, well.
It would be a shame if US Customs had to dissemble and inspect each A/C unit for hidden contraband.
Marco Rubio?
ROFLMAO - If Trump were president he could probably order that !
It begins
I’m an HVAC contractor in Texas and I’ll be honest with ya. I think the reason you have so many problems with your HP is because few technicians know how they operate and therefore are lousy and lying repairmen.
We all have to fight back...
Think Trane.
Trane is owned by Ingersoll Rand and has several manufacturing facilities in the USA.
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