First Brands (Fram) bankruptcy

I guess Filtech has moved on to other pursuits, however I think HAMP is still making Honda filters, they could see an opportunity in all this. I truly believe that there is a market for quality filters, I
don't mind paying a fair price, especially if made here. Good and cheap seldom come in the same box.
 
I bet that 99.9% of the people who use Fram have no idea of the quality issues and they believe Fram is the best filter on the market. That alone is a gold mine for a future buyer of the name…
Exactly.
 
It's going to get worse as more of the First Brands dominos fall. Think some brands of filters are going to disappear for awhile until they find a new supplier.
You are correct, it will be interesting to see if a domestic supplier steps up, there is certainly some real opportunity here. I'm thinking that groups like Warren who have already established connections in South Korea and Vietnam will jump on this. They have decent products but I hate depending on offshore systems. First Brands has certainly demonstrated how to screw up right here at home.
 
Fram also had a Canadian plant that did a lot of work too; I used to hear stories about how unmodern the plant was during the "Orange Can of Death" era under Honeywell. I think after it was the Rank Group (maybe?) bought them, they toured the plant and goes "Uh....why is still operating?"
Place doesn't look quite like a dump to me, high Canadian dollar and over production, things happen when new owners show up, shame.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/doors-close-at-historic-fram-plant-in-stratford/
 
I'm surprised no one is picking up Fram. Love or hate them, it's an established name in filters.
I do not think anybody wants the debt, out dated manufacturing methods and unionized labor costs to deal with. Not exactly turn key for profit making. I speculate whoever is handling the bankruptcy is wanting to sell it as a all or nothing and any bidders so far just want the IP Branding.
 
I was just at Walmart, Centereach NY. I had the will power NOT to add a Valvoline Restore and Protect bottle to my cart but wandering by the oil filters had many empty Fram filter spots. Not that I was buying any the last year based on the quality issues but still kind of sad to see that happen.

Even the gold Purolator stock seemed pretty low.
 
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