BLI SW7 - made in Vietnam?

[nickelplate759]

I just received my BLI NKP N-scale SW7. It's #230, the prototype of which was actually assigned to East Wayne.  How cool is that?

Anyway, looking at the box I notice it says "Made in Vietnam".

First time I've been aware of model trains being made there!

[MK]

They made a really quick switch because of the tariffs.  I remembered reading it somewhere (their e-mails?) but don't remember now.

[Steveruger45]

Here is the link to BLI announcement about diversification of manufacturing.
https://broadway-limited.com/pages/tariff-information-1

[Englewood]

I have some hopper(?) cars of theirs from a few years ago that were made in Vietnam, so it's been going on for a while.

[nickelplate759]

In any event it looks just as good as Chinese made models.  Haven't run it yet.

[nkalanaga]

Vietnam has a sizeable manufacturing industry now.  Our fuel/oil filter factory gets a few components from them.

[pmpexpress]

The recently released BLI N-Scale EMD F3A Clinchfield 800 (in restored gray and yellow paint scheme) locomotives that I purchased in February were also produced in Vietnam.

[Cory Rothlisberger]

The Atlas SD-45s as well. Vietnam has come a long way, especially since Trumps first time in office. Can't speak for the RR manufacturers, but from where I sit with overseas manufacturing, the Chinese have sunk a lot of money into the South Pacific...

[Spades]

China is becoming more expensive, and uncertain governance (sound familiar?)  Also Chinese manufacturers are looking to off shore.  Ask Jack Ma.  Regardless who is running the world or geopolitics. Moving manufacturing to a more economically and regulatory advantaged location goes way back. I'ii bet even way pre Mesopotamian

[High Hood]

Railsmith is working on moving their production to Vietnam as well.

[packers#1]

Walthers had said they were making structure kits there but this is the first I’ve heard of locomotives moving. Which is excellent news, since that’s probably the most specialized manufacturing of all and if you can make locomotives you should also be able to handle freight cars.

[kiwi_al]

##############Thread drift alert ################

the Chinese have sunk a lot of money into the South Pacific...

And that is why several developed nations in the South Pacific are increasing their defense spending to counter this. 

[kscessandriver]

I just looked, the NW2 I just received from Lowell Smith (built by BLI) also says made in Vietnam. Never would have seen it without this post.

[Rossford Yard]

In any event it looks just as good as Chinese made models.  Haven't run it yet.

Mine run great, the best switchers I have ever owned for running and pulling quality.  Plus, they look great.  Kudos to BLI and I guess if they are this good, I wouldn't care if they were made on the moon.

[bbunge]

It was announced today a deal with Vietnam was reached that includes a 20% tariffs for goods imported from Vietnam and a 40% tariff on goods transshipped via Vietnam.  It looks like the current tariff rate for China is 34%.  On the surface, that doesn't sound like much of a difference, but there are reasons to move production out of China other than tariffs.