I know several of you personally and look forward to getting to know many more. I’d like to take a little time to tell you about Finspeed and what we do.

As you guys know, there is a major problem in this country with companies outsourcing. It is frustrating to have prominent American companies exporting not only jobs, but entire factories, with little regard to working conditions or product quality – often times with neighbors, friends and family losing their livelihoods. We decided to do things differently.

With the economic downturn, there were several talented individuals in our area that were out of work or just looking for a different direction. Over the last few years we have been able to put together a team of journeyman machinist, welders and engineers (B.S. Mechanical Engineering, M.S. Mechanical Engineering, and M.S. Aerospace Engineering) that feel things can be done better, and we can do it at a price our customers can appreciate. We have also formed a valued relationship with the University Of Missouri School Of Engineering, their Formula SAE program and several team members (of which have turned into excellent interns).

Our production guys understand engineering and our engineers aren’t just engineers, they are former machinists, welders etc., that have production and fabrication experience. Some are Porsche guys, some Corvette others Nissan, but they drive on the track and have a true understanding of what our cars are capable of, and what our wheels need to be capable of.

Today’s distributor/dealership networks can be so convoluted that a manufacturer can lose connection with the person they are making the product for, and lose their valuable feedback. As a manufacturer, you can also lose control of how your customer is being treated, so we decided to go a different direction - we deal directly with you. Treating people how you want to be treated applies to everything we do, and there is no-one better to answer questions and give advice than the individuals that make your wheels.

We begin with the highest quality material available. Several wheel makers are using cast, flow formed or rotary forged blanks, often sourced from overseas suppliers to save on material costs. They claim to be forged, but simply put, they are just not strong enough.

We use traditionally forged 6061 T6 blanks, forged right here in the USA.





Our machining follows the same philosophy - we purchased new precision machines and tooling manufactured in the United States. Supporting American industry is as important to us as making high quality parts. We cannot expect our customers to invest in American craftsmanship if we aren’t willing to do the same.





To make sure our products meet our own internal standards, all manufacturing takes place on site. Wheel strength is the priority, followed closely by removing any material that doesn’t add to the integrity of the wheel. When your focus is on strength and saving weight, you tend to end up with a beautiful finished product and we are doing just that.

F14 in stock C6 Z06 sizes (without center cap):



We’ve also decided as a company to support a cause that we believe in. With one of our interns leaving last month to study nuclear engineering and keep us all safe from well below sea level, we decided to donate 5% of the purchase price of every set of wheels to the Wounded Warrior Project. We have had customers oppose, but we are firm on this and it is without exception.





I’ve never been one to keep my feelings unknown, and this is where it gets a bit sappy. Finspeed was founded because I wanted my children to see that with hard work great things can still be done in this country, and how fortunate they are to have that opportunity. We believe we are doing things the right way and hope you agree. We also know you work hard for your money and understand you want value for every dollar you decide to spend.

We truly appreciate your consideration and please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts.

http://www.finspeed.com/

 

That was actually an interesting read and video, for an advertisement!

I love the passion, and hard-core patriotic view. In my heart, I alway want to buy Local, American, or at least European. Unfortunately it is getting ever harder to find goods not outsourced to the cheapest labour who's employers often care little about quality vs having the lowest loaded labour rates. And on top of that, unfortunately when price reality hits, I (just like most others) then often end up shopping with my wallet instead of my heart. I guesse we may be domed to watch are society become a Florida economy ...

One company that makes me ponder is Apple. They are able to engineer (at home) - premium products, that people want, and who are more than willing to pay the premium price. They even have high quality manufacturing, using cheap labor down pat. This success story got them to the point of some of the highest profits in the world, to the point where they can not even figure out how to re-invest all that cash on hand. How about bringing those jobs back home, now that they have margins that can support local labour rates?

Good luck building high quality products and creating local jobs and cash flow. Interesting name BTW, when I first saw "Finspeed" in this forum - I thought it would go well with Nokian tires if you know what I mean

 

Nice looking wheels and built in the US. Good luck with your business venture.

 

Thanks to both of you. TPG, we are only a couple of hours away so if you are ever in the area feel free to stop by.