SPG International Closes its Doors

[dacan23]

Maybe just the manual is made in China lol

Are the Canadian tire Maximum boxes made by international?

Suspect made in China statement found in the manual:

 

[2oolhound]

The company’s Asian-based shareholders had tried without success to find a buyer.

A Chinese acquaintance told me 10 years ago about "Hong Kong Gorilla Business Tactics" to eliminate the competition. You go into their business and place an order, than another and another until they kiss your *** because you are one of their top tier customers. Then they come in telling you they will be stepping up their production and will require 20 times the product when that happens in 6 months and can you recommend someone who can provide that much volume. They entice you to take out a large bank loan so you can tool up to meet the production requirements and once you do you never see them again until they show up at your bankruptcy sale to buy up all the equipment at 10₵ on the dollar.

You have to wonder what really went on behind the scenes.

 

[K13]

Sad to see them go. I ordered two 42" 11 drawer boxes from Home Depot this summer and could not believe how cheap the pricing was for the quality of the box. They were under $600 a piece and included free shipping. They shipped directly from SPG in Quebec. I only use them in my garage so warranty concerns are not that big a deal for me but ***** I won't be able to get similar product in the future.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Sadly, this seems to be the future for all manufacturing in North America. People are caring less about quality and focus on price.

Manufacturers in the pacific rim can cut costs by reducing quality.

Remember, IF YOU DON'T BUY FROM YOUR NEIGHBOR, YOUR NEIGHBOR CAN'T BUY FROM YOU.

 

[Negen]

Sad to see them go. I ordered two 42" 11 drawer boxes from Home Depot this summer and could not believe how cheap the pricing was for the quality of the box. They were under $600 a piece and included free shipping. They shipped directly from SPG in Quebec. I only use them in my garage so warranty concerns are not that big a deal for me but ***** I won't be able to get similar product in the future.

Don't forget about tca out of bc. Nice boxes and good prices.

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[Ign]

A Chinese acquaintance told me 10 years ago about "Hong Kong Gorilla Business Tactics" to eliminate the competition. You go into their business and place an order, than another and another until they kiss your *** because you are one of their top tier customers. Then they come in telling you they will be stepping up their production and will require 20 times the product when that happens in 6 months and can you recommend someone who can provide that much volume. They entice you to take out a large bank loan so you can tool up to meet the production requirements and once you do you never see them again until they show up at your bankruptcy sale to buy up all the equipment at 10₵ on the dollar.

You have to wonder what really went on behind the scenes.

He discusses similar tactics in a very good read called "Poorly Made in China" available on Amazon. I recommend it, it explains a lot of things about Chinese views on manufacturing and is FAR from boring or clinical.

 

[Steve_P]

The most recommended box here is HF by at least a factor of 10. I don't have one, but everyone here loves them. This company didn't close because "steel is hard to source" (it isn't), and the HFs are apparently great boxes, so dunno why comments on poor Chinese quality. I assume they closed because HF can sell a box thats good quality for much less $ primarily because of cheaper labor in China.

When Canadians and Americans will work for $3 an hr we can compete with China in manufacturing low tech things like tool boxes. And socks and clothes. It ***** for those that lose these jobs, but that's just the reality of a global economy. As one person said, if more people would pay more to keep their neighbors working, this wouldn't happen. But most of the US buys cheap stuff - and we still expect manufacturing jobs to remain.

 

[John in OH]

The most recommended box here is HF by at least a factor of 10. I don't have one, but everyone here loves them. This company didn't close because "steel is hard to source" (it isn't), and the HFs are apparently great boxes, so dunno why comments on poor Chinese quality. I assume they closed because HF can sell a box thats good quality for much less $ primarily because of cheaper labor in China.

When Canadians and Americans will work for $3 an hr we can compete with China in manufacturing low tech things like tool boxes. And socks and clothes. It ***** for those that lose these jobs, but that's just the reality of a global economy. As one person said, if more people would pay more to keep their neighbors working, this wouldn't happen. But most of the US buys cheap stuff - and we still expect manufacturing jobs to remain.

You make some good points. We tend to "blame" the Chinese for dumping their products on the US ... but they can't "sell" anything here unless we "buy" those products. Sometimes we have no choice but to buy their products as there isn't an alternative. But when there are US made alternatives it isn't the fault of the Chinese if we choose to buy Chicom stuff instead of spending the additional dollars to get US (or Canadian) made items.

 

[5ktq]

Witthay covered it. SO used to make boxes here in Canada, plus they also made a large percentage of their hand tool line here at one time.

Most of my grandfathers SO tools were Canadian made. IIRC they pulled tool manufacturing out in the late 80's ?? Could be wrong on the date. Toolboxes left after that.

Probably some time after NAFTA came around? Wonder what the tariffs were like on hand tools prior to that.

 

[scooby074]

Probably some time after NAFTA came around? Wonder what the tariffs were like on hand tools prior to that.

I dont know if Nafta was the deciding factor or not. Very well could have been.

 

[lis2323]

Has anyone seen any of these side cabinets on sale in Canada? I got one on sale at PA two years back for about $$225 CDN IIRC.

I’d like to get another one.

https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/15-in-8-drawer-side-cabinet/A-p8471658e




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[trekgod3]

Last man standing

 

[Negen]

Last man standing

Your first picture didn't show up and the second picture is a us general toolbox. I floor not understand your post.

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[McFarmer]

I read an article about a tool box company outside of Chicago a while back. They didn’t have their own line, just made for other labels.

Anyone know anything about them ? What brand boxes ?

 

[vssjim]

MAC used to have a tool box factory in Carol Stream, ILL. but I don't think they are there anymore.

 

[trekgod3]

Your first picture didn't show up and the second picture is a us general toolbox. I floor not understand your post.

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The death of American/Canadian quality tool boxes . The take over of the market by cheap Chinese tool boxes..

 

[Negen]

It's only the death of low end and mid range boxes.

In USA there is still
Moduline -Massachusetts
Champion toolbox (snap on)- Oregon
Pioneer steel ( hand toolbox)- California
gerstnerusa (wooden tool chest)-Ohio
genevamfg-Illinois
Lista(Stanley)-Texas??
Rhino-Idaho
Kennedy-Ohio
Extreme toola- Illinois
Waterloo(Stanley)-??? USA global parts
Seattle tool- Canada
Rousseaumetal- Canada
TCA- Canada

That's about all I can find in north America.
Bulk of people do not want or need a 2-20,000$ tool box and is why most companies close their doors. When quality tool boxes last 50+ years it's a tough market.





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[RedneckWelder]

You make some good points. We tend to "blame" the Chinese for dumping their products on the US ... but they can't "sell" anything here unless we "buy" those products. Sometimes we have no choice but to buy their products as there isn't an alternative. But when there are US made alternatives it isn't the fault of the Chinese if we choose to buy Chicom stuff instead of spending the additional dollars to get US (or Canadian) made items.

Utter truth. Outside of electronics there is a surprising array of US made items if you look around. Put your money where your mouth is and buy it if you want to piss and moan about imports. But the people that ***** are usually the same people that are too cheap to pony up the extra money.

 

[Negen]

Got my 42" today top has a craftsman badge that cost me like 80$ due to being sold out of the black tops when I ordered. Will post some pictures later have to hurry blocking wife's garage due to raining. Packaging was top notch could have been better but looks like the only people getting money out of these boxes are the truck drivers. My driver said he has been delivering these all week. Even though the description didn't mention the latch on the international version but did the craftsman version both are identical. The black is orange peal finish.

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[NUTTSGT]

I read an article about a tool box company outside of Chicago a while back. They didn’t have their own line, just made for other labels.

Anyone know anything about them ? What brand boxes ?

Possibly EDSAL. I bought (free) a Tool Shop box from Menard's earlier this and they were the manufacturer. Another member mentioned it looked like the Husky box he bought at HD.

Edsal makes metal cabinets and such not a line of tool boxes under their name, atleast that I could find.


If you want to check out the box.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=386586

 

[Negen]

Don't mind the mess I will clean it up tomorrow this thing is heavy probably should have two people put the top box on. Plus I am soaked. Either I miss placed the handle screws or it is missing.

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Edit: the top slides are dated 41/2016 and bottom slides are 34/2017. The top slides are a bit smoother. They appear to be friction slides on both but could be wrong I am going to have to read the specs again. All drawers are double slides except the top two. This is my first tool box of this type.

 

[Bessy]

Just pulled the trigger on a VRT4210 top box to match my bottom I bought back in 2016, I'd been tossing around the idea of buying the top for a while, figured I better jump while there was still stock. I don't really overload my box, so I'm not concerned about warranty really, but it's definitely a shame that I'll be hard pressed to find a locker for it now that they're gone.

And scratch that. After placing my order they now tell me it's no longer stocked...

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[AMCguy]

That's crappy news. Now I love my International Professional 54'' top and bottom and my SHD 54'' with hutch even more.

I'll have to pamper them since I won't be able to buy another.

Glenn

 

[WittHay]

Has anyone seen any of these side cabinets on sale in Canada? I got one on sale at PA two years back for about $$225 CDN IIRC.

I’d like to get another one.

https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/15-in-8-drawer-side-cabinet/A-p8471658e Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Princess Auto Langley store. The blue side cabinet on is on sale for $249

 

[lis2323]

Princess Auto Langley store. The blue side cabinet on is on sale for $249

Thanks, WittHay. That’s exactly the one I already have. Same colour too.

Just this afternoon I picked up this brand new Rousseau with a dent on the top edge. It will be covered with a new work surface anyway and the drawers operate perfectly. Comes with 20 heavy gauge drawer dividers.




Western Equipment $250.


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[PhantomEB]

Truly everyone’s loss here, they make great boxes, wish I could afford some more of their higher end boxes, I not 100% sold on their Costco drop shipped units but the one I had before it was stolen was a quality unit!

Guess I be sticking to Husky, Mastercraft or may try a Rousseau next time around.

 

[ItsNemo]

I've got their 56" top/bottom setup...was a hell of a deal when I got them and they've been rock solid. Shame they're going out of business, means if I need a new box I'm going to end up having to spend 5 times as much

 

[CBassB]

Are the Canadian tire Maximum boxes made by international?

Suspect made in China statement found in the manual:

I was just in CT last week and those boxes are marked as discontinued and they are clearing them out. Seems to me like they were made by International.

 

[Negen]

I was just in CT last week and those boxes are marked as discontinued and they are clearing them out. Seems to me like they were made by International.

They look like the technician series.

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[Steve_P]

Utter truth. Outside of electronics there is a surprising array of US made items if you look around. Put your money where your mouth is and buy it if you want to piss and moan about imports. But the people that ***** are usually the same people that are too cheap to pony up the extra money.

Look at the thread for the Astro vs OTC ball joint press. Lots of recommendations for Astro which is $30-$40 cheaper vs the USA OTC - which is top quality. When OTC moves this production to Taiwan, with about everything else that they sell, people here will complain about lost manufacturing jobs - from the parking lot of HF after their latest purchase

 

[knobby]

That's crappy news. Now I love my International Professional 54'' top and bottom and my SHD 54'' with hutch even more.

I'll have to pamper them since I won't be able to buy another.

Glenn

Damn you
There I was all happy with my SHD 54" then you posted yours with the top hutch.
I have been thinking about getting the hutch but the price recently bumped up $80 so I was mech pass
Then I saw you picture. Damn.
Placed a order at crappy tire the hutch should be here by Friday

 

[Jasen]

It appears the Wright WT2103RD was an SPG unit. I just had an order placed this morning canceled by Summit Racing due to the line being discontinued.

Right now it seems the only 3 drawer portable tool boxes left are Homak and Stanley boxes with questionable quality. I would love a Kennedy box but they are just too much coin.

 

[winnipegtibook]

Very sad to hear. I was pleased to buy a North American product (note- I had tried to buy a Snapon box but was deemed unworthy by the truck sales guy). Costco delivered it without a hitch (considering it was 800LBs), and couldn't be prouder to support Canadian. I had a few glitches with it, but that was fixed in minutes with a punch (detents ont the drawers). I wonder if all the wholesale folks will get their hands on them now.

 

[DaleP]

Hi everyone! I am new here. This is my first post on The Garage Journal and I guess I'm late to the party. I had no idea SPG International closed their doors. I purchased a PRO Series 42" cabinet and chest from them a couple years ago. I went online yesterday to order the matching side cabinet and I was in shock to find out they had closed! I don't get it. They totally revamped and updated their whole product catalog the past few years. Sad news to hear for a company that's been around since 1960. I guess I won't be getting the matching side cabinet. If I had of known I would of purchased the side cabinet before they shut down. This kinda *****.

 

[toplessHO]

I did get my 3 boxes,bringing the total to 4 that I have.

 

[Handyandy23]

I guess I'm late too, didn't realize SPG had closed. It's a shame, my 54" that I got from Costco is great quality for the money. Way more robust than I need in my home garage.

It's always sad to see a local business go down, especially when they made a good product. Even more surprising considering they seem to have sold quite a few boxes. But I guess in such a competitive market it doesn't take much to pull you under.

 

[DaleP]

I've checked everywhere online for the matching side cabinet for my cabinet and chest. With slim hopes I even posted a want add on Kijiji hoping someone might have one for sale or know where there might be some stock somewhere. I wish I had of known they (SPG) were struggling and going to shut down I would of purchased it long ago. I wonder why their website is still up and fully functional? This is the side cabinet I need. Model PRS-3708 (Blue)

 

[mikester]

MAC used to have a tool box factory in Carol Stream, ILL. but I don't think they are there anymore.

Years ago I bought one of the original red 41" sets from HD. When I went back to buy a side box HD already changed over to the first series of black boxes. I called the toll free number in the paperwork and it was Stanley Tool. Got the correct part number and the local store was able to order one in red for me.
The following year I tried to order a second side box. Stanley said it was discontinued but they gave me the phone number for a factory in Smith Falls.

When I contacted the factory I was told I could still purchase the same style box through MAC or through Aukland Grainger in the Beach brand. The Beach box had slide drawers instead of ball bearing which wasnt a big deal to me since I had light stuff in the side boxes anyway so I bought one. Same exact color just one more shallow drawer.
While I was on the phone with the guy at the factory he said they produced boxes for MAC, Proto, Beach and Husky.

BTW, Ive had that red Husky box for a lot of years now and its held up really well. Ive found what looks like pieces of plastic drawer stops in some of the drawers but so far they still open and close with no issues.

 

[KSB]

I've checked everywhere online for the matching side cabinet for my cabinet and chest. With slim hopes I even posted a want add on Kijiji hoping someone might have one for sale or know where there might be some stock somewhere. I wish I had of known they (SPG) were struggling and going to shut down I would of purchased it long ago. I wonder why their website is still up and fully functional? This is the side cabinet I need. Model PRS-3708 (Blue)

Have you tried Princess Auto? Possible that they might have one in their warehouses? Blue seemed to be the colour that Princess Auto always carried but I don’t recall them carrying the SHD series.




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[DaleP]

I checked Princess Auto online, but I didn't actually go to the store. I wonder if it's worth going there and asking someone to punch in the model number for me.