Lindy Dumps on Brainerd MN

Lindy leaving Brainerd 4/17/2009
After Pure Fishing relocated much of its operations to Columbia, S.C., news broke that another major corporate relocation is in the works. Lindy–Little Joe, based in Brainerd, Minn. was purchased by PRADCO Fishing in February 2008, and PRADCO will move Lindy shipping and warehousing to its Ft. Smith, Ark. headquarters. Several Lindy managers will remain in Brainerd, but more than 25 workers were laid off or given notice yesterday.

PRADCO Fishing includes brands such as Yum, Heddon, Excalibur, Rebel, Bomber, Booyah and Arbogast.

Lindy Brands include Lindy and Little Joe as well as Munchies, Old Bayside, Beckman nets and Drift Control.

Several sources BassFan spoke with were shocked and saddened by the news of the relocation, largely because of Lindy's roots in the area and its strength within the walleye market. Brainerd has been at the forefront of walleye fishing and media for nearly four decades. Al and Ron Lindner founded the In-Fisherman network and Lindy Legendary Fishing Tackle in Brainerd.

The Brainerd Dispatch has picked up coverage of the relocation (registration necessary).

The Dispatch reported that PRADCO Fishing VP and GM Bruce Stanton was in Brainerd yesterday to announce the news to employees.

The Dispatch quoted former Lindy owner John Kehr as saying: "I think people are absolutely shocked. I'm basically in shock. These people have been here for 14, 15, 20 years. And the company was one of the most profitable of that division. I don't know what to say. There was no forewarning on this. They were pleased with Lindy. The product was doing just fine."

The article also noted that Stanton referenced a slow economy as the driving force behind the relocation, and that PRADCO Fishing will realize significant cost savings by centralizing Lindy's shipping and distribution with its other brands.

PRADCO Fishing is a division of Birmingham, Ala.– based Ebsco Industries.

Why is this suprising? They were sold to a company from down south and now they are moving it down south. Also their are many states that are cheaper to run a business in than Minnesota. I do feel for the employees however. Once the owners sell a business everything usually changes.

Is Ted Takasaki still a major player with Lindy-Little Joe?

If he is, it looks like he better start packing for the trip to the home land of the Billy Clinton's Clan and Wal-Mart.

Although this is a very trying and difficult time, Pradco was faced with a tough economic decision. Our economy is forcing many decisions which are not always easy, especially when employees are involved. Lindy's is no different. We sell products to consumers which are discretionate. In other words, they are not necessities like food, shelter, and transportation.

I am very saddened by the loss of our valued employees, many of whom have been employed by Lindy for many years. It is like losing many of your best friends.

Sales, marketing, myself, and much of product development will still stay in Brainerd. Just shipping and some office functions are being moved.

Thank you for your support and understanding in this difficult situation.

Best regards,

Ted Takasaki

Thanks for the update Ted. Times are changing and these things are happening nationwide.

It is sad that the company which was an offshoot to the legendary Al Lindner has to transfer jobs out of state. I see some prior comments were flamed for perhaps being too antagonistic. It is fair to observe that perhaps the president of a company should be with his long-term employees on the day the parent firm (Pradco) flies to Brainerd to eliminate jobs, and not fishing a tournament. That does appear to be a bit cavalier. My regrets to all the Lindy Little Joe people who lost their jobs.

It´s a tough time in the fishing industry. I wish this was surprising but it is not considering the conditions of the industry as a whole right now.

>Best wishes to all those affected in Brainerd. It will be tough to stay in the fishing business for most of them.

THanks for the input Ted.

[Juls]

[quote=Hawk Eye;1098985]It is fair to observe that perhaps the president of a company should be with his long-term employees on the day the parent firm (Pradco) flies to Brainerd to eliminate jobs, and not fishing a tournament.[/quote]

That's pretty judgemental Hawk-Eye. :shame:

Do you also think it's fair that Ted should have to give up an entire season....1750.00 that was already paid into the Erie event, another 1500.00 for the deposits paid for the other three events, and a shot at the angler of the year title (which he's got a good shot at now), just to "be there" while the employees were told? :horsepoop:.

You're assuming he knew their plans to arrive in Brainerd last week.

Do you think maybe one of the other [B]several [/B]Lindy owners might of been there to do what you expected of Mr. Takasaki?

Is it a sad situation? Yes, of course.
Is it "just business"? Yes.
Does life stop because of a business decision? Never.

Juls

[Burr]

Ditto on being kind of tough on Ted. When Pradco purchased Lindy, they got a new President - Pradco's. Ted still has a business relationship with the company, but I don't think there is a Lindy President.

After being within a couple lbs of winning, it turns out to be a good he was there to fish it.

Burr,

You are right. Too tough on Ted.

He didn't purchase Lindy years ago to lose money. He bought it to make money.

Last year there was a chance for him to make a few bucks thanks to the giant tackle conglomerate PRADCO, part of EBSCO, wanting to gain a foothold in the northern states market.

Not a thing wrong with that.

He had to make hay while the sun was shining.