Congrats to Tom Smallwood. He signed on to Brunswick Pro Staff yesterday. Congrats to him and to Brunswick on a big signing.

The Big B should really compliment his style.

Tom has always thrown alot of brunswick stuff for years. He just drilled all his new gear up yesterday and is very impressed so far.

Congrats to Tom, although does anyone else see the irony in Brunswick who helped add to the decline in the economy in MI signing him. They are probably thinking this will help them out in the long run earn some respect again in that area.

I hope he can win again, other wise he will make less than he did for GM. Pretty sad prize fund on the PBA these days.

Good call NotClay.

Truth be known, I was indirectly one of the casualties at Brunswick with the move to Mexico. I can honestly say that if they didn't move the plant there was a VERY STRONG possibility that Brunswick would have gotten out of the bowling ball market altogether. So, as I have mentioned many times before, it is very sad that approx. 100 people last their job. It would have been even more sad if approx. 400 people would have lost their jobs if Brunswick doesn't move their bowling ball production to Mexico.

To add to what NotClay mentioned with the automotive. The Detroit Free Press ran an article back  in the mid-90's as to what the most American made/assmebled car was at that time. Anyone have a guess/answer.........................................................................................Honda Accord was, at that time, made & assembled well over 90% in the USA by UAW members. Ford Taurus - 55% American made/assembled. Dodge Ram Truck - 62% American made/Assembled. These are statistical FACTS from the 90's. I don't think much has changed since then.

Brunswick still uses raw material (i.e. covers & core material) that is made in the USA. They are still headquartered in the USA. So even though the balls are assembled in Mexico, they are assembled using American made materials. So when you buy a Brunswick ball, you are still supporting American companies & workers.

So by not purchasing Brunswick equipment just because it is assembled outside the USA, you could be costing us more American jobs.

Besides, take a look at where most of the White Dots and any ball that is clear with a character of some sort in them made. Either China or Korea. Not throwing stones at any other company. Just stating facts.

Okay, off my soapbox.

Welcome to the Brunswick fold Tom Smallwood!!!!!
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Larry Verble

Larry, thank you for coming here and clearing the air. As a former Brunswick employee you obviously know what happened.