Investment Lord John? That's the lost wax process isn't it? We're past masters at the lack of investment but this is due to the fact that in another era, WE had a guarranteed market to, in certain cases, sell any sort of crap we wanted to. I.E -- THE EMPIRE.
I wonder why the trillions of whatever currency have not been invested in China before? The quality issues that have been addressed recently only follow on from the same scenario that the Taiwanese did a few years ago, in fact the start up trade probably used the same drawings the Taiwanese did and I'll bet the sand exported in the castings came from the same beaches. Any forward thinking company, to remain in the "Luxury Goods" market, and lets face it, in our home workshop trade that's what it is, has to keep an eye on satisfying the moans of their market. How many changes have YOU personally instigated to satisfy us weirdoes? Sadly all makets are accountancy driven cos profitability comes foremost, and Joe public, as we well know wants as much as he can get and pay bugger all for it, due to other demands on disposable income.
I'm not knocking the Chinese made goods although the "Tiger economy" for fakes in certain areas beggars belief (Especially Medical goods), but it does make one wonder who's going to get the Bench grinder, Bandsaw, Drilling machine, Lathe design package next? Zimbabwe springs to mind?
Happy new year, Regards Ian.