This is pretty crazy, but what we don't know is how long the ModelTrainStuff deal was in the works.
I know absolutely nothing about UK business or tax law, but it is possible completing the MTS deal even with closing the business being a possibility, could have tax advantages?
It seems that the very business model that built MB Klein (discounting), back in an age where it was nearly unheard of in this business, may have played a role in its demise.
I was just speaking last week with the owner of one of the manufacturers in the hobby, and we discussed that while the hobby is not dieing, it does seem some of the supply chain infrastructure is "fragile".
Interesting development to say the least.
And while MTS was a valueable source, there are still lots of people selling model trains.
Just got word my two year old preorder for Bowser RS-3's is C&O are on their way - right from Bowsers own online operation - ToyTrainHeaven.
I think we will see more and more products sold directly by the manufacturer, like the nice GSC depressed center flat car I recently purchased from ClassOneModelWorks.
And owner I was speaking with last week sells his product direct to the consumer.....
Sheldon
ATLANTIC CENTRALI think we will see more and more products sold directly by the manufacturer, like the nice GSC depressed center flat car I recently purchased from ClassOneModelWorks.
Those are indeed very nice, Sheldon. I picked up the one-and-only version of their GSC flat cars that fit my era: Erie. (The B&O version was just outside it. ) I was quite impressed with the detailing.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
tstage ATLANTIC CENTRAL I think we will see more and more products sold directly by the manufacturer, like the nice GSC depressed center flat car I recently purchased from ClassOneModelWorks. Those are indeed very nice, Sheldon. I picked up the one-and-only version of their GSC flat cars that fit my era: Erie. (The B&O version was just outside it. ) I was quite impressed with detailing. Tom
ATLANTIC CENTRAL I think we will see more and more products sold directly by the manufacturer, like the nice GSC depressed center flat car I recently purchased from ClassOneModelWorks.
Those are indeed very nice, Sheldon. I picked up the one-and-only version of their GSC flat cars that fit my era: Erie. (The B&O version was just outside it. ) I was quite impressed with detailing.
What is your era? I bought the B&O version and removed the ACI labels to back date it to my era. The roller bearing trucks may not be truely correct for "as built" on the one car B&O had, but those bearings did exist in 1954, so I will stretch that detail a little.
At the risk of criticism, I will say this about Hattons, their entry into the US market impressed me as arrogant and poorly planned/researched.
When in Rome......
They tried to promote the "era" concept that is popular in European model manufacturing - but North American rail history is too complex to be divided up into such a short list of "eras".
They used terms that myself, and I would bet a great many other North American modelers, were not familiar with and did not understand. "range" for "product line", "outline" for "prototype".
While not people in this hobby, I have multiple friends who immigrated here from the UK, and American friends who have spent extended periods of time in the UK. So I am not totally unexposed to the differences in word useage, but Hatton's gave me that "we are going to convert you" feeling.....
And they say we are arrogant - well, sometimes we are.
But if you want my money you need to be able to communicate with me.
I searched their site several times to see what they might have of interest - never found one thing.
Wow! I've purchased products from them before and received them within a week. Good customer service on the phone also.
So, in a nutshell, MB Klein is gone?
Very saddening.
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
Debt has allowed many to amass fortunes, but it has brought about the ruination of many more. Arrogance is not conducive to success. It leads to underestimating risks.
I hope MTS wasn't holding a note.
Rick
ATLANTIC CENTRAL tstage ATLANTIC CENTRAL I think we will see more and more products sold directly by the manufacturer, like the nice GSC depressed center flat car I recently purchased from ClassOneModelWorks. Those are indeed very nice, Sheldon. I picked up the one-and-only version of their GSC flat cars that fit my era: Erie. (The B&O version was just outside it. ) I was quite impressed with the detailing. Tom What is your era? Sheldon
tstage ATLANTIC CENTRAL I think we will see more and more products sold directly by the manufacturer, like the nice GSC depressed center flat car I recently purchased from ClassOneModelWorks. Those are indeed very nice, Sheldon. I picked up the one-and-only version of their GSC flat cars that fit my era: Erie. (The B&O version was just outside it. ) I was quite impressed with the detailing. Tom
What is your era?
Early 40s to early 50s (1952), Sheldon. I believe the B&O was mid/late-50s?
Back to the topic at hand. Indeed, sad news about the demise of both companies.
Yes, very nice looking cars, as long as you didn't get one with the warped body that had the couplers sticking upward at the ends.
And you didn't happen to pay full price for one only to have them offering them at half price. They didn't make any friends around here when they did that.
But all that is food for another thread.
maxman tstage ATLANTIC CENTRAL I think we will see more and more products sold directly by the manufacturer, like the nice GSC depressed center flat car I recently purchased from ClassOneModelWorks. Those are indeed very nice, Sheldon. I picked up the one-and-only version of their GSC flat cars that fit my era: Erie. (The B&O version was just outside it. ) I was quite impressed with the detailing. Tom Yes, very nice looking cars, as long as you didn't get one with the warped body that had the couplers sticking upward at the ends. And you didn't happen to pay full price for one only to have them offering them at half price. They didn't make any friends around here when they did that. But all that is food for another thread.
The bodies were not warped, there was simply an issue with a brake pipe not properly located which prevented the floor and underframe from fitting together correctly.
It was easily fixed and they stood behind the product 100%
All the "good" roadnames were sold out long before the sale - This is no different than what Broadway Limited did all the time when they first started up.
And if you preordered it you got a nice discount on what you wanted - not the left overs.
I was one of two people who first decovered the cause and easy fix to the problem. Had several conversations with one of the owners.
tstage ATLANTIC CENTRAL tstage ATLANTIC CENTRAL I think we will see more and more products sold directly by the manufacturer, like the nice GSC depressed center flat car I recently purchased from ClassOneModelWorks. Those are indeed very nice, Sheldon. I picked up the one-and-only version of their GSC flat cars that fit my era: Erie. (The B&O version was just outside it. ) I was quite impressed with the detailing. Tom What is your era? Sheldon Early 40s to early 50s (1952), Sheldon. I believe the B&O was mid/late-50s? Back to the topic at hand. Indeed, sad news about the demise of both companies. Tom
The B&O bought their one copy in 1952/53. As produced the B&O model reflects how it looked about 1969-76, but the B&O had not changed the style of the paint scheme, only installed roller bearings at some point and added ACI labels.
So, close enough for me.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL Yes, very nice looking cars, as long as you didn't get one with the warped body that had the couplers sticking upward at the ends. And you didn't happen to pay full price for one only to have them offering them at half price. They didn't make any friends around here when they did that. The bodies were not warped, there was simply an issue with a brake pipe not properly located which prevented the floor and underframe from fitting together correctly. It was easily fixed and they stood behind the product 100% All the "good" roadnames were sold out long before the sale - This is no different than what Broadway Limited did all the time when they first started up. And if you preordered it you got a nice discount on what you wanted - not the left overs. I was one of two people who first decovered the cause and easy fix to the problem. Sheldon
Yes, very nice looking cars, as long as you didn't get one with the warped body that had the couplers sticking upward at the ends. And you didn't happen to pay full price for one only to have them offering them at half price. They didn't make any friends around here when they did that.
I was one of two people who first decovered the cause and easy fix to the problem. Sheldon
Oh? I guess if you say so. They put out a video showing how to make the "correction", but I don't think they mentioned a brakepipe anywhere. And the correction involved grabbing the car in the center and pressing down on the ends. I did this and the couplers still ended up too high. And any further bending resulted in the inboard axle each end truck raising upward off the rails.
So far as pricing is concerned, I also preordered, so I think I received whatever that initial discount was. But then a month or so ago they offered two of the "good" roadnames buy 4 and get 4 free. Made me feel like a sucker for pre-ordering.
"It's the South Shore Line, Jim - but not as we know it".
maxman ATLANTIC CENTRAL Yes, very nice looking cars, as long as you didn't get one with the warped body that had the couplers sticking upward at the ends. And you didn't happen to pay full price for one only to have them offering them at half price. They didn't make any friends around here when they did that. The bodies were not warped, there was simply an issue with a brake pipe not properly located which prevented the floor and underframe from fitting together correctly. It was easily fixed and they stood behind the product 100% All the "good" roadnames were sold out long before the sale - This is no different than what Broadway Limited did all the time when they first started up. And if you preordered it you got a nice discount on what you wanted - not the left overs. I was one of two people who first decovered the cause and easy fix to the problem. Sheldon Oh? I guess if you say so. They put out a video showing how to make the "correction", but I don't think they mentioned a brakepipe anywhere. And the correction involved grabbing the car in the center and pressing down on the ends. I did this and the couplers still ended up too high. And any further bending resulted in the inboard axle each end truck raising upward off the rails. So far as pricing is concerned, I also preordered, so I think I received whatever that initial discount was. But then a month or so ago they offered two of the "good" roadnames buy 4 and get 4 free. Made me feel like a sucker for pre-ordering.
That video was before another customer and myself figured out the real problem. They later contacted all their customers directly with the real solution, and stopped shipping cars until they inspected and repaired them all.
It did not take me long to figure out that car was not in fact bent, it was simply not all the way together on one end.
I guess everyone has a different idea of what the good roadnames are. I looked at sale, nothing left that interested me. I guess they miss judged with roadnames would sell the best?
On Aug 22, 2023, at 4:22 PM, carrollhome@aol.com wrote: Mike, I found the problem. The metal frames are not bent. On the B end, the air line to the retainer valve is not properly positioned, so the floor is not fully seated on the frame. I noticed the frame end not seated behind the coupler on that end. Removed the frame, inspected everything, move the pipe to its correct spot, reassembled - ALL GOOD. Hopefully this speeds up your quality inspections. Sheldon Stroh On Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 10:03:48 AM EDT, Mike Brusky <mike.brusky@classonemodelworks.com> wrote: Sheldon, We are not sure how many have issues. We have stopped shipping and are now going car-by-car to check them……yes! The manufacturer obviously did not do quality checks on these. We have shipped over 2200 cars so far, and have gotten about forty emails back, which would be about 2%, but that is a significant number. I have pulled a spare black brake beam. I will try to get it in the mail to you yet today. Kind Regards, Mike Mike Brusky Chief Executive Officer w: classonemodelworks.com e: mike.brusky@ classonemodelworks.com p: 816-243-0044 o: 8610 NW 107th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64153 We help people build “State-of-the-Art” model railroads On Aug 22, 2023, at 8:01 AM, carrollhome <carrollhome@aol.com> wrote: Thanks, no worries. I was planning on just fixing it, but figured you likely wanted to have some idea of how many might have issues. Thanks, Sheldon Stroh Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy Tablet -------- Original message -------- From: Mike Brusky <mike.brusky@classonemodelworks.com> Date: 8/22/23 8:16 AM (GMT-05:00) To: carrollhome@aol.com Cc: contactus@classonemodelworks.com Subject: Re: [Contact Us] Problems with GSC flat car Hello Sheldon, The cast frame is pliable, so holding the center deck, you can put downward pressure on the end deck to straighten it. We suggest taking the truck off first. We have some spare parts, so we will get a brake beam sent out to you as soon as we can - we are leaving for National Train Show, so if we can’t get it sent out today, we will send it as soon as we get back on Tuesday next week. Another customer who used the 148s shimmed the box to get them level, so you may try that if you want to use the 148s. Let us know if you have any problems straightening the frame. We will be publishing a video on doing this shortly. Kind Regards, Mike Mike Brusky Chief Executive Officer w: classonemodelworks.com e: mike.brusky@ classonemodelworks.com p: 816-243-0044 o: 8610 NW 107th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64153 We help people build “State-of-the-Art” model railroads On Aug 21, 2023, at 10:22 PM, 'carrollhome@aol.com' via Contact Us <contactus@classonemodelworks.com> wrote: Gentlemen, Now that I have had a chance to play with my new GSC flat car, a few problems are apparent. The cast frame of the car appears to be ever so slightly bent, causing a coupler height issue. One of the brake beam details on one truck is broken and partly missing. The damaged part was not in the package? I can see where putting my desired couplers on the model will be a bit more of a project than I thought after watching your video - a pair of Kadee 148 couplers drooped significantly. Attached are some photos. Your thoughts please. Sheldon Stroh <20230820_220824.jpg><20230820_220831.jpg><20230820_220858.jpg><20230820_220919.jpg><20230820_220946.jpg><20230820_221937.jpg><20230820_222006.jpg>
On Aug 22, 2023, at 8:01 AM, carrollhome <carrollhome@aol.com> wrote: Thanks, no worries. I was planning on just fixing it, but figured you likely wanted to have some idea of how many might have issues. Thanks, Sheldon Stroh Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy Tablet -------- Original message -------- From: Mike Brusky <mike.brusky@classonemodelworks.com> Date: 8/22/23 8:16 AM (GMT-05:00) To: carrollhome@aol.com Cc: contactus@classonemodelworks.com Subject: Re: [Contact Us] Problems with GSC flat car Hello Sheldon, The cast frame is pliable, so holding the center deck, you can put downward pressure on the end deck to straighten it. We suggest taking the truck off first. We have some spare parts, so we will get a brake beam sent out to you as soon as we can - we are leaving for National Train Show, so if we can’t get it sent out today, we will send it as soon as we get back on Tuesday next week. Another customer who used the 148s shimmed the box to get them level, so you may try that if you want to use the 148s. Let us know if you have any problems straightening the frame. We will be publishing a video on doing this shortly. Kind Regards, Mike Mike Brusky Chief Executive Officer w: classonemodelworks.com e: mike.brusky@ classonemodelworks.com p: 816-243-0044 o: 8610 NW 107th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64153 We help people build “State-of-the-Art” model railroads On Aug 21, 2023, at 10:22 PM, 'carrollhome@aol.com' via Contact Us <contactus@classonemodelworks.com> wrote: Gentlemen, Now that I have had a chance to play with my new GSC flat car, a few problems are apparent. The cast frame of the car appears to be ever so slightly bent, causing a coupler height issue. One of the brake beam details on one truck is broken and partly missing. The damaged part was not in the package? I can see where putting my desired couplers on the model will be a bit more of a project than I thought after watching your video - a pair of Kadee 148 couplers drooped significantly. Attached are some photos. Your thoughts please. Sheldon Stroh <20230820_220824.jpg><20230820_220831.jpg><20230820_220858.jpg><20230820_220919.jpg><20230820_220946.jpg><20230820_221937.jpg><20230820_222006.jpg>
On Aug 21, 2023, at 10:22 PM, 'carrollhome@aol.com' via Contact Us <contactus@classonemodelworks.com> wrote: Gentlemen, Now that I have had a chance to play with my new GSC flat car, a few problems are apparent. The cast frame of the car appears to be ever so slightly bent, causing a coupler height issue. One of the brake beam details on one truck is broken and partly missing. The damaged part was not in the package? I can see where putting my desired couplers on the model will be a bit more of a project than I thought after watching your video - a pair of Kadee 148 couplers drooped significantly. Attached are some photos. Your thoughts please. Sheldon Stroh <20230820_220824.jpg><20230820_220831.jpg><20230820_220858.jpg><20230820_220919.jpg><20230820_220946.jpg><20230820_221937.jpg><20230820_222006.jpg>
To address some of the comments, this was nothing more than another leveraged buy out that went south and a short term money squeeze. They borrowed money short term and got caught in the intrest rate hikes. To finish them off they did not have a good control over their supply chain. It always amazes me how stupid even large corperations are at times, many look short term rather than the long haul and don't take into consideration the risks involved in each move.
So can anyone provide actual proof of the MTS purchase by Hatton's?
All I can find online are people in Internet forums stating it's true. And we all know Internet forums are worth less than one pays for them.
AEP528 So can anyone provide actual proof of the MTS purchase by Hatton's? All I can find online are people in Internet forums stating it's true. And we all know Internet forums are worth less than one pays for them.
In the October 2023 issue of MRH on page 37 it states:
MB Klein has been purchased by Hattons. Hattons official Yvonne Wood says, “We saw a lot of similarities between MB Klein and Hatton’s, so we acquired the company. We are looking forward to expanding their services”
Jim
ATLANTIC CENTRAL Maxman, Well here is the complete Email conversation with Mike Brusky. And as he mentioned, the defect rate was only about 2%. Start at the bottom and read up since you clearly don't believe me. Sheldon Mike Brusky From:mike.brusky@classonemodelworks.com To:carrollhome@aol.com Tue, Aug 22, 2023 at 7:07 PM Awesome Sheldon! We had another customer point out that issue to us, and we found it on a few of the cars we still have here. This is good news. We are spreading the word on the fix-its for the cars that have issues. Thanks for letting us know. Kind Regards, Mike Mike Brusky Chief Executive Officer w:classonemodelworks.com e: mike.brusky@ classonemodelworks.com p: 816-243-0044 o: 8610 NW 107th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64153 We help people build “State-of-the-Art” model railroads On Aug 22, 2023, at 4:22 PM, carrollhome@aol.com wrote: Mike, I found the problem. The metal frames are not bent. On the B end, the air line to the retainer valve is not properly positioned, so the floor is not fully seated on the frame. I noticed the frame end not seated behind the coupler on that end. Removed the frame, inspected everything, move the pipe to its correct spot, reassembled - ALL GOOD. Hopefully this speeds up your quality inspections. Sheldon Stroh On Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 10:03:48 AM EDT, Mike Brusky <mike.brusky@classonemodelworks.com> wrote: Sheldon, We are not sure how many have issues. We have stopped shipping and are now going car-by-car to check them……yes! The manufacturer obviously did not do quality checks on these. We have shipped over 2200 cars so far, and have gotten about forty emails back, which would be about 2%, but that is a significant number. I have pulled a spare black brake beam. I will try to get it in the mail to you yet today. Kind Regards, Mike Mike Brusky Chief Executive Officer w: classonemodelworks.com e: mike.brusky@ classonemodelworks.com p: 816-243-0044 o: 8610 NW 107th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64153 We help people build “State-of-the-Art” model railroads On Aug 22, 2023, at 8:01 AM, carrollhome <carrollhome@aol.com> wrote: Thanks, no worries. I was planning on just fixing it, but figured you likely wanted to have some idea of how many might have issues. Thanks, Sheldon Stroh Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy Tablet -------- Original message -------- From: Mike Brusky <mike.brusky@classonemodelworks.com> Date: 8/22/23 8:16 AM (GMT-05:00) To: carrollhome@aol.com Cc: contactus@classonemodelworks.com Subject: Re: [Contact Us] Problems with GSC flat car Hello Sheldon, The cast frame is pliable, so holding the center deck, you can put downward pressure on the end deck to straighten it. We suggest taking the truck off first. We have some spare parts, so we will get a brake beam sent out to you as soon as we can - we are leaving for National Train Show, so if we can’t get it sent out today, we will send it as soon as we get back on Tuesday next week. Another customer who used the 148s shimmed the box to get them level, so you may try that if you want to use the 148s. Let us know if you have any problems straightening the frame. We will be publishing a video on doing this shortly. Kind Regards, Mike Mike Brusky Chief Executive Officer w: classonemodelworks.com e: mike.brusky@ classonemodelworks.com p: 816-243-0044 o: 8610 NW 107th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64153 We help people build “State-of-the-Art” model railroads On Aug 21, 2023, at 10:22 PM, 'carrollhome@aol.com' via Contact Us <contactus@classonemodelworks.com> wrote: Gentlemen, Now that I have had a chance to play with my new GSC flat car, a few problems are apparent. The cast frame of the car appears to be ever so slightly bent, causing a coupler height issue. One of the brake beam details on one truck is broken and partly missing. The damaged part was not in the package? I can see where putting my desired couplers on the model will be a bit more of a project than I thought after watching your video - a pair of Kadee 148 couplers drooped significantly. Attached are some photos. Your thoughts please. Sheldon Stroh <20230820_220824.jpg><20230820_220831.jpg><20230820_220858.jpg><20230820_220919.jpg><20230820_220946.jpg><20230820_221937.jpg><20230820_222006.jpg>
Since you are a stickler for accuracy:
I did not say that I didn't believe you.
The 2% problem rate represents 40 complaints received by them out of 2200 cars shipped, not the probable actual number of problem cars.
In your 8/21/23 email to them you say that "the cast frame appears ... to be slightly bent". So your initial assessment was the same as mine.
I was one of the email complainers and received a similar email to the one you received on 8/22, with the exception of the missing part portion.
They never contacted me with any follow-up concerning the mis-located part.
If they issued a new video showing the "correct" correction, I am not aware of it. If you have a link to such, I would appreciate some direction to the location.
I see that you sent them some photos. If you would be so kind, maybe you could share them. You could post them in a new topic titled depressed center car problem correction or some such. That would get this thread back on topic.
Thanks
For one, Hatton's own managing director said they did, so...
rrebell To address some of the comments, this was nothing more than another leveraged buy out that went south and a short term money squeeze. They borrowed money short term and got caught in the intrest rate hikes. To finish them off they did not have a good control over their supply chain. It always amazes me how stupid even large corperations are at times, many look short term rather than the long haul and don't take into consideration the risks involved in each move.
This scenario is beginning to make more sense as time goes on. If modeltrainstuff.com follows suit with similar shutting down announcements, that will confirm it. So far though, I see no word from that end.
Maxman. Yes to everyone at first glance it looked bent, but when bending did not fix it, I looked closer and found the problem. Took it further apart, found the brake line preventing proper assembly, moved it, car went back to gether perfectly.
I will have to find the photos and put them on Photobucket, a task for after work.
IC_Tom rrebell To address some of the comments, this was nothing more than another leveraged buy out that went south and a short term money squeeze. They borrowed money short term and got caught in the intrest rate hikes. To finish them off they did not have a good control over their supply chain. It always amazes me how stupid even large corperations are at times, many look short term rather than the long haul and don't take into consideration the risks involved in each move. This scenario is beginning to make more sense as time goes on. If modeltrainstuff.com follows suit with similar shutting down announcements, that will confirm it. So far though, I see no word from that end.
Why else would they be having such a dramatic sale? Moving or closing, both good reasons for the sale.
Soo Line fan AEP528 So can anyone provide actual proof of the MTS purchase by Hatton's? All I can find online are people in Internet forums stating it's true. And we all know Internet forums are worth less than one pays for them. In the October 2023 issue of MRH on page 37 it states: MB Klein has been purchased by Hattons. Hattons official Yvonne Wood says, “We saw a lot of similarities between MB Klein and Hatton’s, so we acquired the company. We are looking forward to expanding their services”
AEP528
So can anyone provide actual proof of the MTS purchase by Hatton's? All I can find online are people in Internet forums stating it's true. And we all know Internet forums are worth less than one pays for them.
...and now, Hatton's has announced they are closing:
https://www.hattons.co.uk/newsdetail?id=1498
This is quite a big deal in Britain. Hatton's has been around since 1946. It would be kinda like in the US if say Walthers suddenly announced they were closing down.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL IC_Tom rrebell To address some of the comments, this was nothing more than another leveraged buy out that went south and a short term money squeeze. They borrowed money short term and got caught in the intrest rate hikes. To finish them off they did not have a good control over their supply chain. It always amazes me how stupid even large corperations are at times, many look short term rather than the long haul and don't take into consideration the risks involved in each move. This scenario is beginning to make more sense as time goes on. If modeltrainstuff.com follows suit with similar shutting down announcements, that will confirm it. So far though, I see no word from that end. Why else would they be having such a dramatic sale? Moving or closing, both good reasons for the sale. Sheldon
There's no "drama" to MTS's prices, now. Except for a very few items, prices are higher than ever. Again, if we see an announcement from MTS, the we'll know for sure.
According to the Hatton's website, the only employee named Yvonne is a helpdesk assistant.
NittanyLion For one, Hatton's own managing director said they did, so...
Okay, please provide a link or source for Richard Davies' statement.
AEP528 NittanyLion For one, Hatton's own managing director said they did, so... Okay, please provide a link or source for Richard Davies' statement.
AEP528 So can anyone provide actual proof of the MTS purchase by Hatton's?
Rich
Alton Junction
AEP528 Soo Line fan AEP528 So can anyone provide actual proof of the MTS purchase by Hatton's? All I can find online are people in Internet forums stating it's true. And we all know Internet forums are worth less than one pays for them. In the October 2023 issue of MRH on page 37 it states: MB Klein has been purchased by Hattons. Hattons official Yvonne Wood says, “We saw a lot of similarities between MB Klein and Hatton’s, so we acquired the company. We are looking forward to expanding their services” According to the Hatton's website, the only employee named Yvonne is a helpdesk assistant.
Okay so either Joe or one of his staff decided to make up a story for their well respected magazine?
Or they called up Hattons like a professional publication would and spoke to a misinformed / rumor mongering employee who had nothing better to do that day but make up a story?
Its on his LinkedIn:
I've spent a lot of time in USA as they've come to the forefront of e-commerce retail. During this time I developed an interest in developing a commercial presence there. We concluded the acquisition of MB Klein in September 2023
There is another scenario no one is considering.
Hattons purchased ModelTrainStuff and is moving that operation to whatever location they already had in the US.
Hattons is now going to close the UK operation and focus on the North American operation under the MTS name.
That might be way smarter than trying to establish the Hattons name in the US.