What is happening at Brooklin? See link

I'm confused.....is the location now being shut down/vacated the same one that they recently moved into from Bath?

@jack-dodds I think that's what it is saying but I'm not an expert on Brooklin operations.

Posted by: @jack-dodds

I'm confused.....is the location now being shut down/vacated the same one that they recently moved into from Bath?

Yes. I've just found the latest story in MAR Online, which reports that even the slimmed-down operation in the new premises they have only just settled into is no longer financially viable, and the few remaining "real Brooklin people" are moving in with SMTS. Sadly, it does look like the end of the road for Brooklin as an independent model producer and I imagine they will essentially be producing a small number of "premium" issues for SMTS under the Brooklin label.

Stop Press – Brooklin on the move again | MAR Online

And I thought they were backed by this wealthy Italian guy ?

IMHO it seems like they overprized their latest models, while having a hard time trying to shake off their name for a white-metal company with reasonably prized models.

You can still buy new Brooklins for around E100,- right next to the ones that go for three times as much.

And if you are comparing them, I would find it a challenge to explain the prize-difference....

I saw the Mar post as well. Too bad for the loyal employees who have given it their all for many years. I am praying that they will be able to find employment worthy of their unique skills and abilities. So, to quote the sixties rock group, ‘the beat goes on’. IMO

There is no surprise because the writing was on the wall since a long time. This is a typical company that was stubborn to not listen to the market change and thinking they would just be fine to continue in their business model to produce metal models that are far too expensive and lacking details and accuracy.

They should have listen to what the collectors want. They should have produce a separate line of resin detailed models that would have been more affordable and of better overall quality.

My first Brooklin was acquired in 1991, and my last a few years ago. I have about 120. I love them all.

Unfortunately space has run out and it's difficult to justify the current pricing, however justified it may be for the quality. 

I hope they survive, and I'm so sorry for those who've lost their jobs. 

No offense, but to me resin just isn't the same.

I've just watched JK's "My Take" video about SMTS, where he says that SMTS have adopted "the Brooklin business model", apparently with great success. Hmmm, makes you wonder how SMTS are managing to survive, since they are also making labour-intensive hand-built masters from scratch, manufacturing with white metal and selling the results at prices not far off Brooklin's (around £135 or $160). You might imagine that they are also experiencing increasing resistance to those prices from collectors who in many cases may find that cheaper resin alternatives (or even cheaper partworks models) satisfy their need for a decently detailed model of a particular car.

Paying way over the odds for a model that is being sold like a piece of bespoke jewellery, but isn't necessarily any better as a representation of the vehicle concerned, requires a different collecting mindset. Expensive exclusivity for its own sake. Nothing wrong with that, of course, but it's not what most collectors need (or are willing to pay for).

Of course, there will always be those people who will pay for a "premium" hand-crafted product (just as they will pay thousands for a watch when a £10 mass-produced timepiece does the job just as well) , but it looks as though Brooklin's gamble on finding enough of them to operate a viable business hasn't worked out, and I can't help wondering how long SMTS/Brooklin will survive in the current climate. If you admire traditional craftsmanship, it is obviously a great shame, but alas, times change and things move on . . .

By the way, I came across this quite interesting video by SMTS about their manufacturing process.

SMTS - Making Scale Models - YouTube

I am sorry to hear that Brooklin is going through a rough patch right now. Their white metal replicas remain a model automotive standard. ALL types of models, be they diecast, white metal, resin, stamped metal or plastic have certain advantages in certain areas and to dismiss some types just shows a lack of understanding. Hopefully, a viable way forward can be found for them and all manufactuers and hobbiests to in all mediums.

Posted by: @ed-glorius

No offense, but to me resin just isn't the same.

Ed, I agree 100% with you.

Today's business world seems to be having to constantly respond to a very fast changing and competitive market.  It must be extremely difficult to correctly forecast how well any new version of a long standing product will be accepted by the public.  The way I understand it if it wasn't for Bulgari stepping up,  Brooklin Models would very likely be finished by now anyways due to such market demands. If this current change is necessary to keep the brand afloat then I wish them all the best.  Like others have commented, I feel very badly for those employees and/or craftsmen who may lose their employment; you hear about this sort of thing happening with increasing frequency.  The world is changing.....and I am very glad to be retired and on  pension.

Posted by: @mikedetorrice

I am sorry to hear that Brooklin is going through a rough patch right now. Their white metal replicas remain a model automotive standard. ALL types of models, be they diecast, white metal, resin, stamped metal or plastic have certain advantages in certain areas and to dismiss some types just shows a lack of understanding. Hopefully, a viable way forward can be found for them and all manufactuers and hobbiests to in all mediums.

Well stated Mike.

Working for over 40 years in the telecommunications industry, I am very familiar with down sizing, consolidations, mergers, etc. and the effects on the people. To those no longer with Brooklin, I wish you the best in your future activities, and thanks for the model cars. To those still with Brooklin and SMTS, I wish you many years making those model cars.

@graeme-ogg 

Very nice video. Thanks