update on Hoffco/ Comet

[racerone3]

just found this press release on another site and figured i'd copy/ paste it here. i'm not sure if it has already been posted, but i don't remember seeing it




Certified Parts Corporation acquires certain assets of Hoffco/Comet

Certified Parts Corporation (CPC), the Janesville, Wis.-based company that purchased TecumsehPower Feb. 9, 2009, acquired certain assets of Hoffco/Comet in an auction Dec. 17.

CPC purchased Hoffco/Comet’s intellectual property, dies, fixtures and tooling, as well as its entire existing parts inventory, shelf by shelf. Although the shelves were somewhat bare, CPC still bought a large quantity of parts. CPC intends to maintain a complete line of replacement parts and is very confident that it will be able to manufacture complete finished product in the near future. Comet was in business for 60 years, making clutches for some of the world’s best known manufacturers.

“It’s a huge marriage between the Tecumseh engine and the Comet torque converter, which is a variable-speed transmission,” said Jim Grafft, President and CEO of CPC. “They also made a gear box that we are excited about.”

CPC hopes to start shipping in January 2010. “We have talked to many of the main vendors, and they are excited that someone has taken over and they are looking forward to shipping us new parts,” added Grafft.

Any company that had back orders with Hoffco/Comet, can email their inquiries or orders to CPC at cpc@certifiedpartscorp.com or fax them to (608) 752-3528.

With your help we can get this great American company back up and running!

Thank you,
Certified Parts Corporation
1111 W. Racine Street
Janesville, WI 53545
1-800-356-0777
(608) 752-9441

[George]

Well, this sounds promising.

[Don]

That's good news. CPC is a good bunch to deal with and they haven't (at least not yet) gouged prices on no-longer-made parts. I hope they get the clutches back into production soon.

[Tango42]

I just bought some comet springs from them a few weeks ago.......they were in the process of adding all the comet parts to their inventory. The person I spoke with said they plan to carry on the product line with tech support as well. Good people to deal with and and like Don said, they dont seem to be gouging on prices......I was surprised at how cheap the springs were.

I was relieved to hear it 'cause I just took a chance on a used 102c.

[jerbear]

Don turned me on to them. Again, Thanks Don. Was driving through Janesville and stopped by there. Very nice people. They let me wander through the NOS parts depot for a bit. Pick up some parts and a couple NOS "RUPP RIDER" patches for a old sled nut I know. Way cool place, very nice people. Good to hear!!

[Uncle Vin]

I just spoke with CPC yesterday. No offense, but I don't feel that their service was good at all. I was blown off three times before I had the clutch person on the phone. One heck of a way to run a business in this economy. No good on buying a 780 drive or driven clutch. They don't have them and don't know when they will. I also spoke with RI yesterday. RI says that they are working with CVTech IBC (CVTech-IBC - Manufacturier de CVT) to formulate a replacement clutch set-up. They may have to adjust the mounting point of the engine sidways, etc. I was told to "be patient" and that they are "working on it". I then e-mailed CVTech to inquire. No response as of yet. Again, one heck of a way to run a business during a failing economy. I frankly think it's rediculous that those in the know have not come up with an alternative to the Salsbury / Comet set-up. I'll report back when I have more information. Uncle Vin

[lewis]

Talked with CPC Monday about their line of clutches, answer was that they will be producing clutches at the end of April. Hope this helps.

[George]

I just spoke with CPC yesterday. No offense, but I don't feel that their service was good at all. I was blown off three times before I had the clutch person on the phone. One heck of a way to run a business in this economy. No good on buying a 780 drive or driven clutch. They don't have them and don't know when they will. I also spoke with RI yesterday. RI says that they are working with CVTech IBC (CVTech-IBC - Manufacturier de CVT) to formulate a replacement clutch set-up. They may have to adjust the mounting point of the engine sidways, etc. I was told to "be patient" and that they are "working on it". I then e-mailed CVTech to inquire. No response as of yet. Again, one heck of a way to run a business during a failing economy. I frankly think it's rediculous that those in the know have not come up with an alternative to the Salsbury / Comet set-up. I'll report back when I have more information. Uncle Vin

Where on LI are you from Vin?

[Uncle Vin]

George, we corresponded already, remember? I'm from St. James. My office is in Smithtown. Send me a PM again and I'll give you my information. Uncle Vin.

[Uncle Vin]

Spoke with CPC again yesterday. They actually had some clutch parts. If you call, you'll need part numbers. They don't have the ability to look up the parts. Speak with Diane. The RI parts list has the Comet part numbers, so no big deal. CPC says that they will have the whole Comet / Salsbury unit for sale by June. I also spoke with RI. RI and CVTech finally came up with a solution for the Max II clutch issue. No more heat treating tubs to get the clutch to fit. I was told that the clutches are due to arrive at RI any day now. They warned me, however, that the cost will be big $$$$. I'm so sick of this clutch-parts scavenger hunt. Stay tuned.

[wfo]

big $$$$ welll remember its just a hobie

[Bonewerx]

I actually was one of the last 30 or so ppl still employed with hoffco/comet, industrial cab when the slammed the doors in our faces it was horrible I miss that job but I built cabs for tractors, dozers, forklifts etc in the cab devision we was all in the same bldg and the now owner of the clutch lines tried getting me to come set up the lines for him in wi. but I didnt wanna leave my family for weeks lol