MFJ closing down manufacturing facilities effective May 17th 2024

So what company will hams bitch about now? MFJ supported the ham community more than any other company ever did. I hope the ones blasting MFJ feel better now. Lets see how fast prices go up on everything since MFJ isn’t around for competition.

 

The ham community can be rather fickle and vicious at times. I remember when Heathkit was almost universally mocked -- then, when it disappeared, they were greatly missed. MFJ has been called "Mighty Fine Junk" and somewhat unmercifully treated over the years for QA issues -- now, they can't sell their business and will have to close the doors. Why am I not surprised? MFJ, just like Heathkit, will be missed. Eventually. And then folks will shrug their shoulders and wonder why everything has to be purchased from overseas manufacturers.

73 - Steve, KW4H

 

Maybe a few guys will actually buy a soldering iron and start doing something for themselves.

 

Seriously? It's posted by many all over the forum threads on here (Ham radio discussions; Amateur radio news) and eham.net (Amplifiers; Company reviews).

 

That won't happen. Many extra class holders cannot solder,

Kraus/KC4ZGP

 

Well, even if someone did, it would not remain the same. It would take a lot of investment, maybe a million from what I've heard, to bring the company into the modern age. New test equipment, production equipment, training, etc., etc., etc. And I would guess they would not want to stay in Mississippi with it. Finally, I don't think anybody in their right mind would continue MFJ's insanely huge line of products--everything from linear amplifiers to beacon receivers. Oh, I loved that old catalog chock-full of gadgets, but it is not practical, just not practical.

Even if someone buys the name and assets and continues "MFJ," MFJ is gone forever. Just like Radio Shack.

 

MFJ made equipment for a very special market run by people that liked their jobs and understood one was not going to make big bucks and sell out for a lot of money. He had to understand his business and his customers and let sales take care of themselves. Today the companies buying other companies are mostly from private equity and only looking to make a lot of money in a short time. That won't work with a company like MFJ. 52 years of operation prove the MFJ business model worked well. Very few companies operate anywhere near 52 years. MFJ will be missed and am sad for the employees of the company. Those able to retire I am very happy for. Get out and enjoy life knowing for 52 years MFJ was a very good company that did much for the amateur radio community. Enjoy your retirement. You well deserve it.

Rusty, KC4ZPB

 

They bought a lot of ads. But they aren't the only advertiser by far. And I'm sure the magazine staff has been ready. The handwriting about MFJ having been on the wall for at least a year.

 

And you know that how? Did you consult this?

 

Watch the vendor prices go up soon. Just like when the big 3 discontinues a radio. Bound to happen. Supply and demand at its best.

 

So has the handwriting about the ARRL.

 

I've never understood why people turn down offers to buy businesses at retirement. Sure, you may not be getting what you think it's worth, but, by just retiring and shuttering, you're getting $0.00.

 

Dang. Massive loss for the radio community, especially since they just introduced a new solid state amp that couldn't have been cheap to develop or get through testing. They brought a lot of indispensable gear to the amateur market and kept a lot of people employed in Mississippi when it all could have been outsourced decades ago, like Peavey Electronics did.

 

Yep. The evil old ARRL is DOOMED! The Institute for Amateur Radio is COMING ON STRONG. I read that in "Never Say Die" just the other day, you see.