Kicker Car Audio to layoff 15-18%
Posted on 22. Oct, 2009 by JeffersonBryant in Industry News
Yet another sign of hard times ahead for the car audio industry, Stillwater Designs, home of Kicker Car Audio, has announced plans to lay off 15 to 18% of all staff my the end of the month.
This is the first time in the company’s 36-year history that they have had to lay off employees. One of the biggest factors for this is loss of Circuit City and Chrysler’s bankruptcy and subsequent loss of market share.
Since OEM business has become such an important aspect for any car audio manufacturer, losing any portion is difficult, but Chrysler was a major part of Kicker’s OEM business.
Having continually grown for the last several years, the ranks employed by Stillwater Designs had increased. With the loss of business, some of those jobs will have to go. According to the top brass, every department will feel the sting of the cuts.
Vinnie L Ayala
02. Dec, 2009
I NEED A CUSTOM A BOX FOR 2 15″ L7 KICKERS
Shane
19. Feb, 2010
Maybe if Stillwater Designs would have thought about the risk of big business before alienating all of their independent dealers, they would still have a foot to stand on. Their disgusting business practices is what is sending them in this downward spiral, not the economy! As an independent 12volt dealer, we have been finally seeing the swing in consumer attitude. Shop independent again!!! Us, along with many other independent dealers that I have been in contact with, have finally showed increased sells in the 12 volt industry. Big business is high risk and the independents are the main stay. This country was built on small business and companys like Stillwater Designs have forgot about that. And Vinnie, I am not sure if Q Logic makes Kicker specific boxes. If not, I am sure your LOCAL dealer would be happy to help.