A Message from Dave Smith

[Dave Smith]

I am painfully aware of the number of people waiting on parts deliveries, and I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for the delays and also let you know what we are doing about it. Despite the difficulties, there is some very good news right on the horizon. I am confident that we will be completely current and back in great shape in the days ahead, and for sure before Christmas.

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Factory Five Culture defines our work.

Almost all of the delays have been caused by a huge change here in Operations that I have been directing personally. 8 weeks ago, I began implementing the last stages of a massive year-long effort to change our company in ways that many experts said could not be done. The focus on Operations began this fall, and involved a huge process change that shifts our production in composites and welding CNC areas from "make-to-order" production planning to a "make-to-stock" driven plan. At the same, time our production manager Brent and his second in command Matt left, and that definitely threw a wrench in the works. The crew is now going in the right direction and picking up speed.

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Sean has been exceptional and the new systems are built on his hard work and expertise.

Yesterday, we had an annual review by department, and the accomplishments of the past year are really impressive. The frustrations of shipping and parts orders make it feel like we have not made the progress we have. I'll bring you full details in a few weeks, near end of year. For now, if you are experiencing delays and waiting for parts, rest assured we will be getting them to you shortly. Huge thanks for your patience and understanding.

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Jim and Jesper are at the top of their game.. the next slide couldnt be shown here.. what's coming next!

Thirty years and I can tell you confidently that the best years are still ahead of us for this amazing company.

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Composites are integrating an all-new resin infusion process and working on carbon everything! Kyle is the outstanding leader!

Dave Smith
President

[Dave Smith]

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Merry Christmas coming!

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Quality in everything.

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Anniversary Wheels FINALLY!

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AP is crushing it in Ops.

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Santa's workshop.

[danmas]

Dave,

Thanks for the note. I am not waiting on anything but I can say definitively that you have a great product and I have had the most fun ever building my kit. You don’t need my encouragement but I am a huge fan.

Regards,

Dan

[65 Cobra Dude]

Thanks for the update Dave!

Henry

[rich grsc]

Excellent as always Dave. I sure am sorry I didn't get more time to visit and talk at SEMA, but I know that is a VERY busy event for you, Your display was terrific.
Rich

[kirby]

I really want to know what's next!!! If it is a gt40 put me on the list!!!

[mrmustang]

Dave,

"Da Bunnies"(tm) are watching with a-n-t-i-c-i-p-a-t-i-o-n. :o



Bill S.

[JTG]

Thanks for the update Dave!

We are waiting on parts, but we're also moving at a slow pace so we're all good until everything arrives.

Jon

[tundra2050]

Thanks for the update Dave!

I'm just happy the stars had aligned and I was able to purchase one of these beautiful machines as my retirement hobby.

I do hope your team, however, can update the manuals for the 289 and maybe some of the options. I've had no complaints on waiting for parts. My kit did not have many items on back-order and FFR has a reputation for making things right.

I got to see your operation first-hand with a side-trip tour on a business trip to the Cape last year. It really sealed the deal.

All the best!
James

[TTimmy]

Thanks for the update Dave, great to hear from you here on the forum.

Successful growth is a world class problem to have. We are all behind you and your team and looking forward to whatever comes next. Especially if it resembles a GT40!

[Blitzboy54]

Hi Dave, thank you for the update. I’m waiting on spindle's. Are you saying that all back order parts are going out by the end of the year or that’s the hope?

Food for thought, this is my 3rd build and the 2nd one where parts back orderers have been an issue. I would like the option if there is a 4th to have my completion date tied to a complete delivery vs when most of the parts are ready. Treat it like an international order. Personally would much rather take a later delivery that is ready to go than receive most of it and get stuck. The latter creates a disconnect. For instance I built a schedule around what I’m doing now that was based on a completion date of October. It’s now going on late December and technically the kit was never really “complete”.

This is simply my experience vs my needs. I am a massive fan of this company and what you and your team built. I obviously keep coming back and hope to again.

I appreciate this community! Thanks you for the update.

[Sharris2]

Dave, many thanks for the update!

As this is my second build (first just after COVID) I understand parts supply can be an issue from time to time and other issues that maybe become problematic ie. Losing people doesn’t help at critical times.

I picked up my kit august 13th of this year; 30th anniversary coupe, (#10) there have been some issues; but your people are great to deal with and resolve the issues generally in a timely matter.

So, I’m still missing some back-order parts for my kit, but today; what shows up but some missing panels �� so this list is getting shorter now and I hope we will have everything by Christmas!!!!

Please thank your team for me as there doing a great job!

Scott Harrison

[Blitzboy54]

Hey Dave,

As a follow up (I have no idea if you see this) I have been waiting for spindles. Completion date of Oct 18th. I appreciate the update but what really makes this problematic is it is nearly impossible to get anyone at FFR to respond. I have asked twice this week for an ETA. If I get a response at all (I have not) it is just "we don't know". Honestly that's not really good enough. When Covid happened that was a global change in supply chains (we were kind of all in it together). This was a business decision, so I don't feel the same. I 100% support you trying to upgrade your business., communication is key here. Without it I am left to assume the worst.

I am ordering long lead time custom wheels, I need spindles to finalize the offsets and general fitment. I appreciate any help you can provide.

Thanks

[runamuk]

I placed an order for a part on your website Friday Dec 12th. The money came out of my account but I'm still waiting for an order confirmation/shipping info for my order.