Lamkin Introduces Its New Grip,
Opens Plant in China
Poway-based Aldila, which makes high-performance graphite, wood and iron shafts, recently put its HM-40 Tour Gold wood shaft back on the market. The company also released two new HM-40 models.
The HM-40 Tour Gold was the top-selling high-performance graphite shaft until it was discontinued in 1995. Ever since, Aldila kept getting phone calls from customers asking about it, said Steve Gandolfo, account manager for Aldila.
Now, the original 95-gram design is back, along with a lightweight 80-gram design and an ultra-lightweight 65-gram design. The new models offer the same performance attributes of the original shaft but in today’s popular lighter weights, he said.
The HM-40 Tour Gold Series is available now through all major golf distributors worldwide as well as premium club manufacturer’s custom club departments.
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Getting A Grip: San Diego-based golf manufacturer Lamkin Grips has been busy in the U.S. and abroad.
The company recently launched its Sof-Wrap line of composite grips, with the same type of shock-absorption technology found in running shoes.
The grips, unveiled at the 2000 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla., were designed in two main components. The first, the wrap, combines an outer layer of polyurethane for added traction with a soft foam liner. The second part, a rubber-molded underlisting, is bound to the wrap and forms the base of the grip.
Distribution of the grips will be to three distinct markets: original equipment manufacturers, domestic golf retail shops and international markets.
Lamkin Grips also announced plans to open a 70,000 square-foot manufacturing and assembly plant in the city of Guangzhou in China later this year. The new facility will produce Lamkin’s full product line of 64 grip models, and will employ 250 people.
Lamkin currently operates a manufacturing and assembly in Tijuana, Mexico, and expects to invest from $2.5 million to $3 million in start-up cost for the plant in China.
The new facility is expected to be located in the Guangzhou Economic, Technological and Trade Zone Development District, also called the GET Zone.
Operations are expected to begin by July.
Power Runners: Road Runner Sports, which sells running shoes, apparel and accessories, recently hired Seattle-based Talisma to power its customer service department. Road Runner will use Talisma’s eCRM products and services to answer customer email inquiries quickly and effectively. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
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Gridiron Moves: The San Diego Chargers didn’t fare too well on the field last season, going 1-15. But the organization made two moves in the front office that have brought some positive waves to the ailing franchise.
The Chargers recently hired former Buffalo Bills general manager John Butler to fill that vacant spot here.
“John Butler knows what it takes to win in this league,” said Chargers’ president Dean Spanos. “He’s had amazing success in the draft and has been responsible for building championship teams.
“This is a critical time for this franchise, and we feel that John Butler is the best man to lead us back to the playoffs.”
The Chargers haven’t had a general manager since Bobby Beathard retired last spring. It was reported that Butler was given a five-year $7.5 million deal.
The Chargers also brought former Washington Redskins head coach Norv Turner on board as the new offensive coordinator. It was reported that Turner signed a four-year, $2 million deal.
He replaced Geep Chryst, who was fired after two years with the team.
Moving On: Jonathan Greene recently resigned as assistant general manager and director of communications for the San Diego Flash soccer club.
Greene became the director of communications in March 1998 and added the role of director of soccer operations in October of that same year. His title changed to vice president of communications and team administration in January 2000.
During his three-year stint, Greene was responsible for all aspects of the club’s communications duties and media relations; federation, league and team relations; and assisting in marketing and game-day operations.
No replacement has been named.
The deadline for the next Sports Biz column is Thursday, Jan. 25. Send sports business news to dward@sdbj.com.
