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Conn-Selmer production shifts facilities

Conn-Selmer announces that production in its Elkhorn, Wisconsin brass instrument facility is being relocated to its Eastlake, Ohio manufacturing plant. In a separate move, the company also announced that instrument production at its G. Leblanc facility in La Couture-Boussey, France is moving to its Woodwind facility in Elkhart, Indiana.  The Elkhorn facility will be closed and the French building has been sold. Both actions take advantage of the ability to focus resources and increased capacities in its Eastlake and Elkhart locations.
The move from Elkhorn, Wisconsin to Eastlake, Ohio is centered primarily on the Holton brand French horn and low brass production. The Eastlake plant is well-known for its production of these instrument categories under the C.G. Conn and King brand names. The addition of the Holton product to Eastlake production takes advantage of the quality expert craftsmanship already established there.
The company’s “Woodwind Center of Excellence” in Elkhart, Indiana continues to grow, accounting for all production of U.S.-made flutes, piccolos, double reeds and clarinets, including Leblanc by Backun professional clarinets. “The level of skill and expertise at this facility continues to improve through its utilization of modern manufacturing techniques, one-piece flow, lean manufacturing, and the team’s commitment to continuous improvement,” said John Stoner, president and CEO.  “Focusing our expertise in a single facility allows for better utilization of assets and better sharing of best practices. Advanced technologies have been put in place along with quality assurance measures that provide superior product performance for professional, intermediate and student instruments produced in Elkhart.”
Leblanc, along with Holton and other brands, was acquired in 2004. In 2006, the Company introduced Leblanc by Backun professional clarinets - the clarinet of choice for the finest professionals including Ricardo Morales (Philadelphia Orchestra), Anthony McGill (New York Met) and well-known clarinet soloist Eddie Daniels. In 2008 the company is introducing its Leblanc Bliss student clarinet line with young international clarinet soloist, Julian Bliss.
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