KEF lowers retail pricing on LS Collection

[audiogear]

Don't see this very often. How refreshing! I hope the reasons are truly manufacturing efficiency vs over inventory. Regardless, kudos to KEF!

Courtesy via Sound and Vision:
Starting with the new LSX II LT bookshelf system at $1,000, the LS Wireless Collection includes the original LSX II bookshelf system, which is now $1,300 (down from $1,400). The LS50 Wireless II bookshelf system is now $2,500 (originally $2,800), while the LS60 Wireless floorstanding speaker system has been reduced to $5,000 (originally $7,000) and the LS60 Wireless Lotus Edition to $6,000 (originally $8,000).

KEF says the price reductions are possible because, in addition overcoming recent global challenges with logistics and parts-supply, the company has been able to leverage economies of scale achieved through its Tier 1 manufacturing processes.

“We are excited to empower more music enthusiasts worldwide with our innovative, high-fidelity solutions at competitive prices,” said Stephanie Scola, vice president of marketing at KEF America.

[Formerly YB-2]

Will guess it is due to moving their production to China. Sad.

[Antonmb]

But they’ve been making them in china for several years now. I’m more inclined to believe what they say, many companies, including my old company, are finally starting to experience lower supply chain and materials costs.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Antonmb

But they’ve been making them in china for several years now. I’m more inclined to believe what they say, many companies, including my old company, are finally starting to experience lower supply chain and materials costs.

If I were to hypothesize, it would be that KEF has been able to take muda and mura out of their manufacturing operations, and thereby, reduce COPQ (Cost of Poor Quality) and thus, pass the savings on to their customers.

Which, in my book, is a good and honorable thing to do because it shows respect for the customer and a true understaning of what VALUE† really means.

†-VALUE= Quality/Price

What's not like?

Muda: "Muda" is a Japanese word meaning "wasteful" and is a key concept in the Toyota Production System (TPS), the precursor to LEAN Manufacturing. According to Toyota, Muda is a process that does not add value. The customer is only willing to pay for work that adds value.

Mura: "Mura" means unevenness, non-uniformity, and irregularity. Mura is the reason for the existence of any of the seven wastes. In other words, Mura drives and leads to Muda. For example, in a manufacturing line, products need to pass through several workstations during the assembly process.