The Kirby Company is a manufacturer of vacuum cleaners and home cleaning accessories, based in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. This is a division of The Scott Fetzer Company (also known as Scott & Fetzer ) which in turn is part of Berkshire Hathaway. Dealers are located in more than 50 countries around the world. Kirby products are only sold through door-to-door demonstrations at home and the company is a member of the Direct Selling Association. All vacuum cleaners are built in Ohio or Texas.
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History
Kirby's first vacuum was designed by James B. Kirby (1885-1971) for George Scott and Carl Fetzer after World War I, although Kirby's name was not used on vacuum cleaners until the 1930s. James Kirby created the "vacuette" around 1920, and their main rivals were The Hoover Company and The Eureka Company both of which began operations in 1909, and Bissell who originally built carpet sweepers began in 1876. Their main European competitors were Electrolux in the year 1924, while Dyson, Miele and Sebo followed in the 1980s.
The Vacuette Electric, introduced in 1925 with its removable nozzle and handle, became the forerunner of Kirby's current multi-attachment vacuum models. In 1935, the company introduced the Kirby C Model, the first product to carry the name of Jim Kirby. The vacuum is also briefly offered as a manual vacuum cleaner, utilizing a springworm gear driven by pulling the reverse vacuum cleaner, then when pushing the engine forward, the worm gear will drive the turbine which provides the required suction. As long as the cleaner is consistently pulled back, the tension in the spring will remain constant and the turbine will continue to rotate. It was designed for rural areas that lacked electricity, and was very similar to a carpet sweeper.
While competitors have changed the orientation of motors, the appearance of their products, materials used in construction and other features over the years, Kirby stays with original design, materials and functionality with added extras to aid in operation and durability. The company changed its appearance with a revised color scheme and introduced a new model name while keeping core technology intact. Used machines are widely available for sale internationally, and because attachments, and appearance items can be exchanged for generations, some machines can be found that comprise parts of some models. Machines built in the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s still operate worldwide and can be completely repaired or rebuilt with widely available parts of the factory.
In the 1930s and 1940s, Kirby decided to offer their products in the retail environment, and introduced the "R" series. They are essentially identical to their "C" series, with the only difference being the power switch attached to the handle. The first model is R, followed by 2R, 3R and 4R. In 1970, feedback from Kirby distributors, dealers, management and customers led Kirby engineers in developing the Kirby Classic. This led to a second generation model, and was an instant success, with sales soaring, allowing the company to expand its manufacturing facilities outside Cleveland for the first time, which coincided with the rising popularity of wall-to-wall carpet. In 1972, Kirby West began operations in Andrews, Texas at 1345 NW 101 Street (also known as North Seminole Highway), which doubled the company's production capacity. The company maintains its presence in Canada at 1009 Burns Street East in Whitby which no longer has staff.
Berkshire Hathaway bought Kirby's parents, Scott Fetzer in 1986 for $ 315 million. Two years earlier, Ivan Boesky offered to buy Scott Fetzer for $ 60 per share, or $ 420 million. Warren Buffett has chosen Scott Fetzer for Berkshire shareholders as a "prototype" for "corporate type - and acquisitions - he's interested." According to the Berkshire manager, "no changes are made to Scott Fetzer's existing business or management, and the entire business (and its jet) is maintained."
In 2003, Kirby was Scott Fetzer's largest source of revenue and profits, with about 500,000 sales annually, about one-third outside the United States. In 2003, Scott Fetzer sold vacuums to about 835 factory distributors, who in turn sold door-to-door vacuums. As an incentive for new customers, Kirby offers the Vacuum Rebuild Service Center program for original registered owners. As long as the customer has the machine as the registered owner, if the cleaners need to be repaired, they can send it back to the Rebuild Department and return it to a "like new" state. The company will completely disassemble, repair or replace worn parts of Kirby, and sandblast, polish and buff metal parts return to a shiny "new" look. The internal components are also checked and repaired thoroughly with Kirby's replacement parts so they will function as originally designed. This is an advantage for companies because they can evaluate the durability of their products from actual use and make revisions to future models.
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Kirby unit model
The Kirby Company generally only produces one model at a time. Kirby Vacuums made until 1919 were made by Frantz Premier. Made from 1919 to 1934 were branded and made by The Scott & amp; Company Fetzer. After 1934 all machines have been created by Scott & amp; Fetzer, though branded as Kirby.
From 1935 to the present day, continuous improvements and refinements were made on Kirby's home care system. One of the popular selling points is that it can be easily configured into a vacuum canister, portable hand vacuum, air compressor, floor buffer, and more. It can also be converted into a shampoo system for carpets and sweeping, dusting, and mopping systems for an empty floor. The typical chrome appearance is that because most engines are assembled from aluminum, a tradition will go back to the early days of manufacture when plastic is a new item and more aluminum.
One of the key procedures for using Kirby Vacuum is the correct way to adjust the carpet nozzle to best results. Beginning with the 1939 Model 2C to the latest machine, the instruction manual states that the carpet nozzle should be gradually lowered to the position with the Toe-Touch hook, gradually adjusting the carpet nozzle until the rotating brush bar establishes the contact, and the motor change sounds indicating suction has been reached. Beginning with 1945 Model 505, adjust the carpet nozzle using what Kirby calls "Triple Cushioned Vibration Rug Cleaning Action". This characteristic that is still implemented in the current model, involves lifting the carpet briefly from the floor with significant suction made by the motor, thus lifting and muffling the area to be cleaned, while the rotating brush bar separates and cleans the carpet fiber, removes the embedded dirt and rejuvenates the pile carpet. One of the most common complaints about Kirbys is that they are heavy. The image of a metal machine adds to that reputation. The difficulty to push the machine is largely due to the suction being made which makes it difficult to maneuver, especially in thick pile carpets and not necessarily the materials used in the manufacture.
Beginning in the 1990s, the Generation series ushered in a new platform for cleaners. The addition of TechDrive variable strengths helps remove 90% of the effort required to move the unit back and forth. The current model, Avalir, continues the tradition of converting the vacuum into several different units beginning with the Model 508 in 1948. With the introduction of Model 1945 505, the grip can be removed and the engine converted to a portable unit with a shoulder strap so that cleaning in difficult areas can be done , and the engine is converted into a canister type cleaner with long hose mounted in front for dust tasks. With most vacuum cleaner models, the rubber drive belt that drives the brush rod, an integral component with most of the modern machines, stays in place and is only inspected when damaged. The vacuum fixtures are available in other engines but do not require a removable belt and carpet nozzles with rotating brush rods are released. Kirby attachments connected to the power unit in the carpet nozzle, and release the drive belt involved in the process that adds flexibility.
The previous method instructed that the carpet nozzle should maintain contact with the surface of the carpet, utilizing suction, while the instruction manual then recommends the nozzle slightly above with only a brush that establishes contact and increases airflow around the cleaned surface. For a smooth surface, the belt that rotates the brush bar can be removed so that only the suction is used. In 1970 with the introduction of Classics, a small plastic window was installed in the belt lifting handle so that the belt could be visually checked as intact and mounted on a turbo driveshaft. When Heritage II was introduced in 1987, Kirby revised the carpet nozzle by making it slimmer, and the new Brush Performance Lights Indicator was mounted on top of the carpet nozzle. This tool consists of a circular copper wire that is wrapped around a magnet, with an extra magnet mounted on a rotating vibrating brush that creates an electric charge. Small LED bulbs will light up when the brush bar rotates; if the light appears to flash or does not turn on, it means the brush bar does not rotate at the desired speed, and that the nozzle needs to be adjusted or indicates that a belt inspection is required. This feature replaces the previous plastic window on the belt lifter handle. In 1984 with the Heritage II model, the Toe-Touch latch was modified with a custom adjustment feature called "Micro Matic", which facilitates the ability to gradually adjust the preset height position, allowing for carpet nozzles to glued, at least a pile of carpets. The feature is no longer offered with the introduction of Generation 3 models.
The collection and disposal of waste has also changed over the years, but one component persists, called "Sani-Em-Tor". It is a component attached to the discharge tube that leads out of the vacuum turbine chamber where suction is made, where the collected dirt and heavier objects are deposited, and the caps can be removed from the bottom and the dirt is removed. A fabric bag that allows airflow to pass through and clean the air mounted at the top of the "Sani-Em-Tor". Earlier versions of the fabric bags were using a solid blanket, and then corduroy fabrics and woolen fabric bags where fine sand, feathers and other foreign contaminants were collected. The cotton bag also has an integrated cleaning bag inside it, called Sani-Pocket which was introduced in 1964 with Sanitronic, where the inherent impurities can be detached from the inside surface of the bag while keeping the dirt contained inside. Beginning in the 1960s, woolen fabrics or bags were impregnated with a Kirby mushroom controller called "KGF-40", which consisted of small amounts of zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate, and zinc 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, with most "inert" substances. Then the chemicals are offered in a 12oz bottle called "Germicide Deodorant" which can be sprayed on various surfaces with Suds-O-Gun as a fungicide.
The owner's manual for fabric-equipped handbags recommends that the cloth bag be emptied after cleaning is done, to avoid dirt, mold and bacteria from setting in the bag fibers, and prepare the machine for the next time. Fabric bags can be washed periodically, if necessary. Beginning with the Tradition model, an internal disposable paper bag is optionally introduced in addition to the cotton bag, so customers can decide which method they like. Disposable paper bags provide a protective barrier on the inside surface of the fabric bag, and offer the convenience of saving the cleanser once it is finished, and does not require the bag to be emptied at all times. When Heritage II was introduced in 1984, the only method of collecting dirt was a disposable paper bag, and "Sani-Em-Tor" became "Mini-Em-Tor" which no longer used a removable cover at the bottom but was still trapped bigger and heavier objects. In 1993, the effectiveness of the disposable paper bag filtering was enhanced, and labeled "Micron Magic" with Model G4, which could trap particles larger than three microns, while the cotton wool bag captures the remaining particles that pass through it. Starting with the Ultimate G Diamond Edition, disposable paper bags are upgraded to HEPA standards.
Versatility and convenience have become a long-standing tradition with the company, that is, the ability to configure machines for various tasks. The available attachments have come and gone for years, but some of the more popular ones remain available today. Buffer floor buffers and dust floor mats are introduced with the 2C Model, along with hand-painted spray guns and a sealed-up shampoo dispenser called Suds-O-Gun, which is turned on by attaching a hose to a turbine exhaust tube.. The carpet shampoo attachment, called Rug Renovator, appeared with Dual Sanitronic 50 in 1965, which used a dry foam method to rub the shampoo onto the carpet. With the introduction of Avalir, the Renovator Rug is modified to function as a floor cleaner, clean hard floors, rub tiles and condense, or polish hard surfaces, using a special brush for each task. One of the earliest available tasks is to suck up mattresses, sofas and carpeted stairs by replacing the elongated grip and turning the machine into a handheld portable cleaner while still using the carpet nozzle. With the introduction of Classics in 1970, the grip was fitted with unusual features; storage of small objects that are integrated into the back of the handle as a precaution to keep the cleanliness of coin picking, paper clips, and other unnecessary metal articles that can damage the turbine fan, which is no longer offered when Sentria was introduced in 2007. The plastic support can be easily detached and the items placed in it can be removed. It was not mentioned in the owner's manual from 1970 until the feature was discontinued in 2007.
Another unusual attachment, called the Handi-Butler introduced with the 1950 Model 510, uses a turbine axle in front to turn on multiple devices, offered as a comfort feature that can sharpen the blades, wires can also be attached to a wire brush to remove rust. from various surfaces, along with sheep wool polishing discs, and flannel buff bearings for finer tasks. The last Handi-Butler was offered with the Tradition model, and was replaced by Turbo Sander with the Legend model. Turbo Sander is equipped with a small turbine inside the device, supported by suction through hose joints, which can accommodate various grades of sand paper, abrasive pads, and soft vinyl pads for use as a still-used massage unit. available now.
During the mid-1970s, with the popularity of deep-loving carpets, rake attachments called Shag King, mounted in front of carpet nozzles to lift and align the nap while cleaning the carpet, offered only on Classic III, and Model tradition. Other original equipment offered by the 2C Model, called Crystalator, can be used for fumigation cabinets for insects and moths using camphor, which is no longer available with the Legend model in the late 1980s.
In 1982, with the introduction of the Heritage model, the Turbo Brush was introduced, consisting of smaller versions of the Nozzle Rug and belt-driven belt-driven brush bars, but had a small turbine driven by suction units to rotate the brush, designed to make stairs carpets are easier to clean and remove embedded hair from the upholstery and interior of the car. It was replaced two years later with Heritage II in 1984 called ZipBrush, utilizing a swivel brush attached to turbines in a more compact housing, which is still on offer. First Generation (1935-1969)
First Generation (1935-1969) - Model name begins with 1C, followed by 2C, 3C, 4C, 505 (introduction of Magic Finger Belt Lifter for Removal of Nozzle Carpets), 508, 509, 510, 511, 512, 514, 516, 517, 518 , 519, 560, 561, 562, Sanitronic VII, Dual Sanitronic 50 (the first introduction of a two-speed motor for hose mounting and carpet system of the Nozzle/Carpet Renovator), ending with Dual Sanitronic 80 (Kirby DS 80) or D80).
Second generation (1970-1989)
Second Generation > - The Model Name begins with Classics (like Classical 1CR), followed by Classical Omega, Class III, Tradition (first introduction of disposable dust bag), Heritage (Including Heritage 84 model), Heritage II (first introduction of assembling boot Bag "Mini-Em-Tor"), Heritage II Legend Edition, ending with Legend II.
Third Generation (1990-present)
- Model name begins with Generation 3 (first introduction of TechDrive Power Assist), followed by G4 (first introduction of Micron Magic Filtration), G5 (first introduction of newer/more modern styling), Gsix (first introduction Micron Magic HEPA Filtration), G2000, G2001, Ultimate G, Ultimate Edition G Diamond (two-speed switching switch for fine suction), Sentria (2-speed switch disappeared from the unit), Sentria II, Avalir and Avalir II available today.
Other units
Kirby ventured into small, portable units, by reviving Vacuette in the 1970s, then producing Second Split batteries for light or light duty cleaning, powered by a 12V DC plug that runs in car cigarette lighter.
In 1968, Scott & amp; Fetzer acquired American-Lincoln, which also produces a commercial-purpose vacuum cleaner called Sapu Super with an 18-in (460 mm) roller brush. After purchase, Kirby markets Janitronic, which is a Sanitronic without removable carpet nozzles. In the 1980s, they also briefly offered a commercial model called ComVac in three sizes, called 1300, 1800 and 2800. Commercial models are very basic and do not come with additional extras or glossy chrome displays. When Scott & amp; Fetzer sold American-Lincoln to McGraw-Edison in 1984, the commercial model was discontinued. In the 1920s, Kirby introduced their only vacuum cleaner tube, called the Aer-Rotor. It was unsuccessful and withdrawn from the market a few months later, but the ability to turn Kirby into a tube is currently available due to its versatility.
Sales practices
Since 1920, Kirby's new home care system has only been sold through demonstrations at home by independent and authorized Kirby distributor. The Kirby Company produces the unit and sells it to a group of authorized distributors. Each distributor is an independent business, and thus sets their own prices for units and performs their own business operations. Independent distributors recruit dealers who are also independent contractors. Dealers sell door-to-door units and are generally compensated only by commission.
Criticism of marketing and selling practices
The practices of some Kirby independent distributors have been criticized. The Kirby is included by Lon L. Fuller and Melvin A. Eisenberg, Professor of Contract Law at Harvard Law School and UC Berkeley Law School/Columbia Law School, for example a textbook of wisdom. Kirby has been criticized unceasingly by consumer protection agencies. In 1999, out of 22 state consumer protection agencies, 15 have received a total of over 600 complaints in just a few years. Between 1996 and 1999, the Wisconsin Consumer Department of Agriculture, Commerce and Protection received 50 complaints relating to Kirby dealers, and concluded from his investigation that Kirby, through its distributors, was involved in "state pattern trading practices" of consumer-state violations of protection laws.
Many complaints involve "older customers who do not have the will to defend a very exhausting sale." The Wall Street Journal notes examples where elderly couples can not move three Kirby sellers from their homes for more than five hours; in another example, a disabled woman living alone in a $ 1000/month paid car house in Social Security payments and suffering from Alzheimer's disease was found to have two Kirby vacuum cleaners, after paying $ 1,700 for the second. In 2002, the Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioners earned $ 13,000 in refunds for 13 senior citizens.
According to the Wall Street Journal , devices "cost more than four times what top-of-the-line vacuum cleaners do." Kirby compares the price difference with luxury cars and the economy, but "luxury car dealers do not make home calls in trailer parks, but Kirby dealers do it." Kirby's vacuum cleaner "is marketed exclusively door-to-door - often to people who can not afford a $ 1,500 gadget, but give up on a sales pitch."
In 2001, the West Virginia Attorney General earned over $ 26,000 in refunds and credits to unsatisfied Kirby buyers. In 2002, ABC Primetime conducted a hidden camera investigation in response to over a thousand complaints related to Kirby salespeople. In June 2004, the Arizona Attorney General filed a lawsuit against a Kirby distributor for a breach of Telemarketing and the Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act, seeking an order to ban other home sales. Public authorities flooded with complaints about Kirby's vacuum cleaners are not a new phenomenon; even in the 1960s and 1970s, Kirby has been "quoted by various agencies several times" and the Better Business Bureau of Detroit has received so many complaints that it decides to submit the matter to the Wayne County state prosecutor.
Kirby insists it is not responsible for the actions of his salespeople, whom he describes as an independent contractor. His "Distributor Code" lists 12 principles, including "observe the highest standards of character, honesty, and integrity in dealing with my customers, fellow Distributors and other members of the Kirby profession." Kirby also teaches the direct sales law of its distributors, and requires them to resolve complaints within 24 hours under threat of termination.
Litigation
Between 1998 and 2001, in Alabama alone, over 100 lawsuits were filed against Kirby and its affiliates and subsidiaries, generating nearly $ 2 million in judgment and settlement.
Twelve Kirby Vacuums distributors in Massachusetts were cited for breaching Commonwealth's wage laws and legislation by the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General in July 2010. 12 distributors cited for different wage and hour offenses including non-payment of wages, nonpayment of minimum wages, misclassifications, child labor, retaliation and breach of records. The distributors were fined a total of $ 199,300 for violations and were also ordered to pay compensation.
Sexual harassment
The Texas Supreme Court declared Kirby responsible for the rape committed by one of his door-to-door salesmen, finding that the manufacturer retained control of their distributors and salespeople, by requiring its distributors to make sales through home visits, and that the risks were imminent. In that case, the court found that - having an employee reference has been checked - Kirby will find a complaint of inappropriate sexual behavior in his previous employer and the arrest and suspension are suspended for indecency with a child.
The North Dakota Supreme Court also stated that Kirby was responsible for a similar rape incident, in which the seller was employed after being found guilty of assault and for allegedly committing a criminal offense at the third level suspending him.
Fraud and RICO
The federal action-class lawsuit is pending against Kirby under the terms of the civil action of the Corrupted and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO), for allegedly selling used vacuums as new; the complaint alleges that "Kirby is not only aware of this practice, he also participates in the scheme, inter alia, selling to his distributors duplicates or replacing" Original Buyer Registration "cards to be given to second-hand buyers." "The complaint also alleges that" Kirby typically sells new empty box distributors and packing materials for the obvious purpose of the repackaging unit that the previous distributors sold to previous customers. "Kirby's motion to dismiss was declined After Kirby declined the invention request for a sales contract and other documents , Judge Clay D. Land forced Kirby to reveal the requested documents.
Class action demands were also filed against Kirby at Bullock County Court in Alabama for his sales practices, in particular the use of strictly issued credit cards to fund Kirby's purchase, based on Truth in Lending laws. Kirby managed to persuade a court judge to resign.
Kirby has sued an unauthorized Kirby retailer for a trademark infringement of the United States in which the Vacuums are identified by the name and logo of Kirby. The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has stated that such use is not a trademark infringement. The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit blanks the order given to Kirby's merits by the lower court of the Circuit under a similar trademark claim to an unauthorized distributor.
Kirby also did not win in the same act against illegal dealers in Minnesota, where he affirmed trademark infringement, false and unfair competition, and trade negotiations; authorized dealers won a $ 90,000 suit against Kirby for defamation and later in a lawsuit against an insurance company that refused to defend the lawsuit when the dealer rejected Kirby's settlement offer. Kirby's parents lost another setting in Minnesota based on trademark infringement and other country law claims.
Kirby is also unsuccessful in the agonizing disorder with contractual contract claims in Washington against unauthorized retailers; The Supreme Court of Washington charges lawyers to retailers. However, Kirby has won in cases where unauthorized retailers go further than using names and logos to identify vacuum cleaners, misrepresenting themselves as manufacturers and claiming the existence of a factory warranty.
Note
References
- Kirby Instructions and Owner's Guide
- The Vintage Vacuum
- Introduction to the Kirby Vintage Model
- Miles, Robert P. 2003. CEO Warren Buffett: The Secret of the Berkshire Hathaway Manager .
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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