Recently had a machine situation arise in my factory. A 1980's era Comelz thermo folder, which are Italian made, broke down. While parts are available, service is non existent.Failure being beyond our capabilities a new folder became our best option . New Comelz's go at $2000-3500, comps from China go at $1000-2000. Just got notification from Homeland Security's entry summary. $ 0.00 duty, $0.00 tax, line 39 other $ 2.05 based on a $1285.00 value. While I'm sure not very many of these enter the USA annually, the domestic suppliers of rebuilt or new folders cannot compete here.
Wonder how many other product cruise under the radar with $0.00 duty and or tax?
Just for reference here is the exact job we use this for,
one point here , a real good operator would be chaining the insoles continuously!