MADISON, Wisconsin July 26, 2013 Viking Cue Manufacturing, LLC announced today that it is moving its office and manufacturing to 2228 Pleasant View Road in Middleton, WI. The new state-of-the-art facility will demonstrate Viking Cue’s values, vision and commitment to innovation, quality and craftsmanship
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The move marks the next phase in a true manufacturing success story. In 2010, the venerable U.S manufacturer of billiards cues closed its doors after 45 years as one of the leading cue designers and manufacturers in the industry; some thought that was the end of the company. Demand had slowed and imports from China had pushed down both the price of cues and the margins. Many saw this as the end of an era for the company started in Gordon Hart’s basement in Stoughton, WI. Viking was revived in May of 2011 when Mark Larson visited the unique business at the insistence of his friend Rick Rolli, head of production at Viking for 27 years.
Now the iconic company is back and growing – and ready for the next chapter after once again taking its place as a leader in product innovation and personalized customer service in the close-knit billiards industry.
“Since reopening in 2011, we have received extremely positive feedback on our new breed of performance shafts and cues.” said Mark Larson, President of Viking Cue. “Whether you are a fan of our Viking eXactShot shaft with its black sightlines and hybrid construction or prefer the traditional look and solid feel from our player-tested ViKORE performance shafts, this company will remain to be a company that is built around our artisans and the art of handcrafting cues”
“Viking’s old facility was built long before anyone had heard of lean manufacturing, Ethernet cabling and ergonomics. We needed a facility that will blend the new company culture that is growing here with the legendary craftsmanship that was born long ago”
By September, the new Viking Cue headquarters will be home to more than 20 employees including office and manufacturing staff. The energy-efficient, contemporary designed building features large offices that surround a spacious lobby with vaulted ceilings and domed skylights. The office and manufacturing areas use natural and LED lighting throughout, cultivating a more lively and collaborative working environment.
“Marketing and customer service teams will have new tools and technologies that will keep retailers informed and at the forefront in every decision making process. Our design teams will have new workflows and prototyping capabilities to enhance new product designs. All this will strengthen our abilities as a manufacturer, enrich the way we work, and amplify the ways we listen to our customers and retailers.”
Viking Cue has been handcrafting pool cues in the USA since 1965. 100% made in the USA, Viking cues and performance shafts are sold worldwide through authorized retailers and start at $199.00 MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price).
