Federal Trade Commission
Received Documents
Nov. 16, 1995
P894219
B18354900006

Klaus P. Henkel, 108 Wood Dr., Algonquin IL 60102, U.S.A.
     Phone: 708-658-3239    Fax: 708-658-3280


MADE IN AMERICA
Room 159
6th Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington DC 20580
                                                     Nov 11, 1995
Re.: "Made in America"

Dear Sir / Madam

     Many times before a purchase, we will search out products labeled "Made in America", in
order to support the domestic industry.

     It has come to our attention that articles labeled as such, are not always made 100% in the
USA.  We believe this to be a fraudulent scheme by the manufacturer to steer the consumer to a
"patriotic" purchase of his or her product, regardless of the true percentage of America's
participation.
     The automobile industry has started to indicate on the sticker attached to the car, the
origin of the vehicle (parts & assembly).  Therefore, we can demand from other manufacturers the
same, or better information.  Here are a few ideas that might be helpful in your decision to correct
the labeling:

"10% made in America / 90% made in China"
"10% domestic (or USA), 90% foreign"
"Made in USA/China" (the country with the higher participation, up front).
"Assembled in America"
"Partially made in America"
"Parts China/assembly America"
"Made in China/Burma/Mexico"

A label with the actual percentage of participation by a country will serve the consumer best. 
And, a truthful labeling as such will certainly decrease a consumer's suspicion of being mislead by
a manufacturer about his or her product(s).
     Costs to the manufacturer for the additional information will be minimal - besides -
manufacturers are adding all expenses to their products anyway.

Sincerely,

Klaus P. Henkel
     cc: President, NEW BALANCE Athletic ShoesKlaus P. Henkel, 108 Wood Dr., Algonquin IL 60102, U.S.A.
     Phone: 708-658-3239   Fax: 708-658-3280

President
NEW BALANCE Athletics Shoes
3842 Everett St.
Boston MA 02134

Nov 11, 1995

Re.: "Made in America"

Dear Sir/Madam:

     Recently, your company was featured on CNBC regarding the labeling of your product as
"Made in America".  Your company was chosen as an example, because a part of your shoes
(sole?) originated in a foreign country.  The deceptive prescription leaves us, the customer, to
believe that your shoes are 100% made in America - parts / assembly - and all.
This misleading information must be a common practice among companies and therefore the
reason for this short feature on TV.
     The customer deserve better, so please give us accurate information and encourage other
companies to do the same.
     Our family is always skeptical when it comes to reports by the Media, but this one is real. 
Please refer to the copy of my letter to "Made in America" for some of my ideas for
improvements.

Sincerely,

Klaus P. Henkel

cc:  Made in America
     Washington DC 20580

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