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| The
Fender Mexico Factory A Photo Tour Amplifier Cabinets A lot of the Fender amplifiers are now made in the Mexico plant. Fender also has some other lines, like SWR. I asked Ruben if when Fender bought a company, if they re-engineered their products. His reply was basically, no. When they buy a company, they buy it because their products are already good, and they keep their engineers on if possible, and just build the products to their specifications. It was a relief for
me to know they don’t “Fenderize” the other companies they
own. They understand their uniqueness and allow them
to grow on their own. |
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| Here we see one of the machines used to cut the wood for the amp cabinets. |  |
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This machine cuts it into smaller pieces. |
| As the
pieces are being cut, this person will spot-check the parts
to be sure what is being cut actually fits together.
He takes the parts and assembles an entire cabinet by hand. If all the parts fit together correctly, then the assembly line continues building the cabinets. If not, they have to stop and find all the parts that are wrong and re-cut them. |
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The cabinets
are then assembled. They use two different types of glue. One is a conventional type, and the other is special hot glue that sets within a few seconds. After the hot glue sets the first time, the melt temperature goes way up. It does not react the same way as hot glue that we use for home or hobby applications. |
| After the cabinets are
finished, they are sanded. You recall I said they are very dust conscious down there. Notice that large grill in front of the workers. That is actually a huge suction grid designed by the Mexican engineers. It sucks almost all the sanding dust away from the area. If you have ever sanded wood with any type of power sander, you know what a mess this can be. |
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On some amps, parts are spayed. In this case he is spraying a vintage colored lacquer. |
| Next the vinyl covering is put on the cabinets. This machine spreads a non-toxic hot glue on one side of the vinyl. |  |
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The vinyl is then applied
to the cabinets. Each station is also equipped with a special heat gun. Basically a glorified hair dryer. If the glue starts to set up before they are done, or if it starts to bubble, they can heat it up and stick it down again. I've also been told that if your amp at home does this, you can heat the area up and it will stick again. |
| Note: the slowest process
in the line, not the fastest, sets the assembly line speed.
Some jobs in the line take more time to do. At times,
workers that are either quicker, or have a job that is not as
involved, simply have to wait. That way, nobody gets burned
out, or over worked. Here
the cabinets are almost done. The speaker grills are
now attached and they are now ready. |
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| What's next? Amplifier Electronics. (Click to continue) |
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