Siclick,
You were absolutely right about the FOD screens - we did still have some on the shelf here but I couldn't sell any more as updates because they were needed for production engines. As I said earlier, we underestimated the demand from existing engine owners on this one. We had ordered a few more FOD screens than were needed for the production batch of 44s and were expecting to sell some of those as updates, but many people wanted them and there just weren't enough. It wasn't a problem of rapid expansion - just not realising how popular the product would be.
Please understand that we are not intending to become some sort of big, soul-less multinational company. We will still be friendly, hardworking and provide good service. We need as many sales as possible if we are to survive in this business, and I know you want us to stay in business to service your engines. The dealers we are using are all people who own and fly our engines and who we regard as our friends. They want us to be successful, as well as making some money for themselves.
Unlike many companies who make turbine engines we don't have a parent company which can prop up the jet business - we have to sell engines and make a profit if we are to survive in business and pay sensible wages to our loyal, skilled and hardworking staff. We know that the number of people who will come to us direct is not infinite, some people prefer to deal through a retailer, and we're trying to ensure we get those customers rather than our competitors.
Who will have priority over engines. An individual ordering direct or a dealer ordering 20 turbines?
We will try to deal fairly with everyone, as we always have done. Using the example you have just given, the individual order would be quicker to deal with and give more gross profit, the dealer one would take longer but have a higher value, and there are incentives to get both orders shipped as quickly as possible. We will do our best to keep everyone happy.
Sara Parish
Wren Turbines