Ernst Paul Lehmann Patentwerk, parent firm of LGB, has transferred ownership of LGB of America to a new firm, U.S.-based G45. “In these changing times you have to keep moving forward,” said Rolf Richter, managing general partner of E.P. Lehmann Patentwerk. “This move forward provides new opportunities for us, for LGB of America, and for our friends in the .”
David Buffington, president of G45 and longtime publicist for LGB of America, is excited about the opportunities the ownership transfer presents. “LGB of America began as a service center for LGB owners in . It’s now very different. It now distributes LGB trains, Piko structures, and Noch accessories. Of course, LGB is and will remain our top brand and market leader in large scale, but this change will allow us to also offer other interesting products.”
Buffington said the move will create new opportunities as well. “LGB of America already has a well-earned reputation for service to LGB owners, and we now hope to offer consumers even more in terms of repair, upgrade, and service.”
Tony Castellano will remain chief operating officer of LGB of America, and both Buffington and Richter emphasized that their companies will continue to work together. “We have a very good relationship with LGB of America, and we will work very closely with the firm to produce new models North American modelers will want,” Richter said.
I really do not keep up with the news I guess as much as I have. But I felt I needed to reply to this latest news.
I remember in 1982 when I was still in high school and walked into my local hobby shop and saw LGB for the first time. It was love at first site.
The quality and workmanship has always been there. I remember when LGBofAmerica first started. In fact I recently saw the LGB stand this past spring at the York PA at the East Coast Large Scale meet. The guys at the stand were super. We even had a few laughs as I still have my old LGB frequent buyers card. They asked why I had it still. I said because LGBof Americas phone number is on the back and I have had to call a few times about tech issues. So I know that the professionalism I have come to know will continue.
LGB has never let me down at all. For whatever the reason may be I will remain a loyal LGBfan. I look forward to follow ups with what happens. I am in no way feeling deserted. But look forward to new models for my LGB American prototype. And other enhanced options for me.
So all this really means is that the Richters have sold off LGBoA so someone else now owns and manages LGBoA? Isn’t this a step back to the old days where someone else distributed LGB for Lehmann?