quote:

Originally posted by BaxterB:
If Woodleigh’s desire is to get up and running again, the easiest way across the line is crowdfunding. If BLM protesters can get a fund for their bail money, I would thing there are 1000 hunting enthusiasts who might be willing to give $500 to rebuild a business like Woodleigh. After all, if your $50,000 vintage double is regulated with Woodleighs, seem a small investment to keep the bullets coming.

If you set one up that won't get @##***&&*** Tangled Up in some anti's block of the funds.... I will certainly contribute my FAIR SHARE...

I have $500 of Woodleigh Bullets sitting here headed for my loading Bench!!

FYI, Huntington Die Specialty called me on Thursday and advised they just got in their new stock from Woodleigh. Up a little due to increased shipping from OZ!!

CheerZ,

Just a brief update on WOODLEIGH directly from Geoff McDonald owner of Woodleigh Bullets, along with his wife Shirley.
I had the great pleasure of spending a couple of days with Geoff while he was here in the US for SHOT SHOW and SCI Convention where he was making the rounds of potential partners to resurrect WOODLEIGH, then he departed for a week of R&R up in chilly Minnesota with close friends. He is back in Australia now.
FYI, due to the fact that the UN Classification on projectiles is the same as loaded ammo, and hand grenades, local insurance companies would NOT make insurance available on that type of company!! So, there was NO INSURANCE COVERAGE on the building, equipment and inventory!!
Woodleigh has 2 primary production machines, one that was the primary producing machine, and a spare that was NOT being used and stored on the same property. We had about 15 machines in total damaged, and our inventory, by the fire.
Most of the factory was modern steel construction, fire started in office, the original wood part, was not destroyed in spite of it seemingly being more flammable.
Quote from Geoff by email and WHATSAPP-"There have been some good contacts locally of interested parties looking at partnering or acquiring the business. We are now in the process of cleaning up the tooling, machines and testing all of the electric motors. I think relocating to the US would make economic sense, but the logistics would be daunting. At this stage, at least, we are looking at relocating locally. We are determined to rebuild our production as soon as possible, and one way or another, the bullets be available as soon as we can get it up and running. I can't say when, but I am sure it will happen within 12 months. Should have Hydro Solids much sooner."

I think this is GOOD NEWS for Double Rifle shooters and Dangerous Game Hunters who rely on these fine bullets!! I have suggested a leased building to get the machines up and running and ultimately a more modern steel or concrete building that is fully commercial sprinklered for a new, modern production facility would be best.

I am in touch with Geoff weekly. Don't hesitate to contact me if you have input or questions.

FYI, I had been working with Geoff for over 6 months to get his US Inventory of WOODLEIGH Reloading Books released from his US agent/storage. We were finally successful in that endeavor and the books were split up with Midway USA, and the remainder were shipped to California to be exported to Australia. Fortunately, due to the slow bell shipping out of California, and shipping via Singapore, they had NOT arrived in Australia by the time of the fire!! So, if you need some books, they are available at MIDWAY USA, or directly on the WOODLEIGH website.
While Geoff was here, he also gave me a sneak peek at the Book Cover print of Graeme Wright's 4th Edition of "SHOOTING THE BRITISH DOUBLE RIFLE" ... so that book is not far away too!!

CheerZ,

470EDDY,
Thanks for the good report.
I am among the fortunate few to have an adequate supply of .411 and .458 Woodies and will be able to keep hunting while the plant gets back into production.

Great news!

I have just updated my February 23 commentary above with comments from Geoff.