Bloomberg (a poor source IMO) says that SAK sales have fallen by 1/3 in the post-2001 air travel nightmare.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-30/swiss-army-knife-maker-retires-120-year-old-wenger-brand.html
Victorinox's English press release reads like a computer translation. I have tried to make this as clear as their German.
Press Release
Ibach, 30 January 2013
Victorinox concentrates production and incorporates Wenger knives
Eight years ago, Switzerland's Victorinox Group welcomed Wenger, the legendary firm in Delémont, into its corporate family as an affiliate. Now Victorinox is integrating Wenger's knife business with its own. To strengthen our position in the international economy, we must respond to intensified competition for markets by eliminating redundancies in our product line. From now on, Victorinox knives will be made in Delémont; the workers there will remain in our employment.
In 2005, Victorinox bought the legendary house of Wenger to keep it in Swiss hands. Since then, Wenger has been an independently managed affiliate, and to some extent a competitor, of Victorinox. Both enterprises have held their own in a challenging international economy.
Now Victorinox has decided to incorporate Wenger's knife business.
Carl Eisener, Victorinox CEO:
Production will continue in Delémont. Part of Wenger's knife line will remain in production, branded Victorinox. Wenger's watch and licensed businesses will continue. Wenger's U.S. office will be merged with Victorinox's office in Monroe, Connecticut.
These measures will help Victorinox use the strength of its distribution channels to greater advantage. Remaining competitive demands a clear strategy and the concentration of investments in products, product lines, and distribution. Consumers expect a uniform assurance of quality from us.
Peter Hug, Wenger CEO:
With the incorporation of Wenger's knife business, Victorinox retains its Jura affiliate's proven know-how in design and production. Together with its current watch production in Pruntrut, the Victorinox Group will remain a major employer in Canton Jura.
