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December 18 , 2009
Dear Valued Nicros Customer,
As many of you are aware, the climbing industry is currently experiencing a rather unfortunate situation with MSA Auto Belays. The recall of these MSA units affects our industry, the providers, distributors, and most importantly you, the end users. Nicros is committed to the best customer service possible and this notification has been sent to clarify the current situation to the best of our knowledge. Nicros is committed to doing everything possible to work with MSA and their representatives to address this challenge. While the situation and its resolution are not in our control, we want you to know that we will be working diligently on your behalf.
Earlier you were provided information with respect to the Stop Use Notice issued by MSA and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission related to the MSA Redpoint Descender as well as the MSA Auto-Belay Descender. To the extent you have not done so already, immediately stop using either of these products. The use of these devices could cause serious bodily injury, even death. If you decide to continue using these devices it is at your own risk and Nicros will not be liable in any way, shape or form for any injuries that result from the use of these devices.
Nicros is exploring options to recover the costs associated with these devices. To assist us in this endeavor we ask you to remove the devices from where they are currently installed and store them in a safe location. Under any circumstances do NOT destroy these devices. Do not remove any tags or other identifying information, such as product number or serial number, which is contained on the device. We appreciate your assistance as we work through the issues surrounding the Stop Use directive. As further updates become available, we will pass them on to you.
Currently we have had little response or direction from MSA. Most communication is coming to us through the Climbing Wall Association (CWA) to which Nicros is a member and I am on the Board of Directors. The Board is considering using the CWA and the size of its membership to better facilitate communication with MSA. If you are not a member of the CWA this will not affect you in any way however, we do encourage that you become a member. This situation is a good example of how a trade association can benefit everyone involved.
As for the current status, it is clear that the MSA Redpoint Descender will not be an option as an Auto Belay in the near future. We are advising that all customers that need auto belay units to continue using their climbing walls consider the alternative air/pneumatic units and move promptly to replace the MSA units. Personally, as the owner of several climbing gyms, I have also been affected by the MSA recall. Fortunately, our facilities also feature about 50 of the air/pneumatic devices and we have had no problems. Nicros sells these units and select manufacturers are currently offering additional discounts in order to help lower the cost of these units during this transition. Many of you are considering making the change and as such, the demand as well as the waiting period is increasing every day. You might want to get your order in early. Please feel free to contact our excellent sales staff at 800-699-1975 or locally at 651-778-1975.
This letter as well as any other communications regarding this situation will be posted on our website at www.nicros.com/news.cfm. You can check this site at any time for updates. Please forward this correspondence to all individuals that need be aware of this situation.
We apologize for any inconvenience and will keep you posted as additional information becomes available.
Sincerely,
Nate Postma
President