Imported locks for use on travel trailers, fifth wheels, motorhomes and cargo trailers are at the center of a dispute between Creative Products Group (CPG) and AP Products, prompting both companies to issue statements.
CPG issued a cease and desist letter to AP Products after the company said it learned that AP Products was selling locks purported to be from Global Distribution, but which are instead produced by a third party not affiliated with CPG or Global Distribution. Global Distribution has an exclusive relationship with CPG, which distributes the product.
“Based upon customer field visits, it became clear our customers thought they were receiving a qualified Global Pro Series Lock, marketed and sold by AP Products, but they were not,” said David Pairitz, CEO of Global Link Distribution and Creative Products Group. “We hope to bring clarity to our customers and the industry regarding this issue through this press release.”
CPG said the locks sold by AP Products come in boxes that include the Global trademark, a picture of the Global brand locks and/or the company’s “G” Logo. However, the locks contained in the packaging are not Global Link Locks and are instead produced by an unrelated third party, according to CPG.
Tom Manning, president of AP Products, said that the issue with the locks was the result of an honest mistake.
He noted that, until recently, AP Products was the authorized distributor for Global Distribution locks under the part numbers 013-570, 013-571 and 013-572. Manning said that when his company’s relationship with Global Distribution ended it subsequently entered into a relationship with another supplier to distribute similar locks to the RV market.
The problem arose when AP Products used Global Distribution packaging for some locks from its new supplier, according to Manning.
“Recently, during the transition period of ceasing to offer Global Distribution sourced and branded product, we errantly packaged some of the replacement products from our new source in cartons using the older Global-branded label,” he said. “As soon as this error came to light, we repackaged inventory within our facility, as well as inventory in distributors warehouse inventory in order to minimize the impact.”
He added, “Unfortunately, we are certain there was some mislabeled product that reached dealers and potentially consumers. Although we know the replacement product in the packaging will meet or exceed the needs of most customers, we recognize there is the potential that some customers may have specifically desired the product brand on the label. If there is such an instance and you received a product other than what you expected, please reach out to AP Products’ customer service department and we will do our best to correct the situation to your full satisfaction.”
CPG suggests that dealers and customers who purchased AP Products distributed locks purporting to be from Global Distribution should open the white AP Products box and look inside. Products that don’t contain a purple Global Pro Series key or a stamp of the company’s “G” logo inside the well of the handle are encouraged to return the product where they purchased it.
“We have informed the distributors who are affected by this issue and have offered our assistance in getting customers the right product,” said Keith Howard, president of Global Link Distribution and Creative Products Group.
Manning said AP Products regrets any confusion arising from the packaging issue and is committed to working with customers to make things right. He said customers with issues or concerns are encouraged to call the company’s offices in Coldwater, Mich., at 800-417-2477, ext. 1, for customer service. CPG customer service can be contacted at 888-400-3044, ext. 275.
