Well, although I am not a Kirbylover..........
I appreciate an American company which can last for 100 years.Do I bash? Nope!
I, too, was glad to stand in that factory this past Summer, amid "rumblings" about the anniversary. We were shipped out of there quickly, but because of several reasons, (not going there).
Michael: you are right.
Of course, they're not going to reinvent the wheel. They'll trim some materials here and there, (handle, etc) to make it lighter, sleeker, etc.
Matt: I agree. Nobody "colors' vacs anymore like they used to. Look at MY favorite cleaner.... they had colorists whose job WAS to make all of those wonderful, sometimes crazy colors.Out of respect to all of "ye" and so as to not to "Bogart" this thead, I'm not mentioning my stellar vac name (not even in lower case), but anyone who knows me knows......
How many things can one change? At times, companies will cheapen down the tools bigtime (yes, they have), silver/black, etc are the sleek new 'sexy colors".
I'm happy for all of you who are glad Kirby kept the things you like, and am sorry for you who are disappointed.
Nothing can/will make EVERYONE happy.There ARE those who love Kirby, and, then there are the "others". Guess I'M one of the "others". That's ok, too. I WILL say, "Happy Birthday, Kirby" once again. And, didn't it look like a really SWANKY party?