Hummingbird feeders from Aspects are designed and manufactured in the United States using high quality materials. Aspects takes pride in making feeders that are not only functional for feeding hummingbirds, but are also visually appealing to enhance your outdoor living space.
Aspects Company Background
Aspects is a company based in Wisconsin that specializes in making bird feeding and bird watching products. The company was founded in the 1960s by a avid bird lover named Jim Meyer. At first, Jim made bird feeders as a hobby and sold them locally. However, the demand grew quickly by word of mouth, and soon Jim was able to turn his passion into a full-time business.
By the 1970s, Aspects had become an established company selling bird feeders across the United States. As interest in backyard birding continued to grow, Aspects expanded its product line to include feeders for specific birds like hummingbirds and finches. They also began exporting their feeders to Canada and Europe.
Today, Aspects employs over 100 people and operates a 70,000 square foot production facility in Wisconsin. They use state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques but still hand-assemble their feeders. This allows them to rigorously control quality and craftsmanship.
Aspects Hummingbird Feeders
Aspects makes six different styles of hummingbird feeders to match both functional needs and aesthetic tastes:
- Glass bottle feeders
- Plastic bottle feeders
- Hanging saucer feeders
- Window mounted feeders
- Flower shaped feeders
- Glass disk feeders
The company uses thick, durable glass and UV-stabilized plastics that can stand up to years of exposure to sunlight and the elements. The metal components are made from steel, die-cast zinc, or powder-coated aluminum depending on the style.
Some distinctive features of Aspects hummingbird feeders include:
- Leak-proof seal with rubber gasket
- Built-in ant moats
- Perches made from durable plastic or steel
- Wide mouth openings for easy filling and cleaning
- Bright colored plastic or glass to attract hummingbirds
Manufacturing Process
Every Aspects hummingbird feeder is manufactured at their facility in Wisconsin. Here are some details on their production process:
- Raw materials – Glass, plastic, rubber, and metal components are sourced from US suppliers based on Aspects’ specifications.
- Plastic molding – Plastic parts are injection molded onsite to create pieces like bases, perches, and ant moats.
- Quality control – Materials and molded parts are rigorously inspected to catch any defects.
- Metal stamping – Sheet steel is cut and shaped into parts like hooks, rods, and feeder ports.
- Finishing – Metal parts are polished, etched, or powder coated while plastic parts are given a UV protective coating.
- Drilling – Precise holes are drilled into plastic and metal parts to allow for assembly.
- Final assembly – Workers piece together all parts by hand using adhesives, gaskets, and mechanical fasteners.
- Leak testing – Every hummingbird feeder is inspected for leaks before packaging.
- Packaging – Feeders are boxed with included hardware, instructions, and hanger.
In addition to utilizing automation for some steps like plastic molding, Aspects relies heavily on skilled workers for assembly. This allows them to meticulously construct each feeder and double check quality at multiple points in the process.
Reasons for US-Based Manufacturing
There are several key factors that explain why Aspects chooses to develop and produce their hummingbird feeders domestically rather than outsourcing production overseas:
Quality Control
By keeping manufacturing in the United States, Aspects has greater oversight and ability to maintain rigorous quality control standards. They can closely monitor all materials and processes to ensure their feeders are constructed with precision.
Craftsmanship
Aspects considers their feeders to be works of craftsmanship built to last. The detailed hand assembly steps require a skilled workforce, which the company has built over decades in Wisconsin.
Customer Support
Having US manufacturing enables better customer service and support. Aspects can quickly handle any warranty issues or replacement parts for customers.
Speed
Domestic manufacturing allows for faster turnaround times and shipping. Aspects can get new product designs to market quicker. Their distributors also get orders faster since the feeders aren’t waiting on ocean shipments.
Brand Reputation
As an all-American company, Aspects has built their brand reputation around quality craftsmanship. Manufacturing in the US aligns with their image and helps justify their premium prices.
Aspects Commitment to Domestic Manufacturing
While many companies have moved production overseas, Aspects remains dedicated to US-based manufacturing. They’ve made significant investments to expand their Wisconsin facility over the years and continue hiring more local workers.
Aspects recognizes that domestic manufacturing often comes at a higher cost. However, they believe the benefits of quality, speed, and craftsmanship outweigh those costs. Aspects caters to bird lovers who appreciate well-made products and understand the value of paying more for them.
The company also takes pride in positively impacting the local economy by providing manufacturing jobs. Aspects hopes to maintain a healthy US operation for decades to come.
Comparison to Other Bird Feeder Brands
To understand Aspects’ manufacturing commitment further, it helps to contrast them against competing bird feeder companies:
| Brand | Country of Manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Aspects | USA |
| Droll Yankees | China |
| Perky Pet | China & Taiwan |
| Woodlink | USA |
| Stokes Select | China |
| First Nature | China |
Among major competitors, only Woodlink maintains manufacturing exclusively in the US like Aspects. Most other popular brands have moved production overseas, especially to China and Taiwan where labor costs are cheaper.
Aspects competes on quality rather than low cost. Their US-based production supports superior materials, craftsmanship, and quality control. This resonates with birding enthusiasts who want well-constructed, durable feeders even at premium prices.
Conclusion
In summary, Aspects is committed to designing and manufacturing their hummingbird feeders entirely in the United States. Their Wisconsin facility allows for close oversight of materials and processes to achieve top-notch quality and craftsmanship. Aspects values domestic manufacturing for benefits like quality control, customer support, quick turnaround, brand reputation, and contribution to the local economy.
While most competitors have outsourced to Asian countries for cheaper production costs, Aspects caters to discerning bird lovers who appreciate the quality difference of feeders made in America. For those wanting the best-built, longest lasting hummingbird feeders, Aspects proudly stands behind their products with US manufacturing and craftsmanship.
