Gibson Denies Wrongdoing Over Guitar Wood Imports.

After federal agents raided Gibson's manufacturing facilities in Nashville and Memphis, the guitar maker's Chief Executive has vowed to fight any possible investigation. The Federal Department of Justice in Washington DC is accusing Gibson of finishing off wood imported from India in the US, something which it believes is illegal.

If the same wood from the same tree was finished by Indian workers, then the material would be legal according to the Justice Department's interpretation of a law in India.

 “Gibson has complied with foreign laws and believes it is innocent of any wrong doing," Chief Executive Officer Henry Juszkiewicz said in a statement. "We will fight aggressively to prove our innocence. This action was taken without the support and consent of the government in India.

“Agents seized wood that was Forest Stewardship Council controlled. Gibson has a long history of supporting sustainable and responsible sources of wood and has worked diligently with entities such as the Rainforest Alliance and Greenpeace to secure FSC-certified supplies. The wood seized on 24 August satisfied FSC standards,” Juszkiewicz added.

For the second time in two years, Gibson's facilities have been raided. In 2009, guitars and planks of ebony wood imported from Madagascar were confiscated from its Nashville location. Even though the government is still in possession of Gibson's property, no criminal charges have been filed.

Source : manufacturingdigital.com