Somehow I missed the recent acquisition of Starrett tools by an investment group. That no doubt signals the end of Starrett as it has been known in the past.
I have been reading for a few years now that Starrett had been second tier to Mitutoyo for some time. I won't get into a whizzing match about that. I do know that years ago they started offering their Exact line (import economy) in an attempt to keep up with competitors and offer an alternative for those not wanting to dig deep for the USA made stuff. However, to my knowledge they continued to make their top tier line as well.
That was the last I knew perhaps a decade or more ago.
Anyway, the brand will be missed by some, or at least me for starters. I guess it is the natural progression. Others before Starrett went the way of the dodo and things carry on right. Namely Lufkin and Brown and Sharpe for example, two I highly favor.
Anyway, RIP Starrett