I was just reading the discussion about this factory closing on the Model Railroading board of Trainorders.com. There is a VERY interesting post from a Jason, of "Rapido Trains", some of his statements are quoted here: "......KK has decided to close Affatech.", and "KK is at retirement age, and his children don't want to take over the business." .
Assuming this is true, about "KK" retiring (whom ever 'KK' is), I wonder why this came as such a surprise to Atlas, Bowser, etc.? Surely there have been discussions about his retirement and closing Affatech previously.