The issue with Optimas started about 3 1/2 years ago. Before that they were fine. I was talking with an Odyessy rep today (trying to get them to sponsor my bike), he mentioned another new thing about Optimas. They used to advertise they had 100% pure lead, now it is high quality/high grade or something like that. High grade or quality is not the same as pure. So they got lighter a few years ago, now they are using lower quality materials, and still selling like hotcakes, LOL. Talk about cashing in.
As for going offshore. Not 100% sure, I think it is Mexico they went too, which in a lot of cases is equal to or worse than off shore. Mexico is a favorite country for Johnson Controls, owner of Optima. They also own Delphi and Interstate. Just bought Delphi last year, and they have already closed all of Delphi's American plants. Delphi was killing Interstate before that. Now Delphi is being made strictly in Taiwan. Really freaking sad.