There have been examples I have seen built as early as 2000-2001 from Corona with most being prototypes and such so they were at least putting them together or learning to at that time. I am sure Hans will have lots more info in Volume 2 which I can't wait for it to come out!
TX
Yeah it's looking like Fender had already planned to move electric production out of Westerly, maybe even prior to deciding to shut it down entirely.
Another clue might be that '01 "Fender Frontline" catalog I've mentioned recently:
There's a whole lot more finish colors shown in it than the '01 price list, and I suspect it was put together after the price list, and might reflect an expanded range available in Corona.
Nary a mention of
where the guitars were made, electric or acoustic.
For any newcomers, I can guarantee that Westerly, (having officially shuttered in August, "IIRC") was still shipping out the last of their inventory as late as November of '01.
It's when my F65ce was shipped.