Another Win For Indiana’s RV Sector
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndiana's RV industry continues to gain steam. Winnebago Towables in Elkhart County has announced plans to expand its operations, creating nearly 150 jobs by 2019. The company says it has invested more than $5 million to buy several facilities in Middlebury. The subsidiary of Iowa-based Winnebago Industries Inc. says the move will help meet growing customer demand. Once fully-staffed, the company says it will employ around 280 in Indiana.
May 5, 2015
News Release
MIDDLEBURY, Ind. – Winnebago Towables announced plans today to expand its operations here, creating up to 150 new jobs by 2019.
The company, which is a subsidiary of Forest City, Iowa-based Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO), invested approximately $5.4 million in April to purchase four facilities in Middlebury that cover 277,330 square feet on its 31-acre campus, which was previously leased. The company plans to grow production at the facilities and also invest nearly $250,000 in equipment over the next few years to meet growing demand for the company’s line of Winnebago towable recreational vehicles (RVs).
“Northern Indiana is the epicenter of the RV industry,” said Governor Mike Pence. “It’s the home of nearly 85 percent of the nation’s RV production and supports thousands of Hoosier jobs. And, because of the state’s affordable business climate and experienced manufacturing workforce, it’s great to see Winnebago choosing to create even more jobs here.”
Winnebago currently employs approximately 2,800 associates nationally. Once fully staffed, Winnebago Towables will employ approximately 280 in Indiana. The company is currently hiring for manufacturing positions. Interested applicants may apply online at http://winnebagoind.com/company/careers.
“We are pleased with the opportunity to grow our manufacturing footprint in Middlebury, Indiana,” said Randy Potts, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Winnebago Industries. “We greatly appreciate the support provided to us by the state of Indiana, Elkhart County and the city of Middlebury and we look forward to continued growth and future success here.”
Founded in 1958, Winnebago is a manufacturer of recreational vehicles. Winnebago acquired SunnyBrook Manufacturing in Middlebury in 2010, marking the company’s re-entry into producing towable RVs for the first time since 1983. Primarily serving the leisure travel and outdoor recreation markets, Winnebago is a leading U.S. RV manufacturer with additional motorhome and component manufacturing facilities in Forest City, Charles City and Lake Mills, Iowa, along with a soon-to-be-opened facility in Waverly, Iowa.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Winnebago of Indiana, LLC up to $1,925,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $75,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Middlebury will consider additional incentives at the request of the Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County.
“We would like to thank Winnebago for its continued investment and job creation in the town of Middlebury and Elkhart County,” said Gary O'Dell, president of the Middlebury Town Council. “Elkhart County’s current assets, transportation options and proximity to Interstate 80/90 all were factors contributing to the company’s decision to invest.”
About Winnebago
Winnebago Industries, Inc., “The Most Recognized Name in Motorhomes”, is a leading U.S. manufacturer of recreation vehicles, which are used primarily in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The Company builds quality motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheel products, and transit buses. Winnebago Industries has received the Quality Circle Award from the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association every year since 1996. The Company's common stock is listed on the New York and Chicago Stock Exchanges and traded under the symbol WGO. Options for the Company's common stock are traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange. For access to Winnebago Industries' investor relations material or to add your name to an automatic email list for company news releases, visit http://investor.wgo.net.
About IEDC
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) leads the state of Indiana’s economic development efforts, focusing on helping companies grow in and locate to the state. Governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Mike Pence, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, public infrastructure assistance and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.
Source: Indiana Economic Development Corporation