Walworth: Banks Need to Boost Flooring Loans

Lenders have created a severe slowdown in the supply and demand pipeline by curtailing floorplan financing to RV dealers despite lower inventory levels, according to Tom Walworth, president of Statistical Surveys Inc. “They can’t get financing to replace the product they sell,” said Walworth, whose Grand Rapids, Mich.-based firm tracks national retail registrations. “Last year, lenders tightened up flooring in an effort to shrink inventory – which was necessary because there was a surplus.... Read more

Indiana RV Supplier Tapping Into New Markets

Five years ago, when it started looking for new markets, Structural Composites of Indiana Inc. didn’t know the RV industry was going to tank the way it has over the past year. But, as reported by the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, in coming weeks it will begin testing a new product that might enable the Ligonier company to do something most others in the RV sector can only dream about: grow its business and hire new employees. Structural Composites and the Dakota, Missouri Valley and Western Railroad... Read more

Texas Dealer Victimized by Series of Break-ins

The run on flat-screen TVs didn’t end with the holidays, as a recreational vehicle dealer in Denton, Texas, is discovering. NBC 5-TV, Dallas, reported that dozens of trailers at Fun Time RV have been burglarized during three incidents since January. Thieves have targeted flat-screen televisions, DVD players and stereo systems that are standard in most of today’s RVs. Police said between 50 and 60 flat-screen TVs have been ripped right off their mounts. Some of the vehicles at Fun Time RV’s... Read more

Economy May Force Norcold to Extend Layoffs

Refrigeration supplier Norcold Inc. laid off a total of about 144 employees between September and December 2008 at its Sidney, Ohio, facility before recalling more than 60 of those employees, the company has told Ohio government. But, according to a report in the Dayton Daily News, the weak economy may force the company to extend the layoff for some workers. Norcold is a subsidiary of Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Thetford Corp. “In the last week, it has come to Norcold’s attention that the... Read more

Duo Form Plastics Expands With Asset Purchase

Duo Form Plastics recently completed the consolidation of assets acquired from defunct Elkhart, Ind.-based GS Plastics Inc. into its operations in Edwardsburg, Mich. According to a press release, GS Plastics operated out of two locations in Elkhart until they ceased operations last December. Duo Form completed the asset purchase on Jan. 12. Duo Form is a producer of 100% recyclable bath and exterior products for the recreational vehicle Industry. Dick McBride, president of Duo Form, cited an aggressive... Read more

Indianapolis Show Expecting 180,000 Visitors

Early reports from the 55th Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show were that attendance would likely be in the 180,000 range for the event’s 10-day run that ends Sunday (March 1). “We look like we are on track, or at least even, with last year,” said Mark Kaley, co-owner of promoter Renfro Productions Inc., Anderson, Ind., after the show’s opening weekend at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. “We had a great opening day.” The show, with more than 500 boats, towable... Read more

National Certification Week Slated for March

Testing will be available to RV employees during National RV Professional Certification Week slated for March 9-13. The RV Learning Center conducted a series of web seminars over the past few weeks to review resources that help certification candidates prepare for testing. Recordings of the RV Technician Training Online and Technician Certification Preparation programs, along with Warranty Administrator Certification program and the Service Writer/Advisor Certification program web seminars are available... Read more

Utah Retailers Turning Deals at Local RV Show

Despite continuing bad economic news Utah RV dealers said sales were on a par with last year during the 44th Annual Utah RV Show, according to a report in the Salt Lake Tribune reported that Brett Parris, president of Salt Lake City-based Motor Sportsland, represented one of 16 RV dealers statewide that showcased recreational vehicles during the weekend at the South Towne Expo Center. He is “shocked” about how well his dealership is doing because “all you hear is about all the doom... Read more

Fleetwood Forced to Cut Hours at Decatur Plant

Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. is cutting employees’ hours at its Decatur, Ind., facility, as reported by WPTA-TV, Fort Wayne. “The RV industry I think is being hurt more than other industries because we are so reliant on consumer confidence,” said Kathy Munson, director of investor relations for the Riverside, Calif.-based builder. In December, Fleetwood officials laid off more than 250 employees citing a decrease in demand. Now, Munson says Fleetwood is forced to cut hours for the remaining employees. “Fleetwood’s... Read more

Navistar Names Tarrant as CEO for Workhorse

Navistar International Corp. has named longtime Navistar and Ford executive David Tarrant as CEO for its Workhorse Custom Chassis LLC subsidiary, replacing Dave Olsen. According to a press release, Tarrant will retain his present duties as vice president and general manager for light duty vehicles and joint ventures for Navistar. Union City, Ind.-based Workhorse manufactures chassis for walk-in trucks and motorhomes. Tarrant brings a 37-year career in the commercial truck business, including a five-year... Read more

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