Goldshield Fiberglass Expands List of Clients

Some business strategies are simple: If you want to increase sales, you need to sell more to existing customers, add new customers to the mix – or both.

But, according to a report in the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Journal Gazette, some strategies are easier said than done.

Five years ago, Goldshield Fiberglass was cranking out exterior shells for recreational vehicles as a division of Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. Then the bottom dropped out of the economy. Fleetwood, which filed for bankruptcy protection in 2009, was in no position to order more fiberglass.

A private equity group saw potential in the Fleetwood brand and its fiberglass operation but decided each business needed to stand on its own. With that move, Goldshield was freed to woo new clients.

Now, Decatur, Ind.-based Fleetwood RV Inc. is Goldshield’s sister company – and customer. And Goldshield is flourishing. The Decatur factory has doubled its workforce in the past three years as sales have grown by 80 percent.

Jeff Newport, Goldshield’s general manager, forecasts growth of 15% a year each of the next three years. The company doesn’t release revenue figures.

“We were two very different businesses,” he said of Goldshield and Fleetwood. “By separating ourselves from Fleetwood, we’re hoping to open ourselves to other RV markets.”

But the manufacturer isn’t limiting itself to supplying the RV industry. Goldshield has established relationships with the large truck makers, including Navistar International Corp., and bus manufacturers. And the company has branched into some less obvious directions.

Fiberglass is used to make the tubes patients slide into when they have an MRI test. The sturdy substance is used to create the pools that aquaculture farms raise fish in and the fast-moving cars on theme-park rides. Fiberglass is also molded into the underwater apparatus that shoots water upward in decorative fountains.

Goldshield now sells to all four industries.

To read the entire article click here.

 

 

Fleetwood RV Adding 2 Excursion Floorplans

Motorhome builder Fleetwood RV Inc. announced the addition of two new floorplans for its compact Class A diesel pusher, the Excursion.

According to a press release, both floorplans boast contemporary layouts featuring “the latest in décor and design,” including a mid-coach Whirlpool 18-cubic-foot residential refrigerator and wrap-around kitchen.

“We listened to our customers in creating these two new floorplans for our compact Excursion diesel,” said John Draheim, president and CEO of Decatur, Ind.-based Fleetwood RV. “The blending of kitchen function and design in the new 2013 Excursion models give buyers more options for maximizing space and storage.”

With extra-large windows, the 35B and 35C Excursion models feature a spacious galley design with polished Volcanic Series solid-surface countertops, vertical pull-out pantry and a spacious cooking area.

Showcasing contemporary interior décor throughout, both models also include 170 cubic feet of interior storage. The company’s innovative Hide-A-Loft option, with a 650-pound weight capacity, gives customers more sleeping capacity without sacrificing additional floorplan space.

The open floorplan design of the 35B Excursion makes it great for entertaining with a hide-away dinette table and chairs plus a free-standing euro-recliner to expand seating. Other features include a breakfast bar with two swivel chairs and an additional bedroom slideout for increased wardrobe storage.

The 35C Excursion offers a conventional extending dinette with deep credenza that doubles as a convenient computer workspace. An extended oversized flip-up countertop also increases counter space. The 35C bedroom features an additional bedroom slideout for maximum storage and a sofa bed is also included for increased sleeping capacity.

Fleetwood RV’s Excursion is built on the Powerbridge chassis contruction utilizing the Freightliner XCS Series Chassis and equipped with a 300HP Cummins ISB 6.7L engine with exhaust brake.

For more information on all Fleetwood RV products, call 1-800-322-8216 or visit www.fleetwoodrv.com.

 

Fleetwood Owners Converge on Elkhart County

Despite the oppressive heat, Fleetwood RV Inc.’s national “Back Home in Indiana” rally got off to a good start last night (June 28) with a large assemblage of 335 coaches at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds in Goshen, Ind. This is the Decatur, Ind.-based company’s fourth national rally and is actually the second largest since Fleetwood, established in 2009 when American Industrial Partners Capital Fund IV LP of New York acquired the Decatur operations of Fleetwood Enterprises Inc., set up shop some 70 miles southeast of Goshen. Along with displays of 2013 product lines, Fleetwood’s owners are being treated to a busy schedule of supplier seminars and family-oriented activities and entertainment, according to Director of Marketing Steve Hileman. “It’s going very well,” said Hileman, seated Friday in a new longer 35-foot version of the compact Excursion Class A that debuted at last winter’s Louisville Show. “In addition to those 335 owner coaches, we’ve got more than 40 display units on hand. We’re close enough to our plant in Decatur that we’re doing daily buses back to the plant for plant tours, and they’re sold out. It’s incredibly popular. We’ve got a waiting list 50-people long just to get on the bus every day. It’s been a breath of fresh air, honestly, to have this sort of a homecoming rally, bringing everybody to Indiana and getting them here to see the plant. It’s close enough that we can show them a lot of new product. And there’s no one more appreciative of that than our Fleetwood owners.”

 

Fleetwood to Show ’13 Models at National Rally

Motorhome builder Fleetwood RV Inc. will hold its “Back Home in Indiana” national rally at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds in Goshen, Ind., set to run June 27 through July 1.

According to a press release, the event will feature the official public debut of the Decatur, Ind.-based company’s 2013 product lineups, including the unveiling of two new floorplans for the Excursion brand, its Class A compact diesel pusher.

Activity highlights during the rally include:

• June 27 – Golf tournament.

• June 28 – Ladies tea with a local speaker and family game night.

• June 29 – Ice cream social and family movie night or karaoke.

• June 30 – Patriotic parade and picnic, and evening entertainment following dinner.

All Fleetwood motorhome owners, regardless of brand, are welcome to attend the event, which will include access to factory service support, informative seminars by key industry suppliers, kids activities and a variety of family-friendly entertainment.

For more information, including the complete activities schedule and how to register, visit http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/mhevent/.

Fleetwood Adds Transwest to Dealer Network

Motorhome builder Fleetwood RV Inc. announced it has added Frederick, Colo.-based Transwest RV to its dealer network.

According to a press release, Transwest RV will be carrying the Expedition and the recently launched 2013 Excursion Class A motorhomes, and will also be an authorized Fleetwood RV service center.

“We were very pleased when Transwest decided they were interested in additional product lines,” said John Draheim, president and CEO for Decatur, Ind.-based Fleetwood RV. “They have an amazing facility and a strong history of serving their customers. We are proud to have them represent both Fleetwood and American Coach products, particularly the new Excursion.”

“Fleetwood RV is offering an innovative set of products that we’re excited to have on our lot,” said Andrew Lyons, general manager of Transwest RV. “And, the fact that they go the extra mile for their customers with programs like their Military Savings Program, means Fleetwood RV is the perfect partner to help grow our motorhome business.”

Located on I-25 just north of Denver, Transwest also sells and services light-, medium-, and heavy-duty trucks, specialty vehicles, horse trailers and over-the-road trailers. Transwest RV has earned an A+ rating from the Northern Colorado Better Business Bureau based on its superior customer satisfaction ratings.

For more information on all Fleetwood RV products, call 1-800-322-8216 or visit www.fleetwoodrv.com.

 

American Coach has Hired Interior Designer Cox

American Coach, the luxury coach division of Fleetwood RV Inc., announced the addition of interior designer Mindy Cox. According to a press release, Cox will join current interior designer Carolyn Light as the latest addition to the American Coach team.

Cox’s experience encompasses more than 18 years in luxury motorhome design. Most recently, she spent 10-plus years leading interior design efforts for Monaco Coach Corp. Fleetwood said her responsibilities include “bringing creative and luxurious design elements to American Coach that will be consistent with the brand and make it the luxury motorhome of choice for consumers.”

“With our renewed focus on innovative design at the core of our business, Mindy will bring a fresh new style to the American Coach product lineup,” said Kyle McCrary, vice president of American Coach. “She’s highly respected in the industry and we’re very fortunate to have her contributing her talents to the American Coach brand.”

For more information about American Coach and its line of luxury coaches, call 1-800-854-1344 or visit www.americancoach.com. Fleetwood RV is based in Decatur, Ind.

 

Fleetwood RV Enhances Website for Customers

Decatur, Ind.-based motorhome builder Fleetwood RV Inc. has launched an enhanced version of its website to “deliver a seamless, efficient online experience to its valued customers,” according to a press release.

The new site, www.fleetwoodrv.com, contains an expansion of Fleetwood’s “Owner Center” to include additional product resources and service features that provide easy access to the company’s wide array of product information, parts and factory service centers. The “Owner Center” has also been updated to include functionality for owner manuals which can be downloaded for free. Pull-down menus for each product category enable customers to target the year models they are seeking.

In addition, the site offers a parts and service link allowing direct access to the factory service center where customers can request an appointment or an estimate. A rally service request feature provides access to emergency service for Fleetwood RV customers that attend major national rallies or owner club events. Owners also have access to the events feature where they can register online for the Fleetwood RV National Homecoming Rally in Goshen, Ind., held June 27–July 1.

The enhanced site includes a change of ownership form which allows customers the opportunity to update their contact information due to used purchase or transfer of ownership.

“These new enhancements to the Fleetwood RV website are designed to make our customers’ lives easier,” said John Draheim, Fleetwood RV president and CEO. “We want to provide our owners with the information and resources they need to make their Fleetwood RV ownership a great experience. Our new features and navigation tools will make visiting our website an enjoyable experience and provide customer confidence in knowing they made an excellent choice in purchasing the Fleetwood RV brand.”

For more information about Fleetwood RV products, call 1-800-322-8216 or visit www.fleetwoodrv.com.

 

Rachael Ray Special Spotlights American Coach

A 2012 American Revolution motorhome from Fleetwood RV Inc.’s American Coach division was recently featured by renown celebrity cook and television personality Rachael Ray during their Million Pound Makeover episode, according to a press release.

When Oklahoma City was named one of the fattest places in America, mayor Nick Cornett responded by challenging citizens to lose 1 million pounds. The Rachael Ray Show sent its style contributor Kyan Douglas and its Million Pound Makeover motor coach to Oklahoma City to greet these participants and reward them for their inspiring weight loss with a trip to New York City for a head-to-toe makeover.

“We were pleased to participate with Go RVing and the Rachael Ray Show,” stated Kyle McCrary, vice president of Decatur, Ind.-based American Coach. “And we’d also like to offer our sincere congratulations to the participants in Oklahoma City on their incredible accomplishment. They are an inspiration.”

For more information about American Coach and its line of luxury coaches, call 1-800-854-1344 or visit www.americancoach.com.

 

Fleetwood Holds Excursion Preview at Va. Show

Fleetwood RV Inc., in partnership with McGeorge Rolling Hills RV, kicked off the recent 2012 Richmond Camping RV Expo in Virginia with a private reception and showing of the all new 2013 Fleetwood Excursion.

According to a press release, the sneak preview of the new 2013 Excursion included cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a large display of other Fleetwood RV motorhomes.

“We do this show each year, but revealing the Excursion at the preview event really made it incredible,” said Ed McNamara, general manager of McGeorge Rolling Hills RV. “This coach breaks the mold when it comes to diesel pushers and it gives buyers that could only afford a used diesel a chance to step into a new one.”

“We’re extremely happy with the consumer response in support of the new Excursion,” said John Draheim, president and CEO of Decatur, Ind.-based Fleetwood RV. “This positive feedback and the dedication and enthusiasm shown by dealers like McGeorge RV reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative new products.”

At just 33 feet long, the Excursion features a 40-inch Sony LCD HDTV that lowers down from an overhead cabinet along with Fleetwood’s exclusive Hide-A-Loft drop-down bed, which adds a second queen bed, and an optional washer and dryer

For more information visit www.fleetwoodrv.com.

 

Fleetwood’s American Coach Names McCrary VP

American Coach, the luxury coach division of Fleetwood RV Inc., today announced Kyle McCrary will join the company as vice president. McCrary will report directly to John Draheim, president and CEO for the Decatur, Ind.-based motorhome builder.

According to a press release, McCrary has more than 27 years of RV industry experience. He spent nearly 15 years at Bluebird and was later a sales manager for American Coach. Most recently, he was the director of luxury motorized product and product design at Newmar Corp.

“I am delighted to welcome Kyle back to the American Coach family,” Draheim said. “This is an exciting time for American Coach – Kyle’s extensive knowledge in the luxury coach market, combined with his well-respected reputation among both dealers and consumers will be an invaluable asset to American Coach. I am confident we will see great things from Kyle and his team for many years to come.”

“American Coach has some of the most recognized brands in the luxury motor home business and it’s an honor to be able to lead the brand,” McCrary said. “The dedication American Coach has shown to its customers sets the bar in the motor home market and I look forward to being a part of such a strong brand.”

The American Coach lineup includes the American Revolution, American Tradition, American Eagle and American Heritage Class A motorhome brands. For more information about American Coach, call 1-800-854-1344 or visit www.americancoach.com.

 

 

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