Keystone Rolls Out New 30-Foot Laredo Trailer

Keystone RV Co.’s Laredo is targeting a fast growing segment of the RV market as it continues to add half-ton towable, lightweight travel trailers to its product line. According to a press release, the latest installment is Laredo’s new 30-foot 274RB island kitchen travel trailer.

“What we’ve done here at Laredo is roll out some fantastic floorplans with our ‘Life-Size Lightweight’ package,” says Product Manager Adam Smith. “We’ve put together a list of features that are important to our customers — including bigger refrigerators, taller ceilings, residential showers, bigger beds and larger TV’s — and bundled them with what is probably the strongest travel trailer floorplan lineup out there.”

Smith said that Laredo’s three new floorplans cater to customers who need a lightweight option, but something a little nicer and well appointed than the “ultra-light” offerings currently on the market.

“The 274RB is loaded with features, but the floorplan is what will really turn heads.  This floorplan lives large, even though it is only 30-feet in length.” Smith added.

The large master bathroom in the rear of the unit features a 50-inch residential shower, large linen closet and an upgraded porcelain toilet. The kitchen includes a large island with huge sink and pull-down faucet, abundant storage with several drawers and cabinets, and several outlets throughout. The living room boasts a 40-inch LED TV, and the bedroom includes a Laredo staple – the 6-foot 8-inch pillow top mattress.

Keystone General Manager Kyle Kwasny noted, “We intend to make quite a splash at Open House this year. Laredo has some game-changing floorplans on the docket, and I fully expect they’ll continue to fuel Laredo’s growth.

For more information on Laredo’s “Life-Size Lightweight” floorplans, visit www.keystonerv.com/laredo.

Heartland Co-Founder Hoffman Joins Keystone

Lured out of “retirement” by the opportunity to oversee some of the industry’s top-selling brands, RV veteran and former Heartland RV LLC co-founder Tim Hoffman was named as a new general manager at Goshen, Ind.-based Keystone RV Co.

According to a press release, Hoffman takes leadership of Keystone’s Montana, Outback and Fuzion product lines and will spearhead new innovations to ensure these brands remain at the forefront of their respective product categories.

Known for ground-breaking product introductions and close dealer relations, Hoffman brings a depth of experience to the Keystone family, according to Keystone President Matt Zimmerman. “We already had a strong, talented team in place at Keystone,” said Zimmerman. “Attracting Tim makes us even stronger and provides us with a new perspective. With the addition of Tim and other recent leadership changes, our dealers can expect an Open House like never before. I’m excited to show them what we have in store.”

Hoffman noted, “I have followed the industry closely and am excited to see all the growth in the marketplace. What attracted me most to Keystone was the opportunity to join an organization with strong backend support, quality people and the best dealers in the industry. I have a lot of ideas and thoughts on how to continue advancing the No. 1 selling high profile fifth-wheel in the nation, Montana, along with one of the most recognized brands in the industry in Outback and a resurging Fuzion toy hauler.  I am excited to share these with our Keystone dealers.”

KOA Contest Winner Takes Delivery on Trailer

Marcia Maslyn, a Clifton Springs, N.Y., camper, is taking a delayed delivery on her trailer built by Keystone RV Co. after learning last October that she was the grand prize winner  in Kampgrounds of America Inc.’s (KOA) 50th Anniversary Giveaway Contest.

According to a press release, she decided to hold off on taking possession of the $40,000 RV since winter was on its way and the camping season was over in Upstate New York. Maslyn, whose name was drawn from more than 120,000 entries, will take possession of her new Keystone trailer on April 25 at 11 a.m. at the Colton RV Center in North Tonawanda, N.Y.

On hand when Maslyn gets her new RV will be Robert and Rachel Kaiser, owners of the Medina/Wildwood Lake KOA Campground in Medina, N.Y. The Kaisers were the ones who informed Maslyn of her big win last fall.

“It will be fun to see Marcia tour in her new RV for the first time,” said Robert Kaiser. “And we can’t wait to host their first camping trip in their new RV. They are going to have a lot of good times for years to come.”

Entries are currently being taken for the  2013 Great KOA Giveaway that will award a new $40,000 Keystone Cougar RV and a decade of free KOA camping in October. Weekly winners are also being drawn all summer. Enter to win at KOA’s Facebook site, Keystone RV’s Facebook site, or go to www.KOA.com.

Keystone Ups Production On Laredo Towables

Strong first-quarter retail shows coupled with aggressive dealer orders have created growing demand for Keystone RV Co.’s Laredo travel trailers, fifth-wheels and super-light fifth-wheels, according to a news release.

To meet this demand, Keystone is ramping up production at its new Laredo facility while continuing to produce the brand in existing plants. Laredo Product Manager Adam Smith reported the retooled manufacturing facility is gradually getting on stream with full production to begin in the second quarter.

Smith noted the Laredo line has undergone a complete facelift over the past year with all new exteriors, interiors and 13 all-new floorplans.

“We felt it was time to really reposition the product at a place where the growth was happening in our segment,” he said. “Higher-end features along with style in the mid-profile and laminated trailer market is where the market is exploding. People want creature features and Laredo gives it to them.”

Smith said that an emphasis in the Laredo’s remodel was adding room and convenience with “life-sized features across the entire model line.”

Depending on the model, features include industry-leading 60-inch showers, king beds, 42-inch TVs, double-door refrigerators and 7-foot vaulted ceilings. In addition, Laredo has introduced new and innovative models to round out its floorplan offerings, targeting buyers interested in smaller travel trailers with models ranging from 27 feet up to 36 feet and weights as low as 5,300 pounds.

“This is a major reason for our success,” said Smith. “Customers don’t have many choices when looking for a smaller but well equipped travel trailer or fifth-wheel,” Smith said. “Laredo now gives them not just one choice, like most brands, but multiple choices. We are committed to giving our dealer partners and mutual customers something out of the ordinary.”

Sculptor Ending ‘Military Tour’ in Keystone RV

Michael Jernigan is most of the way through his cross-country project to honor the U.S. military with sculptures, operating out of a mobile studio provided by Goshen, Ind.-based Keystone RV Co.

The Elkhart Truth reported that Jernigan spent time in Iraq and Afghanistan, deciding to use his skills to honor 21 members of the U.S. military, an idea that came about after he saw a headline critical of Gen. David Petraeus.

He roughed the sculptures out, and then Keystone leased him an Outback 280 RS, which has a garage in the front in which he mounted a sculpting chair and equipment. They charged a token lease of $10 in 2011, giving him use of the RV through the end of this coming August.

“Mike wrote us a letter back in early 2011 in which he described his passion for sculpting our military individuals and asked if we could help in setting him up with one of our RVs to use as a mobile studio,” said Jim Mac, Keystone spokesman. “We were touched by his  commitment to our veterans and felt we could help.  One of our graphics suppliers, Sharpline contributed the design, materials and installation of the graphics that you see on the trailer.

“In short, we felt we wanted to support our military and this was one way would could do it,” Mac said.

To read the entire article and view accompanying photos click here.

Keystone Leads Elkhart Co. United Way Donors

Goshen, Ind.,-based Keystone RV Co. employees stepped up in support the United Way of Elkhart County last year, exceeding 2011 contributions by 103% and once again earning status as the top contributor in the county. Marking the achievement, United Way of Elkhart County President and CEO Bill Rieth (R) presented a distinguished service award to Keystone President Matt Zimmerman. “Throughout the years Keystone has been a shining light in our community,” stated Rieth. “Not only does the company provide employment to over 3,000 families but through the generous contributions of the employees much good is done.  With Keystone’s help, thousands of individuals in Elkhart County have known a better life.” Zimmerman added, “Year in and year out, our employees lead the way.  We truly feel we can make a difference in our community and we all pitch in to help.  I am very humbled to be part of the incredible Keystone family. ”

KOA, Keystone Teaming Up on ‘RV Giveaway’

Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA) has again teamed with Keystone RV Co. to offer campers a chance to win a $40,000 Keystone Cougar RV plus a decade of free KOA camping.

According to a press release, the 2013 Great KOA Giveaway kicked off today (March 1) and offers campers several ways to enter to win the grand prize, as well as weekly prizes from KOA and fellow sponsors Cabela’s and Weber Grills.

There are several ways to enter the contest, including on both KOA’s and Keystone’s Facebook pages. Campers can also enter via KOA’s website at www.KOA.com or from KOA’s monthly e-newsletter, KOA Kompass. Campers can earn more entries by playing a quick, fun game called Mountain Match. The game can be accessed through both the KOA Facebook page, KOA Kompass and KOA.com.

KOA Value Kard Rewards members will also automatically receive an extra five chances to win for each night they book a stay at a KOA campground between March 1 and Sept. 16.

For more information on the 2013 Great KOA Giveaway, go to www.KOA.com or find KOA Kampgrounds Inc. on Facebook.

Keystone RV Sets Record for Sales in January

Goshen, Ind.-based Keystone RV Co. announced today (Feb. 14) that sales for the month of January set an all-time record in the builder’s 17-year history. According to a press release, sales across all segments — travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers and toy haulers — were strong.

Keystone RV president Matt Zimmerman noted, “Certainly we are extremely pleased with the overall results from January but even more excited to hear what Keystone dealers are telling us about our products in the marketplace. Keystone brands are attracting strong interest, drawing crowds at shows and retailing quickly on dealers’ lots. This is a win for Keystone and our dealers.”

Zimmerman credits Keystone’s product development teams along with its dealer body for the company’s success in January.

“The way we are winning at Keystone is changing, and January’s sales results are evidence of that,” he said. “Each brand has created its own unique identity to help distinguish the brand from the rest of the field. Dealers welcome this approach and have responded with increased orders. Retail customers also have responded with increased interest and purchases.”

Zimmerman said the company is optimistic that 2013 will remain strong, and is closely watching its internal tracking numbers in order to keep production in balance with demand.

“This is as critical as product development,” he noted. “There is a difference between ‘force-feeding’ records and achieving record-setting results naturally. At Keystone, we are committed to getting the whole package right for our dealers, which includes making sure we have adequate supply of the right products while not overbuilding.”

For additional company information, visit www.Keystonerv.com.

Keystone RV Sets Record for Sales in January

Goshen, Ind.-based Keystone RV Co. announced today (Feb. 14) that sales for the month of January set an all-time record in the builder’s 17-year history. According to a press release, sales across all segments — travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers and toy haulers — were strong.

Keystone RV president Matt Zimmerman noted, “Certainly we are extremely pleased with the overall results from January but even more excited to hear what Keystone dealers are telling us about our products in the marketplace. Keystone brands are attracting strong interest, drawing crowds at shows and retailing quickly on dealers’ lots. This is a win for Keystone and our dealers.”

Zimmerman credits Keystone’s product development teams along with its dealer body for the company’s success in January.

“The way we are winning at Keystone is changing, and January’s sales results are evidence of that,” he said. “Each brand has created its own unique identity to help distinguish the brand from the rest of the field. Dealers welcome this approach and have responded with increased orders. Retail customers also have responded with increased interest and purchases.”

Zimmerman said the company is optimistic that 2013 will remain strong, and is closely watching its internal tracking numbers in order to keep production in balance with demand.

“This is as critical as product development,” he noted. “There is a difference between ‘force-feeding’ records and achieving record-setting results naturally. At Keystone, we are committed to getting the whole package right for our dealers, which includes making sure we have adequate supply of the right products while not overbuilding.”

For additional company information, visit www.Keystonerv.com.

Keystone Payroll Manager Wins Disney Package

Sonya Stanage, payroll manager at Goshen, Ind.-based Keystone RV Co., recently won a Walt Disney resort package offered by United Way of Elkhart County. According to a press release, Stanage’s name was selected at random from over 2800 entries.

“My granddaughter and I have been saving extra change in our ‘Disney jar’ for a couple of years,” commented Stanage. “So, when the girls at work told me I won, I was so excited to tell my grandchildren that they will be going to Disney this year.”

The trip will be bittersweet because of a tragedy that struck the family recently. “My plan was to give the trip to my daughter, new son-in-law and the kids,” Stanage said. “However my daughter passed away suddenly a week after winning the trip so grandpa and I will be taking it instead. This trip will be very special and sad at the same time, but we will do our best to make this a dream come true for the kids. They can’t stop talking about having lunch with Buzz Lightyear and Cinderella.”

United Way has been a very important part of Stanage’s life for the past 10 years. Not only does she enjoy donating and getting involved in events, but part of her job at Keystone is to work on the yearly campaigns with all the employees. “The employees at Keystone are continuously supportive and generous each and every year,” says Stanage. “We all pitch in and help; we feel that we can make a difference in our community.”

According to Jessica Koscher, executive vice president of United Way of Elkhart County, Keystone is one of the largest contributors to the organization. The Walt Disney World Resort vacation for four was provided as an incentive by Menno Travel.

 

 

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