MCD Innovations Marks Ninth Year This Month

McKinney, Texas-based RV shade supplier  MCD Innovations is marking its ninth anniversary this month.

According to a press release, the company began operations as MotorCoach Designs, a family owned business, in May 2003 in a 7,500-square-foot space with a total of six employees. Initially, the company specialized in producing private-label exterior sun screens for various RV manufacturers as well as the aftermarket.

Today, MCD is recognized as the developer, manufacturer and supplier of the popular MCD American Duo Day/Night Roller Shade System, which provides excellent solar protection and privacy, while still allowing stellar outward visibility. American Duo Shades are now installed as original equipment at the factory on numerous RV brands including Winnebago, Itasca, Monaco, Newmar, Fleetwood, New Horizons, Excel, Born Free, Coach House, Foretravel, Renegade/Kibbi, NuWa, Forest River/Coachmen, Thor, Featherlite/Amadas, DRV/Doubletree, Dynamax and Phoenix.

 

MCD Innovations Plans to Open Elkhart Facility

McKinney, Texas-based supplier MCD Innovations announced plans today (April 23) to open a regional sales office and warehouse facility in Elkhart, Ind.

“With the phenomenal growth MCD is experiencing in the RV roller shade market, it is time to locate a facility closer to where most of the RVs are manufactured,” said Senior RV Market Manager Travis Townsley in a press release. “This will allow the company to respond quickly to the needs of the OEMs and assist with the introduction and development of even more innovative product lines.”

MCD is currently conducting interviews for a regional manager to head up this new facility. The company said it is looking for a candidate with a minimum of five years of experience in the RV industry with a focus on OEM sales and customer support.

“The new Elkhart location will further enhance our position in the heart of the RV manufacturing industry and enable the company to provide immediate support to the OEM community in meeting their window shade requirements,” said Townsley.

 

MCD Swayshade Now Available for Aftermarket

McKinney, Texas-based MCD Innovations announced the introduction of the MCD SwayShade for aftermarket installations.

According to a press release, the patent-pending design provides complete coverage of cockpit windows that are considerably wider at the bottom than at the top due to the more aerodynamic shape many coach manufacturers are producing.

The MCD SwayShade is able to not only travel down, but also sideways at the same time providing coverage needed for the lower forward corner of the window on these sleek designed motorhomes.

The shade is produced in multiple configurations and sizes to provide the exact amount of “forward movement” needed for a particular coach model so as to completely cover the window providing full privacy and sun protection. The “forward movement” can run from 1 inch to 9 inches, depending upon the particular configuration.

MCD began offering the SwayShade to several OEM manufacturers including Winnebago, Newmar, and Monaco for certain 2011 models. Since then, more OEMs have begun offering the MCD SwayShade as a standard feature on an increasing number of models.

The SwayShade will be available to the aftermarket as of May 1 in a number of standardized sizes to fit most applications in both manually-operated and powered day/night shade versions.

For more information click here.

 

DRV Using MCD’s Duo Shade System on Fivers

McKinney, Texas-based MCD Innovations announced that DRV Luxury Suites is now installing the MCD American Duo Shade System in their Elite Suite and Mobile Suite luxury fifth-wheel lines.

According to a press release, the MCD Day/Night Roller shade system complements DRV’s philosophy of “finding out what the consumers want and exceeding their expectations.” The shade systems offer excellent outward visibility during the day, along with UV and heat protection. The night shades provide 100% light-blocking capabilities.

“We are delighted to be working with a company that is dedicated to manufacturing a quality product with a first-rate fit and finish, and an elegant touch,” said Travis Townsley, senior RV market manager for MCD. “MCD has become the industry leader in roller shade systems and is dedicated to maintaining this leadership by using the latest technology to manufacture the best shade systems available anywhere, all produced in the U.S.”

 

 

Coachmen Selects Duo Shade on Two Class A’s

Coachmen RV, a division of Forest River Inc., recently selected the American Duo Shade system from MCD Innovations for two of the company’s Class A motorhomes: Sportscoach Pathfinder and Sportscoach Cross Country.

“I am happy that Coachmen has made the commitment to add MCD shades to these coaches,” said MCD Senior RV Market Manager Travis Townsley. “Their customers will be very happy with the modern look and functionality of the shade system.”

Townsley said the shade system employs a simple “Touch-n-Release” motion to raise each shade. Motorhome owners will also benefit from the solar and UV protection the day shades offer as well as the 100% light-blocking capabilities of the night shades.

He added, “At MCD, we are committed to the ‘Made in USA’ philosophy and are proud to be working with a company that has had such a long-standing commitment to providing quality products to the RV consumer.”

 

MCD Expands, Doubling Manufacturing Capacity

In July, 2010, MCD Innovations moved its corporate and manufacturing headquarters to a new 9.6-acre campus in McKinney, Texas. Now, according to a news release, the RV shade supplier is expanding again to keep pace with demand.

The company reported that the first stage of the planned expansion was recently completed, doubling the production capacity for MCD shades.

“When the current expansion is completed, we will be in position to be one of the largest, if not the largest, roller shade manufacturers in the entire world,” said Travis Townsley, senior RV market manager, noting that MCD has been selected for inclusion as Original Equipment (OEM) in over 24 major brands of RVs. “We will be positioned to continue to meet the ever increasing demand from OEMs, dealers and individuals, as well as new markets.”

With this first expansion stage, MCD increased its in-house machine shop area and added several new state-of-the-art pieces of equipment including a 4th-axis CNC milling machine. MCD said it also enhanced its 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week automated testing stations, which “utilize computers and PLC controls to ensure that the highest level of performance possible is built into every motorized shade produced by MCD.”

Further, the company enlarged the fabrication department and added several new pieces of equipment and applicable personnel to accommodate the increased demand for the installation of products at their headquarters in McKinney.

“I am a firm believer in the ingenuity of American workers and the ability of American companies to compete with oversees manufacturing companies,” said MCD Innovations CEO Dave Townsley. “At MCD, we are committed to the ‘Made in USA’ philosophy. Our research and innovation team is continually developing new products and even better manufacturing processes for our MCD Shades. I believe in continuing to raise the bar and am constantly challenging our dedicated employees. This ensures that MCD produces the very best products possible every day. This new expansion will allow our team to design, prototype and build more and more exciting, new shade systems right here in McKinney, Texas, USA.”

 

 

 

 

MCD Shade System Featured in ‘RV Magazine’

MCD Innovations’ American Duo Day/Night shades are featured in the Fall 2011 issue of RV Magazine, representing the fifth publication this year to spotlight MCD and its popular shade systems.

According to a press releases, the RV Magazine article features a six-page spread, “Made in the Shade,” which provides a detailed description of the installation of American Duo Shades in an entire coach, including photos of each step.

The article also highlights the insulating effectiveness of the proprietary solar screen material that MCD manufactures in the U.S.

“We think of it as transparent insulation because it holds hot or cold air back as well as radiant sunlight energy,” said the author, Mark Quasius. “They (MCD Solar Screens) are easy to see out of, control heat transfer and reduce UV-ray penetration. It is not uncommon to find a 10- to 40-degree difference between the temperatures on the sunny side of the screen and the inside of the screen.”

In addition to RV Magazine, MCD shade systems have been featured in Motorhome Magazine, Trailblazer Magazine, the Made in McKinney segment on regional cable TV stations, the McKinney Vision magazine, and will be featured in an upcoming Family Motor Coaching magazine feature article.

The McKinney, Texas-based company supplies a wide range of innovative products to numerous RV OEMs as well as an ever-growing number of dealers and RV owners throughout the U.S. and Canada. MCD also supplies an array of energy-saving and merchandising shade products to the residential and commercial markets.

For more information regarding the benefits and features of the MCD American Duo Shade technology, how to place an order, or how to become an MCD Dealer, contact MCD Innovations at 800-804-1757, visit www.mcdinnovations.com or email info@mcdinnovations.com.

 

MCD’s Mitchell Promoted to OEM Liaison Slot

McKinney, Texas-based MCD Innovations, a supplier of roller shades for the RV industry, announced the promotion of Tremaine Mitchell to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) liaison.

According to a press release, Mitchell has extensive experience with the company from manufacturing to supervision of the production floor and the factory installation team. He has also served as the lead trainer for the MCD Authorized Dealer Training Classes for the last year.

Mitchell started with MCD in 2007 on the production floor working with a special windshield design for Country Coach Inc. motor coaches and began his quick advancement within MCD. Over the past 4-plus years, he has been involved in every aspect of shade production. As a production supervisor, he trained and managed production personnel and was involved in troubleshooting, improving and implementing continued advances in manufacturing processes and techniques.

In his new role as OEM liaison, Mitchell will work with MCD’s growing number of RV manufacturer accounts doing production audits to ensure the best possible application and installation of MCD shade products. During his plant visits, he will provide continuing on-site training, suggestions, and assistance to OEM production staff and engineering groups.

 

MCD Innovations Announces Key Staff Moves

MCD Innovations, manufacturer of the American Duo Shade System, has announced a key promotion and the hiring of strategic personnel.

According to a news release from the McKinney, Texas-based company:

Travis Townsley has been promoted to the position of senior RV market manager. His overall responsibilities will include working with RV OEMs, guiding the MCD Dealer Development Program and coordinating the company’s presence at RV rallies and shows across the country.

Townsley has been involved in product development and engineering for MCD since 2003 and over the years has worked closely with a number of RV manufacturers to incorporate MCD products into their units. In his new position, he will also be responsible for introducing new products to the RV marketplace and assisting manufacturers in selecting the best shade options for each model.

Ed MacDonald has joined MCD as vice president of engineering. With his 20-plus years of engineering background, including product design into and for the aviation and high security electronics fields, MacDonald brings a wealth of experience and expertise to MCD Innovations.

MacDonald will be responsible for directing and expanding MCD’s engineering department as the company continues to develop new, state-of-the-art products for the RV market. In his prior position as senior vice president of engineering with Armor Safe LLC, MacDonald was responsible for overseeing a broad range of projects from mechanical applications to software to electro-mechanical systems.
Carmen Gore being named purchasing manager for MCD. Gore brings 20 years of purchasing experience to the company and, as the head of the purchasing group, she will be responsible for inventory control, sourcing and vendor relationships. She is certified in supply chain management, lean manufacturing, strategic purchasing and value stream mapping in addition to a number of others.

In her prior position with Luminator LTG, Gore was primarily responsible for sourcing and purchasing highly technical items utilized in the aviation and mass transit industries.

MCD Innovations Lauds Tampa Show Gains

MCD Innovations posted record sales at the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, Fla., last week, an indication of the public’s willingness to spend money on RV products again and increased consumer confidence in a renewed economy, according to a news release.

“The individuals I talked to were very interested in upgrading their current RVs with the American Duo Shade System,” said Peggy Grich, a company spokeswoman. “In addition, a number of people told me that they were purchasing new motorhomes and were planning to insist that MCD shades be included in their interior package.”

Grich also noted that many of the new RVs on display at the show already featured MCD shades that were installed during build at the factory, including Winnebago, Foretravel, Kibbi-Renegade, Newmar, Tiffin, Carriage, NuWay, Born Free, Newell, Excel, New Horizons, Fleetwood and Monaco.

“The fact that so many new RVs come equipped with MCD shades from the factories certainly generated increased interest among participants. Many of those I visited with came to the MCD booth because they saw them in the new coaches, Class B’s and C’s and fifth-wheels,” said Grich. “We’re happy to see the RV industry turn around and are looking forward to a more healthy economy that allows the public to feel good about improving their lifestyles.”

MCD Innovations has been engineering and producing an array of sun protection products since 2003 in a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in McKinney, Texas. The company supplies a wide range of innovative products including solar screens, wheel covers, vent/fan covers, skylight covers and mirror bras and covers to numerous RV OEMs, an ever-growing number of dealers and RV owners throughout the U.S. and Canada. MCD has also expanded into the commercial and residential markets with shade systems as well as merchandising shade products.

For information, visit www.mcdinnovations.com or call (800) 804-1757.

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