Hatchlift Adds Bedlift Kits to Aftermarket Lineup

Lakewood, Colo.-based Hatchlift, a manufacturer of aftermarket hydraulic door lift kits for RV storage compartment doors, recently added bedlift kits and replacement springs to their product lineup.

According to a press release, the bedlift kits are complete retrofit kits and include “everything necessary to properly install hydraulic lifts on the RV bed.” The company said that installation instructions are straightforward and easy to execute, allowing for installation by an RV owner in about 30 minutes requiring a drill and common hand tools.

“The request for RV bedlift kits and replacement springs was so great, the company decided to add both products beginning in 2012,” said the company owner. “We offered the bedlift kits and replacement springs at the RV Show at Quartzsite and sold out in the first day.”

The family owned company is in its second year of operation was recently the focus of a product spotlight by Gary Bunzer, the “RV Doctor.” To view the segment click here. For additional information visit www.hatchlift.com.

 

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.”

 

 

 

 

Blue Ox Earns ‘Rural Manufacturing’ Distinction

Long-time towing product supplier Blue Ox was among four Nebraska companies recently recognized at the White House for achievements in rural manufacturing, using Department of Agriculture rural development lending.

The Journal Star, Lincoln, reported that Pender-based Blue Ox was joined by three other Nebraska manufacturers, including Thurston Manufacturing Co., Allmand Brothers Inc. and MetalQuest Unlimited Inc.

First National Bank of Omaha provided the loan to Blue Ox, guaranteed by USDA Rural Development. The company diversified its focus and developed heavy-duty tow bars for the defense industry.

Blue Ox is known internationally for its quality towing products, from tow bars and baseplates, to steering control systems, supplementary brakes, carriers, weight distributing and gooseneck. Towing brands include the Tailgator and SwayPro.

 

 

 

Airxcel Visits Elkhart; Promotes New A.C. Entry

Wichita, Kan.-based RV industry supplier Airxcel Inc. set up shop this week (Feb. 13-16) in Coast Distribution System Inc.’s Husky Towing Products Research, Design & Training facility on the east side of the RV-building center of Elkhart, Ind., to present their 2012 product lines to northern Indiana RV manufacturers. “It gives us an opportunity to get product managers, product development people, owners and procurement people together all at once, which is great,” reports Pierre Briglio, vice president of sales and marketing. Briglio said he appreciated the use of the facility operated by California-based Coast, exclusive distributor for Airxcel’s Coleman-Mach RV air conditioners, which Airxcel and its predecessor company, RV Products, have been making since 1967. While in town, Airxcel — also known for its Suburban-brand furnaces, ranges, cooktops and water heaters — was also talking up a new series of low-profile, Coleman-Mach 8 air conditioners. The Coleman-Mach 8, due for a spring introduction, is only eight inches high. And it’s not only the new air conditioner’s size that 950-employee Airxcel is promoting, but also the fact that it – unlike some of its newest competitors – is domestically made. “We never went to China,” said Briglio, whose firm operates manufacturing facilities in Wichita, Dayton, Tenn., and Cordele, Ga. “We build everything (in terms of air conditioners) in Wichita, Kan., and we’re proud of it. Coleman has a good name – the Coleman-Mach air conditioner and Suburban products – and we are from the United States of America.”

 

Chuck Bennet Joins MaxxAir Vent’s Sales Force

To keep up with growing OEM sales, MaxxAir Vent Corp. has added Chuck Bennett to its sales force. According to a press release, Bennett comes to the company with 14 years of sales experience in regional sales management, telecommunications and luxury motor coach sales.

“Chuck brings a wealth of knowledge that we will use to develop and implement sales strategies and quickly establish market presence,” said MaxxAir president Allen Thomas. “We’re glad he’s part of our team.”

“MaxxAir is a well-respected company providing ventilation products to the RV aftermarket,” said Bennett. “I will be working to bring that same success to the OEM segment of the RV industry. Our cutting-edge MaxxFan ventilators open up a whole new front for MaxxAir that is both exciting and challenging.”

For more information on MaxxAir products visit www.maxxair.com.

 

Winegard Debuts New Omnidirectional Antenna

Winegard Co. has introduced a newly redesigned over-the-air compact omnidirectional antenna, the RoadStar 3000.

According to a press release, the antenna is designed to continuously find and pull in all available VHF, UHF and FM broadcast signals within a 35-mile radius of a parked RV. The RoadStar 3000, produced in the U.S., delivers free local standard and HDTV programming from ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX plus many additional sub-channels that carry 24-hour news, weather, music, kids programming and movies.

The most powerful and aerodynamic RoadStar to date, Winegard said the 3000 series eliminates the need to manually aim and lock onto digital signals. Also included are a 12-volt DC power supply and receptacle, and a two-way splitter for a second TV and optional cable input.

At only 7.56 inches high by 14.88 inches in diameter, the low-profile RoadStar 3000 offers superior wind resistance while occupying minimal roof space. Installers will appreciate the new pedestal mount that allows for a fast and simple installation; no special tools are required.

“RV owners will get exceptional reception and performance from the RoadStar 3000 HDTV antenna,” said Aaron Engberg, director of mobile products for Burlington, Iowa-based Winegard. “We’ve streamlined the design to make it more compact and aerodynamic. With its full 360-degree signal reception and enhanced amplifier that helps to pull in weak signals from fringe areas, the RoadStar packs a lot of power for its size.”

Antennas are available in both white (RS-3000) and black (RS-3035) and are available for shipping.

For more information about Winegard RoadStar 3000 series antennas, visit http://www.winegard.com/sensar/roadstar.php.

Roadmaster Quiet Hitch Reduces Towing Sway

Roadmaster Inc.’s Quiet Hitch stops “sway and wander” by eliminating any free play between the receiver and the tow bar for a solid, seamless connection, according to the company.

In a press release Roadmaster noted that consistent pressure keeps the towing combination tracking straight through crosswinds, curves and sudden maneuvers — all with considerably less effort on the driver’s part. Quiet Hitch also reduces tire wear, as well as wear and tear on the hitch and the receiver, by eliminating free play.

Other features include:

• Especially effective on towing combinations with multiple hitch extensions.

• Reduces rattle caused by bike racks or hitch accessories.

• Bolts on in seconds.

• Designed for two-inch hitch receivers.

 

Flexsteel Reports Higher Earnings in Fiscal 2Q

Dubuque, Iowa-based furniture supplier Flexsteel Industries Inc. today (Feb. 3) reported sales for its fiscal second quarter, ended Dec. 31, rose 2.6% to $85 million compared to $82.8 million in the prior year quarter. Net income during the period was $2.9 million, or 42 cents per share, compared to net income of $2.1 million, or 31 cents per share the previous year.

For the six months, Flexsteel posted sales of $166.5 million compared to prior year sales of $170.1 million, a decrease of 2.1%. Net income was $5.3 million, or 76 cents per share, compared to net income of $4.5 million, or 65 cents per share, in the previous year. The prior year six-month period included a pre-tax charge of approximately $1 million to facility closing costs for employee separation and other closing costs.

For the quarter, residential sales were $67 million, an increase of 5.4% from the prior year’s sales of $63.5 million. Commercial sales were $18 million compared to $19.3 million in the prior year quarter, a decrease of 6.5%. For the six months, residential sales were flat at $129.5 million compared to $128.8 million the previous year while commercial sales fell 10.3% to $37 million from $41.3 million.

Gross margin for the quarter was 24.1% compared to 22.7% in the year-ago quarter. For the six months, gross margin was 23.7% compared to 22.6% for the prior year six-month period. Gross margin for the prior year quarter and six-month period was adversely impacted by inventory write-down of $0.6 million associated with the facility closing.

To view the entire report click here.

 

Cummins Posts Record Sales, Earnings for ’11

Columbus, Ind.-based Cummins Inc. today reported record sales, profits and cash flow from operations for all of 2011 as well as strong results for the fourth quarter.

Fourth-quarter revenue of $4.9 billion increased 19% from the same quarter in 2010 and set a new quarterly record for the diesel engine builder. The increase year-over-year was driven by higher demand in truck, construction, power generation and oil and gas markets in North America. The company also experienced strong growth in global mining markets. Growth in these markets offset weaker demand in the construction market in China and power generation in India.

Fourth-quarter net income jumped to $548 million, or $2.86 a share, from $362 million, or $1.84 a share, a year earlier. Excluding some items, profit was $2.56 a share, compared with $2.24.

Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) was $768 million for the fourth quarter. Excluding special items, EBIT was $677 million or 13.8% of sales, representing a 25% growth in earnings year-over-year.

Revenue for the full year was $18 billion, up 36% from 2010, with strong growth in most geographic regions.

Net income attributable to Cummins for the full year was $1.85 billion ($9.55 per diluted share), up from $1.04 billion ($5.28 per diluted share) in 2010. EBIT for the year, excluding special items, was $2.56 billion or 14.2% of sales, compared to $1.66 billion or 12.5% of sales in 2010.

“Cummins had its best year ever in 2011, despite economic uncertainty in a number of regions. We continue to benefit from our leading position in a number of end markets and geographies,” said Tom Linebarger, chairman and CEO. “Revenue in the United States grew 53% and international revenue grew 27% year-over-year. In fact, we experienced record full-year revenues in North America, Brazil, China, India and a number of other important markets.”

Based on the current forecast, Cummins anticipates that total revenues will increase 10% in 2012, with EBIT in the range of 14.5% to 15% of sales.

“Our 2011 results and our forecast for 2012 reaffirms our confidence in reaching our goal of achieving $30 billion in sales and 18% EBIT in 2015,” Linebarger said.

To view the full report click here.

 

 

Thetford Announces Phillips, Tharp Promotions

Two long-time Thetford Corp. employees, Kevin Phillips and Doug Tharp, have been promoted, according to a press release.

Phillips was elevated to the position of executive vice president of North America. He previously served as vice president of sales and marketing, North America, since joining Thetford in 2005.

Phillips is a member of the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) board, serving as chairman of its membership committee and is on the market information and supplier committees. He formerly served as chairman of the RVIA nominating committee. Phillips is also a former member of the Recreational Vehicle Aftermarket Association (RVAA) board.

“Kevin’s leadership, experience and knowledge of the RV market make him the ideal candidate to grow Thetford in the future,” said Stephane Cordeille, CEO of Ann Arbor, Mich-based Thetford.

Prior to joining Thetford, Phillips worked with Guardian Automotive as business unit director. He also previously worked as director of business development and director of North American sales at GKN Sinter Metals, and as customer director & global platform leader with Delphi Automotive.

Phillips earned a bachelor’s in computer science from the University of Michigan and an MBA in business policy and marketing from the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business.

Tharp was promoted to senior director of finance, North America. He joined Norcold Inc. as a division accountant in 1990 and was promoted to accounting manager in 1993. He was promoted to corporate controller at Thetford, Norcold’s parent company, in 2003. He received a bachelor’s in business from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

 

Contact Thetford, 7101 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Toll-free 800-543-1219 or 734-769-6000; Fax: 734-769-2023. info@thetford.com; www.thetford.com <http://www.thetford.com> .

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