Jayco Owner Gerry Ryan Receives Hall Of Fame Honours

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA – July 27, 2011: Jayco founder Gerry Ryan (OAM) has been inducted into the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Victoria’s manufacturing industry.

Established by Mr Ryan in 1976 with a workforce of eight people, Jayco has grown into a corporation that employs approximately 850 employees and produces more than 9,000 units a year. Unlike many manufacturers which have outsourced their production to overseas plants, all Jayco products are produced in Australia by Australians, in Jayco’s Dandenong factory.

The honour was presented to Mr Ryan by the Victorian Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade, Richard Dalla-Riva, who lauded Mr Ryan’s commitment to manufacturing excellence and his unwavering support for the local community.

"I congratulate Mr Ryan on his entry to the Honour Roll of the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame, and commend his outstanding contribution to Victorian businesses and the wider community.

"It is the heroes of Victoria's manufacturing sector, such as Mr Ryan, who inspire the next generation of business leaders," Mr Dalla-Riva said.

Mr Ryan’s commitment to ensuring Jayco operates as a ’family company’ has not hindered its growth over the years. Today Jayco has a 45 per cent share of the recreational vehicle market.

While no stranger to receiving accolades, Mr Ryan was nevertheless humbled by his induction but emphasised this would not have been possible without the fantastic work of entire Jayco workforce.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been part of the Jayco family over the years, from management to those working on the production line. They have all contributed equally to making Jayco one of the most recognised brands in Australia,” said Mr Ryan.

The selection committee also recognised Mr Ryan’s philanthropic work and his enthusiastic support of Australia’s entertainment and sporting industries.