Coachmen Industries Announces Management, Organization Changes
6 July 2000
Coachmen Industries Announces Management, Organization Changes
ELKHART, Ind. - Coachmen Industries, Inc. today announced a series of
management and organizational changes that provide for succession planning,
executive development, and improvements in overall operating efficiencies.
President and co-founder Keith Corson plans to retire after turning
65 this year. Chairman and CEO Claire C. Skinner will be assuming his
responsibilities as part of other organizational changes underway at this
time. In commenting on Corson's retirement plans, Skinner said, "Keith has
been a solid contributor to Coachmen Industries' legacy of success, and he
will remain so as a member of our Board of Directors. To accommodate a smooth
transition, Keith will continue his involvement with a multitude of activities
we have under way until the end of the year. We are pleased to have his
continued insight and guidance as we position Coachmen Industries for the
future."
Other organizational changes are being made to improve both performance
and reporting efficiencies. In the company's recreational vehicle segment,
certain operational and administrative functions of the Shasta division are
being combined with Coachmen RV Company in order to leverage the combined size
and eliminate redundant costs between the two entities. Michael Terlep, Jr.
will continue to serve as President of Coachmen RV Company, Inc. with Robert
Adasiak, current President of Shasta, being named Executive Vice President of
Coachmen RV Company, Inc.
Similarly, in order to maximize the efficiencies and growth potential of
its industry-leading modular housing segment, Coachmen has reorganized its
four All American Homes units under one umbrella. Steve Kerr, formerly Vice
President and General Manager of All American Homes-Indiana, has been promoted
to President of the consolidated All American Homes, Inc. John Helm has been
promoted to the position previously held by Kerr. Kerr, together with Dale
Powell, President of recently-acquired Mod-U-Kraf, Inc. will both report to
John T. Trant, Senior Vice President of Coachmen's Housing Group, who will be
better able to focus on additional growth opportunities in the modular housing
segment, an important part of Coachmen's strategic plan.
Finally, in preparation for the retirement this year of Fred Emmert,
President of the Georgie Boy Manufacturing, Inc. motorhome subsidiary, Rick
Heaton has been promoted to the position of Executive Vice President of GBM.
Currently General Manager of Coachmen's Lux furniture subsidiary, Heaton joined
the company in 1999 and brings nearly 25 years of experience in the RV and
related supply industry. With the just-completed sale of the office furniture
portion of Lux Company, Robert Troxel has been promoted to assume the dual roles
of Lux General Manager and National Sales Manager.
"These organizational improvements have been in the planning stage for
some time and should benefit shareholders and customers alike, by better
capitalizing on our operating synergies and growth potential," Skinner said.
"We are also delighted to recognize the development and talent of each of
these executives with their respective promotions. They are taking on added
responsibility for significant growth areas within Coachmen Industries and we
look forward to their continuing contributions as members of Coachmen's next
generation of leaders."
Coachmen Industries, Inc., based in Elkhart, Indiana, is one of the
nation's leading producers of recreational vehicles and is the largest
producer of modular homes in the country. The company has once again expanded
its leadership position with the recent acquisition of Mod-U-Kraf Homes, Inc.
Coachmen is publicly held with stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange
under the COA symbol.