Coachmen Consolidates Northwest Production
10 November 2000
Coachmen Consolidates Northwest Production
Move and Demand Drive Increased Output, Efficiency
ELKHART, Ind., Nov. 10 Coachmen Industries
announced today that it will consolidate production from its Grants Pass,
Oregon RV plant into its four travel trailer and fifth wheel facilities in
Indiana. As a result of this consolidation and strong demand for its new 2001
models, production rates are being increased at some of the Indiana towable
facilities. Coachmen RV Company, a subsidiary of Coachmen Industries,
currently operates three towable recreational vehicle plants in Middlebury,
Indiana and one in Goshen, Indiana.
"After extensive analysis and evaluation, we are confident that this move
is in the best interest of our customers and consistent with our strategic
plan to improve our products, lead times, services and profitability," said
Claire C. Skinner, Chairman, CEO and President of Coachmen Industries. "This
decision is in line with our numerous activities designed to improve operating
margins by gaining efficiencies while reducing expenses."
Michael R. Terlep, President of Coachmen RV Company, added, "By shifting
Oregon's towable production to Indiana, we will be better able to realize the
benefits of investments made in technology and production facilities, as well
as improve the utilization of our overall manufacturing assets. The
consolidation is expected to be completed by January 8, 2001. We greatly
appreciate the efforts of the approximately 80 employees in Grants Pass, all
of whom will receive outplacement assistance."
Coachmen Recreational Vehicle Company is one of the industry's largest
recreational vehicle manufacturers. The company markets truck campers, travel
trailers, fifth wheel trailers, class C motorhomes and class A motorhomes.
Founded in 1964 in Middlebury, Indiana, its headquarters and largest
manufacturing facility are located there. It also has a production facility
and regional service center in Fitzgerald, Georgia. WALT DISNEY WORLD(R)
Resort has designated Coachmen as the official recreational vehicle of
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and Disney's Wide World of
Sports(TM) complex in Florida.
In addition to its important position in recreational vehicles, Coachmen
Industries' All American Homes subsidiary is the nation's largest producer of
modular homes. Coachmen is a publicly held company with stock listed on the
New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the COA ticker symbol.
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned not
to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are inherently
uncertain. Actual results may differ materially from that projected or
suggested due to certain risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to
the potential fluctuations in the Company's operating results, the
implementation of its enterprise-wide software, the availability and pricing
of gasoline, the Company's dependence on chassis suppliers, interest rates,
competition, government regulations, legislation governing the relationships
of the Company with its recreational vehicle dealers, the impact of economic
uncertainty on high-cost discretionary product purchases and other risks
identified in the Company's SEC filings.