During a 10 a.m. conference call today with investors, Coachmen Industries president and chief executive officer Richard Lavers acknowledged his company has consolidated plants and cut more than 200 workers from the payroll but confidently said, "Coachmen will survive to prosper in a coming day."
The call reviewed the results for the second quarter 2008. For the three-month period that ended June 30, the manufacturer of recreational vehicles and modular housing posted a loss of $3 million.
In the second quarter, Lavers said, Coachmen reduced its workforce, companywide, by 261 people and further consolidated production of motorized RVs.
Lavers also hinted that additional layoffs may be coming but quickly clarified that any downsizing would be nothing like the recent Monaco Coach Corp. announcement of job cuts equaling 1,430 workers.
"I'm not being coy with language," Lavers said. "We are talking about minor adjustments, not major ones."
The combination of the collapse of the housing market, rising fuel prices and the banking crisis will keep Coachmen from having a robust year in sales and profits, Lavers said but the measures the company took in 2007 has "staunched the hemorrhage to a dribble and the healing process is well underway."
Story submitted by Yvonne of YES Mobile Catering, Inc. - Goshen, Indiana
The RV Blogger
rvblogger@msn.com
http://rvworkers.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Barry Fox Calls For Tax Suspension
FOX CALLS ON COMMISSIONERS / COUNCIL TO SUSPEND AND RETURN 2008 LOIT AND WHEEL TAXES TO THE BACKBONE OF ELKHART COUNTY...
Barry Fox, Democrat candidate for Elkhart County Council at Large says “It is time to cut through the chase and assist the workers of Elkhart County”.
These are the people, the backbone of this county who through sweat and blood have provided the funds to make this county what it is. Now, it is time for the county to step up to the plate and put it’s dollars behind proven success. Fox said, “Our neighbors, our friends, fellow church members are heading for some dark days ahead and now is the time we as a county can help”.
“I know some diehards will label my actions here as political pandering, and I say go for it. People are in trouble here in Elkhart County... and many of you know it.”
Fox’s plan calls for the suspension of LOIT, (local option income tax) and the Wheel tax (See Requirements Below) for 2008, and the return of funds to those who qualify up to $1,000.00 total.
Fox is calling on local officials, County Commissioners, along with the County Council to establish an ordinance with a sunshine provision of April 30th, 2009 for those unemployed through no fault of their own for one quarter or 13 consecutive weeks to be eligible for a complete return of all LOIT and Wheel taxes paid to Elkhart County for 2008.
“Most people don’t understand, but the county (Elkhart County and others) continue to get a cut even off of unemployment assistance, and I think that is just wrong in long term cases.”
Fox is suggesting that two million be budgeted in the county Commissioner’s 2009 budget, and claims be processed through the Auditor’s office along with normal monthly claims. He “Fox”says monies remaining after the April 30th, 2009 cut off date would then be returned to the General fund, or set aside for continuing education that may not qualify for other programs.
“It is extremely important that the ordinance I am suggesting be written with proper language so as not to create another taxing responsibility on the disavowed by using terms such as rebate, or be seen as income disqualifying those who are receiving or attempting to receive assistance.”
Fox said today in his News Release he would be emailing this same release to Commissioner Mike Yoder for dissemination to all Commissioners and County Council members for consideration.
“It’s budget time right now”, and these guys can make this happen and get this needed help in place before the other shoe falls. “The backbone of Elkhart County deserves our full attention regardless of political affiliation”.
Fox is suggesting the following qualifications to be considered in his plan to return funds to those in need of consideration.
Qualifications to receive assistance...
1. Must have resided and have worked in Elkhart County the full calendar year of 2008.
2. Must provide copy of Indiana IT-40 showing Indiana adjusted taxable income for 2008.
3. Must provide proof of payment that taxes due Indiana for calendar year 2008 were paid in full.
4. Must provide proof the claimant was unemployed, and unable to work for 13 or more consecutive weeks during the 2008 calendar year through no fault of the claimant. (The required waiting period for assistance less vacation and separation pay, along with proof of unemployment compensation paid by Indiana, will meet this requirement)... i.e. One week waiting period, 12 weeks paid compensation in unemployment.
5. Must provided copy or copies of Indiana vehicle registration showing established wheel taxes were collected from the claimant (registered owner qualifying) for Elkhart County.
6. The maximum return to an individual would be $1,000.00
7. Those making fraudulent claims would be subject to both civil and criminal proceedings as determined by the county.
Article provided by Barry Fox - Elhart, IN
The RV Blogger
rvblogger@msn.com
http://rvworkers.blogspot.com
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Winnebago CEO - RV Industry Outlook Worsening
FOREST CITY, Iowa (Reuters) - The head of Winnebago Industries Inc told Reuters the economic challenges facing motor-home makers has only worsened in the month since it reported that quarterly earnings tumbled 73 percent.
In an interview late Sunday at an annual get-together of hundreds of customers near the company's headquarters, Bob Olson, Winnebago's new chief executive, acknowledged, "We've got a lot of things going against us." He said the current slump was different from previous ones because of its complexity.
In the past, he said, "you had only one thing to worry about. This one's different ... There's about four, five, six different variables, not just one focus point.
"You have escalating food prices. You can't turn on the TV or radio without hearing it's another record-setting day for fuel. And I think that's probably one of the biggest concerns right now, not only of RVers but everybody. They don't know where this is going to settle in."
Olson also cited declining home prices, interest rates and the uncertainty growing out of the wide-open presidential race.
Asked if the headwinds were abating or getting worse a month into its fiscal fourth quarter, Olson said: "I hate to say this, but they're probably even worse than they were at the end of the third quarter."
Winnebago shares dropped 58 cents, or 5 percent, to $11.49 Monday on the New York Stock Exchange. The stock has traded in a 52-week range of $9.09 to $32.35.
He said the decision last week by rival Monaco Coach Corp to close three plants and lay off up to one-third of its work force illustrated "in spades what this industry is going through right now."
Wearing a button that read "You can't take sex, booze or weekends away from the American people," Olson predicted that if fuel prices stabilized, even at recent highs, RV buyers would adjust and head back into showrooms.
"We're a pretty adaptable crew, the American consumer," he said. "Even if it settled in at $4 a gallon, once we got accustomed to it, we'll be fine."
Olson said Winnebago's effort to keep its plants working in the face of the downturn by becoming a contractor for non-RV manufacturers had not turned up any promising leads so far.
"One of the problems we're facing is that there are very few businesses or industries today that aren't impacted by this downturn in the economy," he said.
"So to find that magic industry out there that's looking for additional capacity ... they're few and far between. But we're still looking."
The motor-home industry is in the middle of what is shaping up to be its fourth straight year of sales declines -- and its worst year since 1991 -- as tight credit, higher fuel prices and the housing downturn discourage buyers from purchasing its pricey, gas-guzzling vehicles.
In May, the latest month for which data is available, motor-home shipments to dealers dropped 49 percent, according to industry watcher Statistical Surveys. Sales of Class A motorhomes -- the big, bus-like behemoths that provide RV makers with their fattest margins -- fell nearly 59 percent.
Overall sales of the two most important types of RVs are down 28 percent so far this year, with sales decreases accelerating in April and May.
Olson says he fears a price war may break out in the industry -- a concern he reiterated during the interview.
Deteriorating industry fundamentals have also prompted plant closures and layoffs across the industry and forced more than once manufacturer to file for bankruptcy.
In June, Winnebago said it was closing a plant in Charles City, Iowa, idling 30 percent of its capacity and laying off 270 salaried and hourly workers, due to "extremely challenging" market conditions.
That was the second time this year it slashed costs. In January the company, which leads the motor-home market with a 19 percent share, laid off 300 workers in reaction to the slump in sales.
In April, Fleetwood Enterprises Inc, which makes bus-sized motor homes and towable camping trailers, said fiscal fourth-quarter sales tumbled 24 percent. Fleetwood sold its Riverside, California, headquarters and said it was deferring dividend payments on some convertible debt to boost its finances.
Late last week, Monaco said it was closing plants in Wakarusa, Elkhart and Nappanee, Indiana, laying off more than 1,000 workers and cutting Class A capacity by nearly 50 percent.
Story Submitted by Yvonne of YES Mobile Catering, Inc. - Goshen, IN
The RV Blogger
rvblogger@msn.com
http://rvworkers.blogspot.com/
In an interview late Sunday at an annual get-together of hundreds of customers near the company's headquarters, Bob Olson, Winnebago's new chief executive, acknowledged, "We've got a lot of things going against us." He said the current slump was different from previous ones because of its complexity.
In the past, he said, "you had only one thing to worry about. This one's different ... There's about four, five, six different variables, not just one focus point.
"You have escalating food prices. You can't turn on the TV or radio without hearing it's another record-setting day for fuel. And I think that's probably one of the biggest concerns right now, not only of RVers but everybody. They don't know where this is going to settle in."
Olson also cited declining home prices, interest rates and the uncertainty growing out of the wide-open presidential race.
Asked if the headwinds were abating or getting worse a month into its fiscal fourth quarter, Olson said: "I hate to say this, but they're probably even worse than they were at the end of the third quarter."
Winnebago shares dropped 58 cents, or 5 percent, to $11.49 Monday on the New York Stock Exchange. The stock has traded in a 52-week range of $9.09 to $32.35.
He said the decision last week by rival Monaco Coach Corp
Wearing a button that read "You can't take sex, booze or weekends away from the American people," Olson predicted that if fuel prices stabilized, even at recent highs, RV buyers would adjust and head back into showrooms.
"We're a pretty adaptable crew, the American consumer," he said. "Even if it settled in at $4 a gallon, once we got accustomed to it, we'll be fine."
Olson said Winnebago's effort to keep its plants working in the face of the downturn by becoming a contractor for non-RV manufacturers had not turned up any promising leads so far.
"One of the problems we're facing is that there are very few businesses or industries today that aren't impacted by this downturn in the economy," he said.
"So to find that magic industry out there that's looking for additional capacity ... they're few and far between. But we're still looking."
The motor-home industry is in the middle of what is shaping up to be its fourth straight year of sales declines -- and its worst year since 1991 -- as tight credit, higher fuel prices and the housing downturn discourage buyers from purchasing its pricey, gas-guzzling vehicles.
In May, the latest month for which data is available, motor-home shipments to dealers dropped 49 percent, according to industry watcher Statistical Surveys. Sales of Class A motorhomes -- the big, bus-like behemoths that provide RV makers with their fattest margins -- fell nearly 59 percent.
Overall sales of the two most important types of RVs are down 28 percent so far this year, with sales decreases accelerating in April and May.
Olson says he fears a price war may break out in the industry -- a concern he reiterated during the interview.
Deteriorating industry fundamentals have also prompted plant closures and layoffs across the industry and forced more than once manufacturer to file for bankruptcy.
In June, Winnebago said it was closing a plant in Charles City, Iowa, idling 30 percent of its capacity and laying off 270 salaried and hourly workers, due to "extremely challenging" market conditions.
That was the second time this year it slashed costs. In January the company, which leads the motor-home market with a 19 percent share, laid off 300 workers in reaction to the slump in sales.
In April, Fleetwood Enterprises Inc
Late last week, Monaco said it was closing plants in Wakarusa, Elkhart and Nappanee, Indiana, laying off more than 1,000 workers and cutting Class A capacity by nearly 50 percent.
Story Submitted by Yvonne of YES Mobile Catering, Inc. - Goshen, IN
The RV Blogger
rvblogger@msn.com
http://rvworkers.blogspot.com/
Sundowner Trailers to Close 3 Plants
BREAKING NEWS
Sundowner Trailers Closing Elkhart Operations RV Business
Friday, July 25, 2008
Rising freight costs are forcing Sundowner Trailers to close its three plants in Elkhart, Ind., and move the operations to its main facility in Oklahoma, according to an article in the Elkhart Truth. The move is expected to happen in the next 60 to 120 days, said Justin Griffin, production manager.
About 70 employees work at the Elkhart operation and will be offered jobs in the Sooner state. Earlier this year, the company laid off about 15 workers from the local facility. Once the work is shifted to Oklahoma, the company plans to list the buildings for sale and leave Elkhart County completely after operating here for about 12 years. "I don't know if I'd put us in the category of struggling but the amount of freight it costs to bring the trailers here is the main driver," Griffin said of the closure.
Based in Coleman, Okla., Sundowner manufactures trailers to haul horses and livestock. The shells of the trailers with living quarters are built in Oklahoma and then transported about 1,100 miles to Elkhart to have the bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms added. When done, some of the living quarter units can retail for up to $300,000, Griffin said.
Most of the roughly 70 Sundowner dealers are in the South and Southwestern parts of the United States, Griffin said. Prior to the economic downturn, sales in the eastern part of the country offset the costs of shipping the trailers to Elkhart but with sales declining, that equation has changed.
The company still will make living quarter horse and livestock trailers and, Griffin said, will continue to order parts and components from the vendors in and around Elkhart. Workers at the Elkhart plants will have positions in Oklahoma but those who choose to stay in Indiana will not be given severance packages, Griffin said.
"Everybody that is currently employed here has the ability to relocate to the new company when we reopen," he said. A Michigan native, Griffin is one of the employees planning to move. "I would say the main driver is the company has been loyal to me and I'll be loyal to them," Griffin said. "I like my job very much."
Story forwarded by Yvonne of YES Mobile Catering, Inc. - Goshen, IN
The RV Blogger
rvblogger@msn.com
http://rvworkers.blogspot.com/
Sundowner Trailers Closing Elkhart Operations RV Business
Friday, July 25, 2008
Rising freight costs are forcing Sundowner Trailers to close its three plants in Elkhart, Ind., and move the operations to its main facility in Oklahoma, according to an article in the Elkhart Truth. The move is expected to happen in the next 60 to 120 days, said Justin Griffin, production manager.
About 70 employees work at the Elkhart operation and will be offered jobs in the Sooner state. Earlier this year, the company laid off about 15 workers from the local facility. Once the work is shifted to Oklahoma, the company plans to list the buildings for sale and leave Elkhart County completely after operating here for about 12 years. "I don't know if I'd put us in the category of struggling but the amount of freight it costs to bring the trailers here is the main driver," Griffin said of the closure.
Based in Coleman, Okla., Sundowner manufactures trailers to haul horses and livestock. The shells of the trailers with living quarters are built in Oklahoma and then transported about 1,100 miles to Elkhart to have the bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms added. When done, some of the living quarter units can retail for up to $300,000, Griffin said.
Most of the roughly 70 Sundowner dealers are in the South and Southwestern parts of the United States, Griffin said. Prior to the economic downturn, sales in the eastern part of the country offset the costs of shipping the trailers to Elkhart but with sales declining, that equation has changed.
The company still will make living quarter horse and livestock trailers and, Griffin said, will continue to order parts and components from the vendors in and around Elkhart. Workers at the Elkhart plants will have positions in Oklahoma but those who choose to stay in Indiana will not be given severance packages, Griffin said.
"Everybody that is currently employed here has the ability to relocate to the new company when we reopen," he said. A Michigan native, Griffin is one of the employees planning to move. "I would say the main driver is the company has been loyal to me and I'll be loyal to them," Griffin said. "I like my job very much."
Story forwarded by Yvonne of YES Mobile Catering, Inc. - Goshen, IN
The RV Blogger
rvblogger@msn.com
http://rvworkers.blogspot.com/
FEMA & Health Hazards
RV Industry is Hazardous to Your Health
I have been reading articles this morning in regards to the FEMA units that were built for the Hurrican victims in New Orleans.
Several comments have been made about workers getting sick while building these units, which is easy to believe. This problem is not just from the FEMA units - it's in all the manufactured homes, recreational vehicles and towables that are being produced.
The amount of chemical vapors that are emitted from the construction materials including adhesives, foams, caulking, cleaners, and paint chemicals is highly hazardous and most are know carcinogens which cause cancer.
If there is any worker that has been exposed and has become ill while working in the RV Industry - you need to get to a doctor and from there let your employer now that you have a work related illness or disease.
The statue of limitations in Indiana for work related injuries and illnesses is two years. You must file a injury report with your employer. Let your supervisor be aware of the injury or illness - even if you are not working there anymore.
The RV Industry is one of the most hazardous industries in the country with potential health problems. Elkhart County is one of the leading counties for environmental pollution. If you do some research on IDEM.gov you would be amazed at the pollution in Elkhart County.
If you are currently working in the RV Industry and have in the past - you don't have to live your life feeling tired, worn out and sick all the time. This is not normal! Stick up for your rights as a worker a get a claim filed against your employer.
The RV Industry is just like the asbestos and coal mining industry - Highly Hazardous to you health. Most people don't experience problems for years after the initial exposure to the toxic chemicals. Repeat and over exposure can and will cause serious health concerns.
Need more info on how to file a claim against an employer, please feel free to email me and I can help with the steps you need to take.
The RV Blogger
email: rvblogger@msn.com
Blog" http://rvworkers.blogspot.com
I have been reading articles this morning in regards to the FEMA units that were built for the Hurrican victims in New Orleans.
Several comments have been made about workers getting sick while building these units, which is easy to believe. This problem is not just from the FEMA units - it's in all the manufactured homes, recreational vehicles and towables that are being produced.
The amount of chemical vapors that are emitted from the construction materials including adhesives, foams, caulking, cleaners, and paint chemicals is highly hazardous and most are know carcinogens which cause cancer.
If there is any worker that has been exposed and has become ill while working in the RV Industry - you need to get to a doctor and from there let your employer now that you have a work related illness or disease.
The statue of limitations in Indiana for work related injuries and illnesses is two years. You must file a injury report with your employer. Let your supervisor be aware of the injury or illness - even if you are not working there anymore.
The RV Industry is one of the most hazardous industries in the country with potential health problems. Elkhart County is one of the leading counties for environmental pollution. If you do some research on IDEM.gov you would be amazed at the pollution in Elkhart County.
If you are currently working in the RV Industry and have in the past - you don't have to live your life feeling tired, worn out and sick all the time. This is not normal! Stick up for your rights as a worker a get a claim filed against your employer.
The RV Industry is just like the asbestos and coal mining industry - Highly Hazardous to you health. Most people don't experience problems for years after the initial exposure to the toxic chemicals. Repeat and over exposure can and will cause serious health concerns.
Need more info on how to file a claim against an employer, please feel free to email me and I can help with the steps you need to take.
The RV Blogger
email: rvblogger@msn.com
Blog" http://rvworkers.blogspot.com
Saturday, July 26, 2008
RV Layoffs Hit Lane County
Story submitted by Yvonne of YES Mobile Catering, Inc. - Goshen, Indiana
Original story link http://www.kval.com/news/16663601.html
JUNCTION CITY - Tough times for the RV industry and even tougher times for about a hundred employees of Junction City's Country Coach.
The company laid off eight percent of its work staff this week. Now, many are surprised.
RV's are big in Lane County. In fact in 2005, the local RV industry projected a 19 percent growth rate over ten years. Well, that hasn't happened and now companies and workers are scrambling to fill the gaps.
"I got put on the list, says Matt Yoxall, a former Country Coach employee. "Not much I can do about it. Gotta go find another job." Yoxall is just one of about 100 employees laid off from Country Coach this week. "A lot of people are really on edge wondering if they're going to be put on the list," he says. "They let a lot of people who'd been there for a long time with good experience go today."
Reports show the RV industry tanked in January. With fuel prices hitting record high's, companies like this one are seeing luke warm sales and are leaving folks like Yoxall in the cold.
Meanwhile, the company's VP of marketing, Matt Howard was out of town but he did give us this statement. "There is a decreased demand because of buyer confidence. It's unfortunate but this has turned into the most ambitious time in our history." Today, Howard is at a trade show in Atlanta ambitiously drumming up business.
And I found the town of Junction City is optimistic all it could take is a little sunshine for the grey skies over the RV industry to clear. Jenifer Garwood, the General Manager of Camping World says, "I think it's going to bounce back again. I think people will get more confident when the gas prices go back down again. It will be a big change when summer comes."
Thanks for the story Yvonne!!
The RV Blogger
email: rvblogger@msn.com
Blog: http://rvworkers.blogspot.com/
Original story link http://www.kval.com/news/16663601.html
JUNCTION CITY - Tough times for the RV industry and even tougher times for about a hundred employees of Junction City's Country Coach.
The company laid off eight percent of its work staff this week. Now, many are surprised.
RV's are big in Lane County. In fact in 2005, the local RV industry projected a 19 percent growth rate over ten years. Well, that hasn't happened and now companies and workers are scrambling to fill the gaps.
"I got put on the list, says Matt Yoxall, a former Country Coach employee. "Not much I can do about it. Gotta go find another job." Yoxall is just one of about 100 employees laid off from Country Coach this week. "A lot of people are really on edge wondering if they're going to be put on the list," he says. "They let a lot of people who'd been there for a long time with good experience go today."
Reports show the RV industry tanked in January. With fuel prices hitting record high's, companies like this one are seeing luke warm sales and are leaving folks like Yoxall in the cold.
Meanwhile, the company's VP of marketing, Matt Howard was out of town but he did give us this statement. "There is a decreased demand because of buyer confidence. It's unfortunate but this has turned into the most ambitious time in our history." Today, Howard is at a trade show in Atlanta ambitiously drumming up business.
And I found the town of Junction City is optimistic all it could take is a little sunshine for the grey skies over the RV industry to clear. Jenifer Garwood, the General Manager of Camping World says, "I think it's going to bounce back again. I think people will get more confident when the gas prices go back down again. It will be a big change when summer comes."
Thanks for the story Yvonne!!
The RV Blogger
email: rvblogger@msn.com
Blog: http://rvworkers.blogspot.com/
Email From Yvonne
This is a copy of an email sent to me by Yvonne. She is the President of YES Mobile Catering, Inc. - in Goshen, IN. If your not familar with the area or the industry, people like Yvonne and her company have catering businesses on wheels that go around to the local plants and offer the employees a wide variety of hot, freshly prepared meals - as well as drinks, snacks, breakfast, lunch and alot of other items.
Dear RvBlogger,
I have never been on a blog before until yesterday. Then I saw your post after a news report about Monaco and wanted to say hello. I did sign up for autonotification. At least I think I did.
Hopefully people will use it to their advantage and not just blame everyone else for their problems. We have seen the downturn real up close and personal in business. It has been an adventure and challenge to make good business decisions in this environment.
I will help pass the block address around as best as I can. Have a good day!
After I recieved her email, I asked permission to post it on the blog. I also encouraged her to forward more news stories as she came across them. Since then, I have received several other stories from Yvonne that I will be posting to the BLOG.
I want to personally thank Yvonne for her interest in the BLOG and making a major contribution to the RV Workers Blog site. It's greatly appreciated!!!
Respectfully - The RV Blogger
rvblogger@msn.com
http://rvworkers.blogspot.com/
Dear RvBlogger,
I have never been on a blog before until yesterday. Then I saw your post after a news report about Monaco and wanted to say hello. I did sign up for autonotification. At least I think I did.
Hopefully people will use it to their advantage and not just blame everyone else for their problems. We have seen the downturn real up close and personal in business. It has been an adventure and challenge to make good business decisions in this environment.
I will help pass the block address around as best as I can. Have a good day!
After I recieved her email, I asked permission to post it on the blog. I also encouraged her to forward more news stories as she came across them. Since then, I have received several other stories from Yvonne that I will be posting to the BLOG.
I want to personally thank Yvonne for her interest in the BLOG and making a major contribution to the RV Workers Blog site. It's greatly appreciated!!!
Respectfully - The RV Blogger
rvblogger@msn.com
http://rvworkers.blogspot.com/
Friday, July 25, 2008
BLOG Activity Increasing
Hello RV Bloggers!
I'm excited to announce that the RV Workers Blog is starting to gain some momentum. The poll on which RV Company will be the next to close their doors has had 7 votes so far - with Newmar in the lead as the next company to close shop.
I have also received a couple of emails from BLOG readers. One particular email has sent from the President of a catering company that services the RV Industry. I have asked permission to post the email that I received.
The other email I received was from Dan S. that included a link for another company closing their doors. I have inlcuded the article below that he submitted.
COVERMASTER CLOSES - Supplied by Dan S.
CoverMaster, a local truck cap and lid manufacturer, will close this week, industry sources said.
The company, located at 57784 C.R. 3 South, opened in 1978. CoverMaster supplied truck caps and lids to more than 200 dealers in 43 states, according to the company’s Web site.
CoverMaster president James Fletcher was not available for comment Thursday and other company employees declined to comment. Industry sources said they had been notified of CoverMaster’s closing earlier this week.
CoverMaster has 16 employees currently, but employed about 100 just two years ago, media reports said. They will receive their final paychecks on Friday the reports said.
I want to thank everyone that has participated in the Blog, for the emails and links to ground breaking stories. If you have something you want to add to a particular story - just click on the word comment below the particular story.
If you want to send me a link or any other information - please forward to rvblogger@msn.com
The easiest way to get invloved in the RV Workers Blog is to bookmark the page. The direct address to the blog is http://rvworkers.blogspot.com/
I'm excited to announce that the RV Workers Blog is starting to gain some momentum. The poll on which RV Company will be the next to close their doors has had 7 votes so far - with Newmar in the lead as the next company to close shop.
I have also received a couple of emails from BLOG readers. One particular email has sent from the President of a catering company that services the RV Industry. I have asked permission to post the email that I received.
The other email I received was from Dan S. that included a link for another company closing their doors. I have inlcuded the article below that he submitted.
COVERMASTER CLOSES - Supplied by Dan S.
CoverMaster, a local truck cap and lid manufacturer, will close this week, industry sources said.
The company, located at 57784 C.R. 3 South, opened in 1978. CoverMaster supplied truck caps and lids to more than 200 dealers in 43 states, according to the company’s Web site.
CoverMaster president James Fletcher was not available for comment Thursday and other company employees declined to comment. Industry sources said they had been notified of CoverMaster’s closing earlier this week.
CoverMaster has 16 employees currently, but employed about 100 just two years ago, media reports said. They will receive their final paychecks on Friday the reports said.
I want to thank everyone that has participated in the Blog, for the emails and links to ground breaking stories. If you have something you want to add to a particular story - just click on the word comment below the particular story.
If you want to send me a link or any other information - please forward to rvblogger@msn.com
The easiest way to get invloved in the RV Workers Blog is to bookmark the page. The direct address to the blog is http://rvworkers.blogspot.com/
Saturday, July 19, 2008
BLOG Comments
How to make BLOG Comments
Hello Everyone! As you might be like me - new to "Blogging" - I have included a simple way to participate in the blog.
Under each written blog, you will see "COMMENTS" highlighted in yellow letters. Just click on the word comments and it will take you to a dialog box so you can add your comments.
It's really that simple. Should you have any questions in regards to the blog or questions in general - please email me at: rvblogger@msn.com
Have a great weekend! - The RV Blogger.
Hello Everyone! As you might be like me - new to "Blogging" - I have included a simple way to participate in the blog.
Under each written blog, you will see "COMMENTS" highlighted in yellow letters. Just click on the word comments and it will take you to a dialog box so you can add your comments.
It's really that simple. Should you have any questions in regards to the blog or questions in general - please email me at: rvblogger@msn.com
Have a great weekend! - The RV Blogger.
The American Addiction
America is Addicted to Foreign Oil !!!
It's an addiction that threatens our economy, our environment and our national security. It touches every part of our daily lives and ties our hands as a nation and a people.
The addiction has worsened for decades and now it's reached a point of crisis.
In 1970, we imported 24% of our oil. Today it's nearly 70% and growing.
As imports grow and world prices rise, the amount of money we send to foreign nations every year is soaring. At current oil prices, we will send $700 billion dollars out of the country this year alone — that's four times the annual cost of the Iraq war.
Projected over the next 10 years the cost will be $7,000,000,000.00 ($7 trillion) — it will be the greatest transfer of wealth in the history of mankind.
America uses a lot of oil. Every day 85 million barrels of oil are produced around the world. And 21 million of those are used here in the United States. That's 25% of the world's oil demand. Used by just 4% of the world's population.
It's an addiction that threatens our economy, our environment and our national security. It touches every part of our daily lives and ties our hands as a nation and a people.
The addiction has worsened for decades and now it's reached a point of crisis.
In 1970, we imported 24% of our oil. Today it's nearly 70% and growing.
As imports grow and world prices rise, the amount of money we send to foreign nations every year is soaring. At current oil prices, we will send $700 billion dollars out of the country this year alone — that's four times the annual cost of the Iraq war.
Projected over the next 10 years the cost will be $7,000,000,000.00 ($7 trillion) — it will be the greatest transfer of wealth in the history of mankind.
America uses a lot of oil. Every day 85 million barrels of oil are produced around the world. And 21 million of those are used here in the United States. That's 25% of the world's oil demand. Used by just 4% of the world's population.
Can't we just produce more oil?
World oil production peaked in 2005. Despite growing demand and an unprecedented increase in prices, oil production has fallen over the last three years. Oil is getting more expensive to produce, harder to find and there just isn't enough of it to keep up with demand.
World oil production peaked in 2005. Despite growing demand and an unprecedented increase in prices, oil production has fallen over the last three years. Oil is getting more expensive to produce, harder to find and there just isn't enough of it to keep up with demand.
The simple truth is that cheap and easy oil is gone. Wake up America, we are making all the other countries wealthy. It's time for an alternative plan so we can become self-sufficient.
RV Workers Hit Hard!!
Monaco Coach Closing Shop
The headline news keeps rolling out of Elkhart County. The announcement of Monaco closing three plants which will result in 1,400 employees losing their job is tramatic.
Monaco coach is the largest producer of Class A motorhomes. They are also the fifth largest employer in Elkhart County. It's unfortunate that so many people have been affected by the RV industry and the lack of RV sales.
In addition to the RV manufacturer's - the companies (material vendors) that supply the products used to build the motorhomes are also going to be impacted. The larger vendor companies will probably survive the storm - whereas the samller vendors that rely heavily on major single accounts could be closing there door.
The direct impact to the RV manufacturer's will have a profound impact on alot of other business. Not only the suppliers to the RV manufacturer's but local businesses where employees spend their paycheck.
Who's Closing Their Doors Next?
I have recently added a poll to the web blog. Vote on who you think will be the next to close their doors. If there is a company not listed in the poll - let me know and I can add it to the poll for voting.
Spread the News
I'm looking for headline news to add to the web blog. If you got a story - please send it via email to rvblogger@msn.com - I will get the story posted ASAP.
Troubles finding the RV Blogger online - simply send me an email at rvblogger@msn.com and I will send you the direct link. For Yahoo users simply type in http://rvblogger.blogspot.com in your yahoo search box.
Other search engines are not yet reading the web link for some reason.
Let me know your thoughts - Let your co-workers know about this site.
The headline news keeps rolling out of Elkhart County. The announcement of Monaco closing three plants which will result in 1,400 employees losing their job is tramatic.
Monaco coach is the largest producer of Class A motorhomes. They are also the fifth largest employer in Elkhart County. It's unfortunate that so many people have been affected by the RV industry and the lack of RV sales.
In addition to the RV manufacturer's - the companies (material vendors) that supply the products used to build the motorhomes are also going to be impacted. The larger vendor companies will probably survive the storm - whereas the samller vendors that rely heavily on major single accounts could be closing there door.
The direct impact to the RV manufacturer's will have a profound impact on alot of other business. Not only the suppliers to the RV manufacturer's but local businesses where employees spend their paycheck.
Who's Closing Their Doors Next?
I have recently added a poll to the web blog. Vote on who you think will be the next to close their doors. If there is a company not listed in the poll - let me know and I can add it to the poll for voting.
Spread the News
I'm looking for headline news to add to the web blog. If you got a story - please send it via email to rvblogger@msn.com - I will get the story posted ASAP.
Troubles finding the RV Blogger online - simply send me an email at rvblogger@msn.com and I will send you the direct link. For Yahoo users simply type in http://rvblogger.blogspot.com in your yahoo search box.
Other search engines are not yet reading the web link for some reason.
Let me know your thoughts - Let your co-workers know about this site.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Newmar in the News
Newmar Corp. - a medium size RV manufacturer in the Northern Indiana continues to slash jobs. Newmar management states the reason for the layoffs is due to the sluggish economy, demand for RV's and high fuel prices. Here is an overview of the jobs lost at Newmar since the beginning of 2008.
January 30, 2008
Newmar Corp. - RV manufacturer continues to slash jobs.
Employees at Newmar RV in Nappanee state the company laid off 20 percent of production workers Wednesday. Newmar employs about 600 people.
Our calls to the company have not been returned.
July 02, 2008
Newmar Corp. - a Nappanee recreational vehicle manufacturer states it will lay off a portion of its 780-person workforce next week due to lack of demand for RVs.
Newmar Corp. personnel director K. Weirich wouldn't say how many positions would be eliminated on July 9. He declined to confirm a report that 40 percent of the workforce would be laid off. The company eliminated 118 positions in January.
Weirich says the company is currently on its annual shutdown, making it more difficult to notify workers who have been laid off.
Newmar manufactures motor homes and fifth-wheel trailers
July 09, 2008
Newmar RV began laying off more than 150 workers. Employees at Newmar have been contacted by management over the holiday shut down to be notified they no longer have a job.
Newmar has continued to blame the economy and high fuel prices for the lay-offs. Most of the employees feel that as the economy has been a major impact instigating the lay-offs but also believe that poor management decisions over the prior years is the direct cause for the slumping sales at Newmar Corp.
Newmar continues to struggle to get orders for the recreational vehicles they produce at the manufacturing plant in Nappanee, Indiana. It has been rumored that if the situation doesn't getting any better quickly - Newmar will be forced to close the doors.
During the peak business cycles, Newmar was believed to employ around 1,300 employees. With the recent job cuts at Newmar, it is believed the work force has shriveled down to 350 employees.
RV Summary of Layoffs since January 2008:
* January 2008 — Monaco Coach in Wakarusa lays off 200; 15 percent of the company’s total workforce.
* January 2008 — Newmar RV in Nappanee lays off 20 percent of its workforce.
* January 2008 — Coachmen RV announces it will sell its Elkhart plant and move its headquarters in Middlebury; plans consolidation of some of the Middlebury plants.
* April 2008 — More layoffs at Monaco Coach: An additional 600 workers at plants in Indiana and Oregon, about 300 in each state; 12 percent of its workforce.
* June 2008 — Terra Group announces cuts at five plants, including three in Elkhart County. Company employs 200 but doesn't say how many jobs will be eliminated.
* July 2008 — Dutchmen Manufacturing in Goshen announces it will lay off 116 people and close two facilities in August.
* July 2008 — Newmar RV in Nappanee lays off more than 150 workers.
January 30, 2008
Newmar Corp. - RV manufacturer continues to slash jobs.
Employees at Newmar RV in Nappanee state the company laid off 20 percent of production workers Wednesday. Newmar employs about 600 people.
Our calls to the company have not been returned.
July 02, 2008
Newmar Corp. - a Nappanee recreational vehicle manufacturer states it will lay off a portion of its 780-person workforce next week due to lack of demand for RVs.
Newmar Corp. personnel director K. Weirich wouldn't say how many positions would be eliminated on July 9. He declined to confirm a report that 40 percent of the workforce would be laid off. The company eliminated 118 positions in January.
Weirich says the company is currently on its annual shutdown, making it more difficult to notify workers who have been laid off.
Newmar manufactures motor homes and fifth-wheel trailers
July 09, 2008
Newmar RV began laying off more than 150 workers. Employees at Newmar have been contacted by management over the holiday shut down to be notified they no longer have a job.
Newmar has continued to blame the economy and high fuel prices for the lay-offs. Most of the employees feel that as the economy has been a major impact instigating the lay-offs but also believe that poor management decisions over the prior years is the direct cause for the slumping sales at Newmar Corp.
Newmar continues to struggle to get orders for the recreational vehicles they produce at the manufacturing plant in Nappanee, Indiana. It has been rumored that if the situation doesn't getting any better quickly - Newmar will be forced to close the doors.
During the peak business cycles, Newmar was believed to employ around 1,300 employees. With the recent job cuts at Newmar, it is believed the work force has shriveled down to 350 employees.
RV Summary of Layoffs since January 2008:
* January 2008 — Monaco Coach in Wakarusa lays off 200; 15 percent of the company’s total workforce.
* January 2008 — Newmar RV in Nappanee lays off 20 percent of its workforce.
* January 2008 — Coachmen RV announces it will sell its Elkhart plant and move its headquarters in Middlebury; plans consolidation of some of the Middlebury plants.
* April 2008 — More layoffs at Monaco Coach: An additional 600 workers at plants in Indiana and Oregon, about 300 in each state; 12 percent of its workforce.
* June 2008 — Terra Group announces cuts at five plants, including three in Elkhart County. Company employs 200 but doesn't say how many jobs will be eliminated.
* July 2008 — Dutchmen Manufacturing in Goshen announces it will lay off 116 people and close two facilities in August.
* July 2008 — Newmar RV in Nappanee lays off more than 150 workers.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Recreational Vehicles (RV) - A Dying Industry!
The RVBlogger has dedicated this BLOG for workers in the RV industry.
This site is dedicated to serve as "therapy" to the RV worker that:
* Just got the pink slip
* A past RV employee that made a career change before everything turned sour
* A current RV employee that is wondering when he/she is next
* Or anyone that wants to make comments
I thought this blog would be a good way for people to vent about the RV Industry and their respective companies (if so desired). It will also provide a place for people to share ideas, post job openings amongst the group, meet new people, start a new venture or for whatever other reason you might find as therapy during the stressful times.
We are all aware that the economy is sluggish - fuel prices are skyrocketing - and living the simple life just got that much more difficult. Your not alone - so speak out and be heard. There are a lot of other people in the same boat. The outlook is dismal for premium jobs in the area and now with the mass numbers of unemployed it's going to get more difficult to find a job that isn't even available.
Something has to be done and it's all up to you to make the difference and/or change. Some people are considering moving - others are willing to take a lesser job - while most will try to survive on unemployment benefits that are a fraction of what they used to make.
Getting laid off from a job can be a stressful situation. What's even worse - is there really isn't a bright outlook. I'm sure a lot of people are going to experience stress beyond the normal limits. At times, it's going to be hard to keep it all together. This site is dedicated to helping you in anyway it can. We strongly encourage everyone's participation. Go ahead - say what you want to say - excluding direct profanity.
Signing Out - The RVBlogger
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