Heartland RV Announces Expansion Project!
Wed Mar 31, 2010
Source: insideindianabusiness.com
Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC has unveiled plans to expand its operations in Elkhart, creating up to 265 jobs by 2013. The RV manufacturer expects to spend more than $2.6 million to purchase and equip a 125,000 square-foot manufacturing facility. The expansion comes after Heartland announced in February it had acquired the last active towable brand trademarks from Fleetwood Enterprises Inc.
Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC, a manufacturer of RV's and travel trailers, announced today that it will expand its operations here, creating up to 265 new jobs by 2013.
The company, which manufactures fifth wheel, lightweight and extended stay RV's will invest more than $2.6 million to purchase and equip a 125,000 square-foot manufacturing facility. Heartland announced in February that it has purchased the remaining trademarks of the towable brands of Fleetwood Enterprises Inc., which filed for bankruptcy protection in 2009.
"Elkhart's recreational vehicle industry continues to show resilience in the face of a tough national economy," said Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "Heartland's investment further proves that Elkhart's traditional industries will play an equal part with emerging sectors in bringing new opportunities to this region."
Heartland Recreational Vehicles, which employs more than 900 associates across North Central Indiana, plans to begin hiring additional manufacturing and supervisory associates immediately as the new product lines are phased in. The acquisition of the former Fleetwood brands will allow Heartland to expand into markets in the western United States.
"Our ability to gain ground in a down market has clearly positioned Heartland to make tremendous market share gains and further grow our dealer body in 2010. Accordingly, we have been proactive to make sure that we are in step with demand, growing our workforce, expanding our Elkhart complex and making sure we continue delivering product at industry-best standards," said Brian Brady, president and chief executive officer of Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC. "This is shaping up to be the best year in our history."
Founded in 2003 as a manufacturer of high-end fifth wheel recreational vehicles, Heartland RV has expanded into the mid-profile, lightweight and travel trailer markets. In 2006, the company broke ground on its current 110,000 square-foot Elkhart headquarters.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Heartland RV up to $885,000 in performance-based tax credits based on the company's job creation plans. The city of Elkhart will provide additional property tax abatement at the request of the Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County.
"We're excited about Heartland RV's announcement to expand their operations in Elkhart," said Mayor Dick Moore. "This shows the resiliency of the RV industry. Elkhart has been and will continue to be the RV Capital of the World."
Heartland's announced expansion comes less than one month after musical instrument maker, EK Blessing, announced it would invest more than $2.6 million to move brass instrument production from facilities in Germany and Taiwan, to its Elkhart production center creating up to 22 new jobs by 2012.
About Heartland Recreational Vehicle LLC
Heartland is a leading manufacturer of towable recreational vehicles in the U.S. The Company markets over 15 brands of superior fifth wheel and travel trailer RVs and has captured the #3 market share in the Fifth Wheel category. Heartland's towable RVs are sold through an independent network of dealers throughout the United States and Canada. The company has over 900 employees. For more information about Heartland, visit www.heartlandrvs.com.
