Dometic’s manufacturing in Elkhart, Indiana, is coming to a close, the supplier announced. The announcement of the final consolidation of absorption refrigerator and vent manufacturing activities occurred this week.
“Today marks a difficult day for our manufacturing employees at our Industrial Parkway location in Elkhart,” said Dometic Americas President Oliver Bahr. “We recognize the impact this has on our employees and their families and are eternally grateful for the commitment and contribution each have made to our success. Our ability to remain competitive and meet our customers’ needs requires we take this necessary step.”
The decision is in line with Dometic’s global strategy, announced in 2019, focusing on cost and efficiency improvement objectives in effort to remain competitive in an evolving market. To date, most of the products manufactured in Elkhart are being produced in sister facilities within the Americas, Dometic stated, thus creating minimal disruption to the business.
The intention is to cease manufacturing operations at the Industrial Parkway location in the second quarter of 2022. Dometic stated other departments will remain operational in the Industrial Parkway location, with warehouse expansion planned. In addition, office locations and existing warehousing locations within Elkhart will remain intact.
Dometic stated it would work to retain as many employees from the Industrial Parkway manufacturing operations as possible. Affected employees have been encouraged to consider opportunities at other local Dometic sites, where available.
Additionally, Dometic stated the company would work closely with state and local government officials to coordinate services and help affected workers with job search assistance, education, and training opportunities.
The company met with affected employees Monday to inform them of the plans.
