Winnebago Motorhomes, Newmar, Grand Design RV and Winnebago Towables plants will resume manufacturing operations in the next few weeks.
Some of those facilities will begin returning to a regular production schedule starting May 4. Winnebago Industries announced its plans to gradually reopen the manufacturing facilities Wednesday morning, April 29.
Newmar will start resuming operations the week of May 4, along with Grand Design RV and Winnebago Motorhomes. Winnebago Towables will resume operations starting the week of May 11.
Each business will gradually restart operations, “in a manner aligned with a confirmed base of existing orders.” Winnebago announced that future production rates and plans will vary by brand, and are subject to change as the company continues to evaluate present demand, health and safety guidance and changes to local laws.
“We remain focused on ensuring the health and safety of our employees as we continue to gradually restart manufacturing operations around the company in a disciplined approach, supported by committed demand from our valued channel partners,” said Winnebago Industries President and CEO Michael Happe.
Other leading RV manufacturers also recently confirmed plans to return to work at the start of May. Thor Industries announced this month it would bring most of its North American facilities back online starting May 4. REV Group this week confirmed it hopes to return to normal operations starting May 4 as well.
Winnebago resumed production at its Chris-Craft and Specialty Vehicles facilities the week of April 13.
As Winnebago Industries resumes operations in certain areas, all employees are required to adhere to safety protocols. Whether working physically on-campus or offsite, the company said employees will follow appropriate social distancing measures, strict sanitization practices, the use of personal protection equipment and daily health checks.
“While the last many weeks have been challenging for all of our stakeholders in terms of business disruption, we are cautiously optimistic about several indicators within the outdoor industry, including an uptick in campground reservations and marina traffic in select areas, continued low gas prices and interest rates, easing of stay-at-home restrictions in some states leading to increased commerce conditions, and improved access to some state and national parks,” Happe said. “Retail trends in mid to late April appear to be progressing in a healthier direction than earlier in the month.”
