Nappanee RV maker announces layoffs

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(WSBT file photo)

By Tiffany Griffin

Story Created: Jul 2, 2008 at 8:47 AM EST

Story Updated: Jul 2, 2008 at 8:55 AM EST

NAPPANEE, Ind. (AP) — A Nappanee recreational vehicle manufacturer says it will lay off a portion of its 780-person workforce next week due to lack of demand for RVs.

Newmar Corp. personnel director Keith Weinrich 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.

Weinrich says the company is currently on its annual shutdown, making it more difficult to notify workers who have been laid off.

He blamed the slowdown in the economy and high gas prices for slow RV sales.

Newmar manufactures motor homes and fifth-wheel trailers.

Sunday, Jul 20 at 10:10 PM Tom Lipton wrote ...

gaskill's exgirl friend, my current jan. tells me that steve-0 and gaskill have something going besides talking about rv's

Saturday, Jul 19 at 1:34 PM To Elkhart Citizen wrote ...

So, what you're saying is ...you want the media to lie to us, cover the truth and sugar coat the reality of recent events?? Get real... People need to know what's going on so they can attempt to prepare for the worst!! Whether the media reports it or not, the country as a whole is in economical trouble!!

Thursday, Jul 17 at 3:21 PM pat dixon wrote ...

Bet chapter 13does not effect Kay Tolson and other bigwigs at Monaco just their employees If they stood behind their products they would sell more units.They care onlyabout the mighty dollar, not the workers ,not the buyers

Thursday, Jul 17 at 2:45 PM JG wrote ...

Ann, I can't speak for the other divisions, but I work for Forest River and my division is still running strong. Better than ever in fact!

Thursday, Jul 17 at 2:39 PM Elkhart citizen wrote ...

Does anyone else beleive that the media should be taking some of the blame for the bad economy? I mean everytime I turn on the tv or open the newspaper, I keep hearing about the bad economy, high gas prices, layoffs, etc. That is why people don't go buy motorhomes because they are scared. They may not have money issues but they figure that if the news tells them not to buy an rv because the economy sucks then they won't. Now because they didn't buy an rv, then the rv employee loses his job!

Thursday, Jul 17 at 1:28 PM Ann wrote ...

Is Forrest River still in production??

Thursday, Jul 10 at 10:29 PM Michael wrote ...

Receiving a layoff can be life altering for a family. Gas prices are affecting many people in all types of markets. Fortunately, some companies are expanding and growing like ours. We are hiring weekly to keep up with the demand and needs of families. Call us for more information about our company. 269-449-2437.

Friday, Jul 4 at 4:32 PM curtis wrote ...

by the way there are a lot of good workers and people being laid off (amish and non-amish) it's sad but all in all i don't think that it is what newmar wanted to do. P.S. Newmar is Mennonite owned.

Friday, Jul 4 at 4:29 PM Curtis wrote ...

Keystone and some other mfgr's are still going strong because they target a larger chunk of the population. i was employed at newmar and with what we make and what the retail pays we target not even 1% of the population. it's hard to stay in buisness with such a small target crowd. if newmar would go back to making travel trailers as well as 1,000,000 coaches it might help.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 10:42 AM Steve-O wrote ...

Yes, I do have an education while I worked at an RV company, which in turn made me want to start my own business. Now I can sit back and not worry about money etc...You people have to set higher goals and not get "comfortable" with your earnings. As to Sammy, having a Bach. and Masters degree does not garantee a high paying job, your drive will get you to the top. My only suggestion is to move and find a job in your field.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 10:25 AM IN Topeka wrote ...

Anon - The RV industry is similar to housing or automotive. If people don't have the money to buy new RVs, there will be layoffs. More importantly, when the Lord Jesus comes to take his own home, where do you wana be? BTW, there are lots of Bible-thumpers all around you, but don't get paranoid. They actually care enough to show you the way to eternal salvation with God, instead of eternal separation from him -- pay attention! Listen up or be left behind. :D

Thursday, Jul 3 at 10:04 AM Linda wrote ...

Steve-O What is wrong with working in the RV Industry? I would much rather work with RV people than someone as VAIN as you. I am guessing you don't have a so called "education" or you would use a little class when writing a post. It takes all of kinds of people doing all kinds of jobs to make this world work. You need a reality check pal!

Thursday, Jul 3 at 9:00 AM Anon wrote ...

Always have to have a "bible thumper" in the mix huh.

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 9:58 PM Worked there wrote ...

Newmar is a place with massive overkill of quality. It's the nature of the business, the buses use diesel fuel and sales are way down. This old world did alright without RV's before they came along and the sun will shine tomorrow. I expect the bus type RV to be almost at a standstill soon.

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 8:20 PM from nappanee wrote ...

Newmar is not owned by an amish person. Do your homework.

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 5:18 PM T Gaskill wrote ...

Don't know if this is true but I heard that Monaco is doing the same thing. Also heard Monaco is filing or going to be filing chapter 13. All could be rumors I guess though.

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 3:52 PM ex-amish wrote ...

Maybe none of the people getting laid off are amish cause they show up every day at work and don't complain if things happen to not go there way!!!

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 3:50 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Coachmen RV has been quietly laying people off for a long time.

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 3:33 PM Good News wrote ...

Good news for Steve-O Compassion is something that a person can develop with practice.

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 3:23 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Newmar is owned bye a amish person, and i heard none of the people being layed off are amish, go figure!!

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 2:36 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Why pick on the humble RV worker at least these people are out working for a living and not stealing or laying up on welfare. I feel bad for anyone who looses their job. Times just keep getting harder even those with college educations sometimes can't find work or don't get paid that great. Good luck to all those who were laid off hope you will be able to find work someplace else. I am sorry to read that more people were laid off.

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 1:54 PM Sammy wrote ...

Steve-O You suggest getting an education. Well I have the education, both a bachelor's and Master's degree but still make less than a lot of people in the RV Industry. Any suggestions for those of us with the education?

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 1:20 PM Carol Jean wrote ...

Time to sell these units to other countries (China). We seem to help out their economy.

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 12:45 PM Dawn wrote ...

Steve-O, As the wife of a person who has been employed in the RV industry, I must tell you that until recently that industry has provided a comfortable lifestyle for many. My husband still works production, but he is not in the RV industry at this time. Might I suggest that you use your education and life knowledge to solve the problems in our economy so that the people who choose to work in that line of business can continue to do so and be proud of the work they are doing!!

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 12:44 PM vicki wrote ...

Steve-O even with a great education unless you are a doctor, mortician, or fireman/policeman most people in this area is dependent on the RV industry! I am all for education...but until we understand that we are at the time when instead of judging we need to be praying, as this is just a completion of the prophecy of the Word of God. Wake up people we are at the end of the grace period and Jesus is coming back soon!

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 12:16 PM hopefully still employed wrote ...

I work at Newmar and those don't look like their brand of units on the photo or if it is they are very old - might want to get correct manufacturer's photos to match your story.

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 11:59 AM Anonymous wrote ...

The least they could have done is let the employees know so they can go look for another job. Before shutdown

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 11:58 AM mick wrote ...

So Steve-O with a edcation as great as yours what do you do?

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 11:11 AM Steve-O wrote ...

Get an education people and then you don't have to rely on the RV economy. There are so many RV places that you can work.

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