Starcraft RV, a manufacturer of recreational vehicles, has re-started production in its Topeka, Indiana plant. The facility had been closed and production consolidated into parent company Jayco's Middlebury, Indiana site in a cost-cutting move.

"When we consolidated Starcraft's operations in Jayco's Middlebury campus, we indicated that our goal would be to reinstate the operations in Topeka as soon as market conditions would allow," said Starcraft General Manager Jim Jacobs. "We believe that time is now. This year has started off on a pace well ahead of last year both in shipping and in retail sales activity. We continue to be optimistic that 2010 will be a much improved year for our industry."

The company will hire up to 50 workers this year in Topeka. Some product lines will be reinstated there as market conditions allow over the next 18 months.

Jacobs said the Topeka site will eventually have four manufacturing assembly lines and two side department operations. He expects the company to eventually employ a few hundred people.