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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Towable RV Manufacturer KZRV Plans $4.83 Million Expansion In Shipshewana, Indiana

10/14/2014
KZRV, LP, a manufacturer of towable recreational vehicles, plans to invest up to $4.83 million to expand its production center in Shipshewana, Indiana, creating up to 125 new jobs by 2017.

The company, which is an operating company owned by a subsidiary of Thor Industries, will construct and equip a new 80,750 square-foot dedicated lamination facility in Shipshewana. The facility, which will be fully operational by late spring 2015, will allow the company to increase its production capacity for lamination, aluminum frame welding and towable recreational vehicle assembly.

“For more than four decades, KZ has grown its business in northern Indiana, the RV capital of the world, so it is only natural that we would continue to invest in Shipshewana as we continue to grow our business,” said Aram Koltookian, COO at KZ. “The new lamination facility is designed to produce high-quality laminated components and custom aluminum parts that will feed our other towable assembly plants, improving overall efficiency while maintaining the level of quality that KZ is known for in our industry.”

KZRV produces a full line of towable RVs, from high-end models like the Durango and Stone Ridge to value lines including Sportsmen Classics. The KZRV complex, with the new addition, now consists of eight buildings covering 530,000 square feet. KZRV, which currently employs more than 360 full-time Indiana associates, plans to begin hiring aluminum welders and general assembly workers in late spring 2015.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered KZRV up to $1,250,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $21,600 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. In addition, LaGrange County will consider additional incentives at the request of the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation.

“The RV industry has deep roots and a proud tradition in Indiana,” said Governor Mike Pence. “KZRV’s decision to expand in the Hoosier State is a testament to the skill of our workforce, the strength of our infrastructure and our low-tax, pro-growth environment. Not only does Indiana have a great history with the RV industry, but with our ideal business climate, we also have a promising future.”

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