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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

THOR Industries Forms Hymer USA Division in Bristol, Indiana

01/31/2020
THOR Industries, Inc. expanded operations with the formation of Hymer USA, a new subsidiary focused on producing and marketing recreational vehicles utilizing European manufacturing practices, automation and control standards. The company plans to invest $8 to $10 million in an existing, newly renovated, company-owned facility in Bristol, Indiana.

According to company officials, the announcement follows THOR's 2019 acquisition of Europe's Erwin Hymer Group, which created the world's largest RV manufacturer, holding leading positions on both continents. Erwin Hymer Group is a long-standing leader in the European RV market and one of the largest RV manufacturers in Europe. EHG, including its Hymer brand, is well-known for innovation, design and product quality. Initial product availability is expected in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2020.

Employees in key product development roles and with specific European manufacturing expertise will relocate from Germany to Bristol to allow Hymer USA to replicate its proven manufacturing process in collaboration with THOR's skilled American workforce, officials said.

"Hymer USA will feature a very different way of manufacturing not currently seen in the North American RV industry, including automated processes that will be implemented throughout design and assembly," James said. "Products will benefit from the world-leading quality standards set by EHG and our new work environment will feature highly skilled team members collaborating directly with employees from EHG's European operations while incorporating the speed to market for which THOR is well-regarded."

"We are very proud of our extensive brand portfolio, which has historically allowed us to be responsive to the diverse needs of both our dealers and consumers. The Hymer brand and product offering has already received very positive feedback from our North American dealer network," stated Bob Martin, President and CEO of THOR Industries. "Delivering to the North American market the innovation, design and quality for which the Hymer brand is known will benefit consumers and dealers and further enhance THOR's leadership position within the market, which we believe will provide strong long-term value to our investors."

"We anticipate significant benefits in working together with our German team, learning from each other and, ultimately, offering unique products to provide years of enjoyable experiences for our customers. As we begin to leverage the combined talent of our companies and share best practices across the globe, we are more optimistic than ever about the future,” he added.

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