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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Winnebago Towables Expands Its Manufacturing Campus In Middlebury, Indiana

05/05/2015
Winnebago Towables plans to expand its production center, creating up to 150 new jobs by 2019 in Middlebury, Indiana.

The company, which is a subsidiary of Winnebago Industries, Inc., invested approximately $5.4 million in April to purchase four facilities in Middlebury that cover 277,330 square feet on its 31 acre campus, which was previously leased. The company plans to grow production at the facilities and also invest nearly $250,000 in equipment over the next few years to meet growing demand for the company’s line of Winnebago towable recreational vehicles.

“We are pleased with the opportunity to grow our manufacturing footprint in Middlebury, Indiana,” said Randy Potts, Chairman/CEO and president of Winnebago Industries. “We greatly appreciate the support provided to us by the state of Indiana, Elkhart County and the city of Middlebury and we look forward to continued growth and future success here.” Once fully staffed, Winnebago Towables will employ approximately 280 in Indiana. The company is currently hiring for manufacturing positions.

Founded in 1958, Winnebago is a manufacturer of recreational vehicles. Winnebago acquired SunnyBrook Manufacturing in Middlebury in 2010, marking the company’s re-entry into producing towable RVs for the first time since 1983. Primarily serving the leisure travel and outdoor recreation markets, Winnebago is a leading U.S. RV manufacturer with additional motorhome and component manufacturing facilities in the Forest City, Charles City and Lake Mills, Iowa, along with a soon-to-be-opened facility in Waverly, Iowa.

As an incentive, Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Winnebago of Indiana up to $1,925,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $75,000 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. The city of Middlebury will consider additional incentives at the request of the Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County.

“Northern Indiana is the epicenter of the RV industry,” said Governor Mike Pence. “It’s the home of nearly 85 percent of the nation’s RV production and supports thousands of Hoosier jobs. And, because of the state’s affordable business climate and experienced manufacturing workforce, it’s great to see Winnebago choosing to create even more jobs here.”

“We would like to thank Winnebago for its continued investment and job creation in the town of Middlebury and Elkhart County,” said Gary O’Dell, President of the Middlebury Town Council. “Elkhart County’s current assets, transportation options and proximity to Interstate 80/90 all were factors contributing to the company’s decision to invest.”

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