Winnebago Industries announced strategic actions to optimize its manufacturing footprint, enhance operational efficiency and position its premium brands for long-term growth.
As part of an ongoing enterprise initiative to align operations with market demand and maximize the use of existing resources, Winnebago Industries is making targeted manufacturing adjustments across two of its RV brands. The Winnebago brand’s towable RV production operations will relocate to the nearby production campus where Grand Design RV products are currently manufactured in Middlebury, Indiana, providing access to a modern manufacturing environment and available capacity to support future growth. In addition, the Grand Design RV business will also pursue select line consolidation within its manufacturing footprint.
Separately, the Winnebago motorhome business will relocate production of its B van product line from Lake Mills, Iowa, to its primary manufacturing facility in Forest City, Iowa, bringing key manufacturing functions together in a single complex and strengthening coordination across the business. Both the Winnebago towables campus in Middlebury, Indiana, and the Winnebago Motorhome facility in Lake Mills, Iowa, will be closed and offered for sale at a later date.
“Winnebago Industries is focused on building a stronger and more agile enterprise for the future,” said Michael Happe, president and chief executive officer of Winnebago Industries. “These actions reflect our commitment to thoughtfully managing our manufacturing footprint, leveraging the strengths of our portfolio and deploying resources where they can create the greatest value. By taking proactive steps today, we are strengthening our ability to serve customers, support dealers and drive long-term growth across our brands.”
The company emphasized that Winnebago towables and Grand Design will remain distinct businesses. Each brand will continue to maintain its own leadership team, product development, sales, dealers and product portfolio. No product lines are being discontinued as a result of these actions.
“One of the advantages of our parent company is the ability to leverage the strengths of each business while preserving what makes every brand unique,” said Don Clark, group president of Winnebago Industries’ towables segment and president of Grand Design RV. “These moves allow us to better utilize available capacity while maintaining the culture, customer focus and brand identity that have made Grand Design successful. At the same time, it provides Winnebago towables with additional resources and a stronger platform for future growth. These brands remain independent, but united in their effort to help more people enjoy their time outdoors.”
“For the Winnebago motorhome business, bringing more of our manufacturing expertise together in Forest City creates a stronger operating foundation and better positions us for the future,” said Chris West, president of the Winnebago brand. “By combining talent, production capabilities and key manufacturing functions in one location, we can improve coordination, strengthen execution and continue delivering the quality and innovation our dealers and customers expect.”
As these transitions occur over the next several months, dealers and customers can remain confident that business will continue seamlessly. The company said it does not expect any disruption to production and anticipates no changes to ordering processes, dealer relationships, warranty support, customer service or the ownership experience. Maintaining exceptional service and support for customers and dealers remains a top priority.
