Three months after purchasing property and creating more than 100 jobs in Ligonier, Elkhart-based Forest River is set to expand and bring with it a potential addition of 400 jobs.
This story by Kelly Lynch originally appeared on KPC News.
Ligonier Mayor Patty Fisel said last Wednesday morning that the RV manufacturer made an agreement with the Ligonier Industrial Development Corp. Tuesday to purchase 50 acres of agricultural-zoned land southwest of the intersection of North Main Street and Perry Road, with plans to close on the purchase contract early next week.
The plan to expand didn’t come as a complete surprise to Fisel. She had commented in August after Forest River’s initial purchase of the property at 710 Gerber St., formerly Creative Wood Designs, that the company already was looking for more space for future expansion.
The company, owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc., recently started production in Ligonier’s industrial park to meet the growing demand for its Palomino-brand Puma line of toy haulers.
Unlike many industries that are dealing with vacancies in their workforce, Fisel said Forest River had no issues with filling its labor needs and saw the opportunity for growth within the city.
Mike Stump, a Forest River representative, approached the mayor two weeks ago to search for a new location to expand the manufacturer’s production and was soon in touch with the LIDC to scout properties in the city’s industrial park, Fisel said.