California-based Lance Camper, which manufactures ultra-lightweight, composite-built truck campers and travel trailers, is expanding its manufacturing footprint by building a new production facility in Decatur, Ind.
The company said the Decatur facility – which will consist of an assembly plant and a component warehouse – will produce travel trailers for Lance dealers in the eastern half of North America.
The company’s 22-acre campus in Lancaster, Calif., will continue to operate as it always has, the company said.
“With the growing interest in and demand for travel trailers, our Decatur facilities will help to better serve those dealers in the Midwest and in the East,” said Mike Lanciotti, president, REV Recreation Group. “Adams County is known for its loyal and diligent workforce, many with expertise in RV manufacturing; we look forward to more employees joining the Lance team.”
This expansion will create more than 100 jobs in Adams County with initial recruiting expected to begin in early April. Preliminary startup is planned for July, with production ramp-up to follow for six to eight months.
Lance received support both from Adams County and the Indiana Economic Develop Corporation in the form of property tax abatements and incentive-based tax credits. The tax credits are performance-based, meaning they are dependent on the company meeting certain staffing goals.
“As the RV Capital of the World, Indiana offers a business-friendly climate and skilled workforce for a variety of RV and camper manufacturers to increase production and meet rising demand of Hoosiers wanting to explore,” said Ann Lathrop, executive vice president of global investments for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “We’re excited Lance Camper has chosen to expand operations in Indiana and look forward to supporting the company’s continued growth.”
