More than 200 people will soon be out of a job as Winnebago says it’s shutting down production at its factory in Junction City, Ore. Three years ago, Winnebago acquired the dormant motorhome plant and ramped up production.
This story by Chris M. Lehman originally appeared in KLCC 89.7.
But in a statement posted on the Winnebago Investor Relations website, Brian Hazelton, the VP and general manager of the Winnebago Motorhome division, said the company has “not achieved our targeted operating efficiency and profitability goals.” By eliminating roughly 220 Oregon jobs and moving RV production to Iowa, Winnebago hopes to “enhance profitability through increased manufacturing efficiency,” said Hazelton.
It’s a blow for the Junction City area, said Rick Kissock, the executive director of the Tri-County Chamber of Commerce.
Kissock said one silver lining is that Winnebago will continue to employ 30 people at its RV repair facility in Junction City. He said when RV owners have work done on their motorhome, they frequently spend money on lodging, restaurant meals and supplies while in the area.
