Elkhart RV shipments on the rise

ELKHART COUNTY ‒ The high unemployment rate in Elkhart County is still a concern, but there is some good news for an RV industry that was hit hard by plant closings and layoffs: Shipments of RVs are up. It's a feeling that a growing number of employees at RV plants in Elkhart County are picking up on ‒ that the industry could be turning a corner. The wholesale shipment of RVs in December of 2009 went up 150 percent compared to December of 2008. It is not a sign of a complete turnaround, but a good sign nonetheless. “It’s going to take a little bit of time to get back, if at all,” said Matt Zimmerman, Keystone RV general manager. “We will get back to those numbers that we saw years ago, but the reality is it’s improving and that's a very good thing for everyone here in Elkhart County and at Keystone." “It’s very positive,” said Don Clark, president of Dutchmen. “It’s not the end all, you know, we have to continue seeing increases in retail sales. Retail sales are going to propel this continuation of business, especially in Elkhart County.” The positive news about the RV industry has not gone unnoticed on the production line. It’s music to the ears of many employees. People are being brought back to work. “I think its going to be a good year,” said Clark. “I don't think its gong to be a banner year. I think its going to be a very steady growth. We're very optimistic about that.” “We're still a little bit sensitive to what’s happening out and around us, in knowing its not going to be back to the numbers we had in previous years, but its certainly going to get better,” said Zimmerman.