From the internet;

Red Bay, Ala.-based Tiffin Motor Homes Inc., a major player in an industry that has been battered by rising gasoline prices, has told state officials it plans to lay off nearly 100 workers.

The Birmingham News reported that General Manager Tim Tiffin on Friday (June 27) confirmed a filing the company made with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs that said it plans to reduce its work force by 99 positions.

"It's been a rough six months," he said of the company founded in 1972 by his father, Bob.

Tiffin Motor Homes has 800 employees, Tim Tiffin said. "We've had to make some adjustments," he said, declining to comment further on the issue.

The company will be hosting its national dealer meeting July 21-23 in Branson, Mo. Tiffin produces luxury gas- and diesel-powered Class A motorhomes under the brand names Allegro, Allegro Bay, Phaeton, Allegro Bus and Zephyr.

Tiffin's planned layoffs come at a time when soaring gasoline prices have caused sales of motorhomes to plunge. Gasoline prices have risen 27% over the past year, averaging nearly $4.07 a gallon nationally Friday vs. $2.98 a year ago, according to AAA.

This economic crisis is less than a year old. If Tiffin is laying off 12 percent of its workforce already, I hate to see what will happen a year from now.

Jack

I think Winnie is taking it on the chin too.

I don't think anyone (including myself) is suggesting that this economic downturn is only hurting Tiffin. Every industry that is heavily linked to fuel prices is feeling the heat. However, some companies are better equipped to withstand the economic pressure than others. If fuel prices continue to climb and the economy continues to slide, it will take an awful lot of resources and fortitude to stay alive.

Jack