We're at the Tiffin plant in Red Bay getting some work done on the coach and found out that they laid off about 30% of their work force today. Exact numbers are still sketchy, but that seems about the general consensus. When we were here in April they were producing 13 units a day, working 5 days a week. Friday they were down to 9 a day working 4 days a week, and today we heard they went to 6 a day with a considerable cut in workforce. This was not just production workers, it also included staff and engineering as rumor has it. Repair folks are still hanging strong.

Sign of the times.

John

Manufacturing is a business that only pays off when the economy of scale is high enough. For Tiffin, the decision to scale production back by 50% means they are sliding back to a much less efficient business model. From there, things get pretty tough. One thing is for sure, gas isn't ever going to be cheap again. For small companies like Tiffin, there are going to be some very difficult decisions to make this year. June is normally a busy time for the RV manufacturing industry. I hate to see what the winter will bring.

Jack

Tiffin is a great company with top of the line products and factory support second to none. It is unfortunate that things are the way they are and especially for folks who lost their jobs.

From a RV owners perspective, it is very scary that the people who build our recreational vehicles are experiencing cut backs, especially when it comes to build quality and quality control. Just hope that the people doing the final inspections at the various manufacturers are having a "good day" when that new rig is checked over. Not trying to be negative, just hoping that the cutbacks don't negatively effect quality. I'm confidant that Tiffin will remain at the top of the list.

Bob

We as a nation are in real trouble due to greed and the worthless politicians of both parties. The entire RV industry, all manufacturers, not just Tiffin are experiencing drastic sales reductions. Our RVs are rapidly depreciating. The next couple of years will surely be challenging.

In 2006, buying diesel for $2.35----the other party won control and now I just paid $4.59--shutter to think if they get all three houses

quote:

Originally posted by Tom Meredith:
In 2006, buying diesel for $2.35----the other party won control and now I just paid $4.59--shutter to think if they get all three houses

Tom, what were you paying for Diesel in 2000, before present administration took control?


Diselclacker

Gentlemen: iRV2.com has a VERY specific policy which forbids POLITICAL discussions and postings. Please adhere to this policy and refer to the TOS and rules for any clarification. ED (moderator)

Plant is open today to retrofit for just one production line. Keep the folks is Red Bay in your prayers. Many of the laidoff don't have a safety net.

Ed, when did you become a Moderator ?

The tripling of fuel prices almost certainly represents the greatest threat the current RV industry has ever faced. As a result, some manufacturers will become stronger and others simply won’t make it. There used to be close to a hundred automobile manufacturers in the U.S. Today, there are just two (or three if you count Chrysler/Benz).

It’s always important to put on a good face in the business world. But as a practical matter, lots of RV manufacturers won’t be around to see the next decade. The good news is that this situation will ultimately result in a U.S. RV industry that is stronger, more flexible, and more diverse.

Jack