Elkhart-based THOR Industries announced an organizational restructuring in response to industry trends.
As part of the realignment, Heartland Recreational Vehicles will be integrated under Jayco to enhance operational efficiency.
Bob Martin, THOR president and CEO, said the industry is currently seeing a downcyle. THOR's companies have focused on right-sizing their product lineups to meet market conditions and customer demands.
“This restructuring takes the idea of rationalization for optimization to the next level as we considered the impact of the evolved marketplace in the U.S. RV market, which includes significant dealer consolidation,” Martin said in a press release. “Aligning key Heartland brands under the Jayco umbrella creates potential to maximize the performance of those brands.”
Ken Walters, Jayco president, said there will be no disruption to current Heartland dealers and owners.
“As we welcome Heartland into the Jayco family, we will ensure the same excellence in the products that Jayco currently offers to the market and also in the relationships that we manage both with our dealers and our retail customers,” Walters said.
As part of the restructuring, THOR will transfer certain private label brands manufactured by Heartland to Dutchmen Manufacturing. Dutchmen Manufacturing is a division of THOR’s subsidiary Keystone RV Company.
“Under the leadership of Aaron Young, these private label brands will be under leadership that has proven its ability to deliver private label offerings with strong margins,” Martin said.
THOR expects the moves to reduce operating costs and enhance customer service capabilities. The changes will lead to a more efficient distribution strategy to a consolidated dealer base. The transition will take place over the coming months
“Our goal is to foster a more seamless operational framework that allows us to operate more efficiently and more effectively in the evolving U.S. market,” Martin said. “This restructuring reflects our dedication to long-term growth, efficiency and excellence in the RV industry.”
