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Heartland Expansion Will Create 265 New Manufacturing Jobs

By wmadministrator


Heartland Recreational Vehicles has announced plans to expand its operations in Elkhart, Ind., creating up to 265 new jobs by 2013.

The company, which manufactures fifth wheel, lightweight and extended stay RVs will invest more than $2.6 million to purchase and equip a 125,000-s.f. manufacturing facility. Heartland announced in February that it has purchased the remaining trademarks of the towable brands of Fleetwood Enterprises Inc., which filed for bankruptcy protection in 2009.

“Elkhart’s recreational vehicle industry continues to show resilience in the face of a tough national economy,” said Mitch Roob, Indiana secretary of commerce and CEO of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. “Heartland’s investment further proves that Elkhart’s traditional industries will play an equal part with emerging sectors in bringing new opportunities to this region.”

Heartland employs more than 1,000 associates across north-central Indiana and plans to begin hiring additional manufacturing and supervisory associates immediately as the new product lines are phased in. The acquisition of the former Fleetwood brands will allow Heartland to expand into markets in the western United States.

“Our ability to gain ground in a down market has clearly positioned Heartland to make a tremendous market share gains and further grow our dealer body in 2010, said Heartland President and CEO Brian Brady. “This is shaping up to be the best year in our history.”