Friday, June 16, 2006
HAPPIJAC ACQUIRED BY DREW INDUSTRIES
RV Business
Friday, June 16, 2006
Recreational vehicle and manufactured housing supplier Drew Industries Inc. today (June 16) announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Lippert Components Inc. completed the acquisition of Kaysville, Utah-based Happijac Co. for $29.5 million.
White Plains N.Y.-based Drew said that Happijac, which manufactures a patented bed lift system and other RV components, had annual sales in excess of $12 million in 2005.
Happijac's management will continue to operate the business at its existing 65,000-square-foot factory located near Salt Lake City, which Lippert has leased.
Drew, also parent to Arlington, Texas-based supplier Kinro, said Happijac’s bed lift system is targeted at the growing toy hauler market, allowing beds to be raised to free up the on-board garage area.
"We are very excited about acquiring Happijac and adding their innovative products to our ever-growing RV lineup," said Leigh J. Abrams, president and CEO for Drew, also parent to Arlington, Texas-based supplier Kinro. "Happijac's products, management capabilities and creativity will enable us to participate in the growth of the toy hauler market.”
Friday, June 16, 2006
Recreational vehicle and manufactured housing supplier Drew Industries Inc. today (June 16) announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Lippert Components Inc. completed the acquisition of Kaysville, Utah-based Happijac Co. for $29.5 million.
White Plains N.Y.-based Drew said that Happijac, which manufactures a patented bed lift system and other RV components, had annual sales in excess of $12 million in 2005.
Happijac's management will continue to operate the business at its existing 65,000-square-foot factory located near Salt Lake City, which Lippert has leased.
Drew, also parent to Arlington, Texas-based supplier Kinro, said Happijac’s bed lift system is targeted at the growing toy hauler market, allowing beds to be raised to free up the on-board garage area.
"We are very excited about acquiring Happijac and adding their innovative products to our ever-growing RV lineup," said Leigh J. Abrams, president and CEO for Drew, also parent to Arlington, Texas-based supplier Kinro. "Happijac's products, management capabilities and creativity will enable us to participate in the growth of the toy hauler market.”
Thursday, June 15, 2006
WINALTA ACQUIRES VANGARD (A CANADIAN DEAL)
RV Business
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Winalta Inc., a publicly owned Canadian company, has acquired the outstanding shares of RV manufacturer Vanguard Inc., North Battleford, Saskatchewan, and now owns 100% of the company that it created in a partnership in 2003.
The financial aspects of the deal – in which Winalta obtained 30% of Vanguard shares that were outstanding – were not disclosed.
Winalta, based in Edmonton, Alberta, produced manufactured homes and modular housing until 2003 when it acquired the assets of bankrupt Peak Manufacturing Inc., and formed Vanguard as the majority owner.
Vanguard manufactures Vanguard, Frontier, Security and Kodiak Class C motorhomes, fifth-wheels and travel trailers from plants in North Battleford and Thetford Mines, Quebec.
Initially, Winalta planned to proceed with Peak's plans to produce a U.S. version of its Kodiak minimotorhome in South Bend, Ind., but later decided against the move.
Winalta President Frank Dixon said in a press release that Vanguard recently debuted a line of industrial trailers particularly suited for harsh Canadian weather.
“We anticipate that as we go forward our new industrial line of trailers will provide oil workers and others working in the north the reliability, accommodations and communication support to be comfortable in a harsh climate,” Dixon said. “This will help Vanguard improve profitability and contribution to Winalta Inc.”
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Winalta Inc., a publicly owned Canadian company, has acquired the outstanding shares of RV manufacturer Vanguard Inc., North Battleford, Saskatchewan, and now owns 100% of the company that it created in a partnership in 2003.
The financial aspects of the deal – in which Winalta obtained 30% of Vanguard shares that were outstanding – were not disclosed.
Winalta, based in Edmonton, Alberta, produced manufactured homes and modular housing until 2003 when it acquired the assets of bankrupt Peak Manufacturing Inc., and formed Vanguard as the majority owner.
Vanguard manufactures Vanguard, Frontier, Security and Kodiak Class C motorhomes, fifth-wheels and travel trailers from plants in North Battleford and Thetford Mines, Quebec.
Initially, Winalta planned to proceed with Peak's plans to produce a U.S. version of its Kodiak minimotorhome in South Bend, Ind., but later decided against the move.
Winalta President Frank Dixon said in a press release that Vanguard recently debuted a line of industrial trailers particularly suited for harsh Canadian weather.
“We anticipate that as we go forward our new industrial line of trailers will provide oil workers and others working in the north the reliability, accommodations and communication support to be comfortable in a harsh climate,” Dixon said. “This will help Vanguard improve profitability and contribution to Winalta Inc.”
RECALL
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
SETRA / S417 2005-2006
Manufacturer : SETRA OF NORTH AMERICA
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V207000 Mfg's Report Date : JUN 07, 2006
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 84
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR COACHES, THE TRANSVERSE CONTROL ARM OF THE FRONT AXLE MIGHT BREAK AS A RESULT OF EXTREME PRESSURE (E.G., DURING A SUDDEN APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES AT THE FINAL STAGE OF THE STOP).
Consequence:
THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
SETRA TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVES WILL CONTACT THE CUSTOMER TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO TEST THE TRANSVERSE CONTROL ARM AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE THE TRANSVERSE CONTROL ARM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JUNE 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SETRA AT 1-800-882-8054.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
SETRA / S417 2005-2006
Manufacturer : SETRA OF NORTH AMERICA
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V207000 Mfg's Report Date : JUN 07, 2006
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 84
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR COACHES, THE TRANSVERSE CONTROL ARM OF THE FRONT AXLE MIGHT BREAK AS A RESULT OF EXTREME PRESSURE (E.G., DURING A SUDDEN APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES AT THE FINAL STAGE OF THE STOP).
Consequence:
THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
SETRA TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVES WILL CONTACT THE CUSTOMER TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO TEST THE TRANSVERSE CONTROL ARM AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE THE TRANSVERSE CONTROL ARM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JUNE 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SETRA AT 1-800-882-8054.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
RECALL
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
BLUE BIRD / VISION 2007
Manufacturer : BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V202000 Mfg's Report Date : JUN 06, 2006
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 272
Summary:
CERTAIN 2007 VISION SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX AIR BRAKES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 7 AND MAY 26, 2006. THE CHECK VALVE INSIDE THE VALVE CAVITY MAY NOT PROPERLY SEAT, CAUSING INTERNAL AIR LEAKAGE. THIS CAN CAUSE A DELAY IN THE APPLICATION OF THE SPRING BRAKE TO PARK THE VEHICLE AFTER THE OPERATOR PULLS THE DASH VALVE BUTTON.
Consequence:
THE DELAYED PARKING BRAKE APPLICATION CAN OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING, LEADING TO UNINTENDED VEHICLE ROLLAWAY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.
Remedy:
BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE BRAKE VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JUNE 30, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.
Notes:
BLUE BIRD RECALL NO. R06KU. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.e
BLUE BIRD / VISION 2007
Manufacturer : BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V202000 Mfg's Report Date : JUN 06, 2006
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 272
Summary:
CERTAIN 2007 VISION SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX AIR BRAKES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 7 AND MAY 26, 2006. THE CHECK VALVE INSIDE THE VALVE CAVITY MAY NOT PROPERLY SEAT, CAUSING INTERNAL AIR LEAKAGE. THIS CAN CAUSE A DELAY IN THE APPLICATION OF THE SPRING BRAKE TO PARK THE VEHICLE AFTER THE OPERATOR PULLS THE DASH VALVE BUTTON.
Consequence:
THE DELAYED PARKING BRAKE APPLICATION CAN OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING, LEADING TO UNINTENDED VEHICLE ROLLAWAY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.
Remedy:
BLUE BIRD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE BRAKE VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JUNE 30, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 478-822-2242.
Notes:
BLUE BIRD RECALL NO. R06KU. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.e
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
RV MUSEUM ADDITION
Bob Ashley
RV Business
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
The Go RVing Coalition will sponsor a 5,000-square-foot exhibit in the new RV/MH Hall of Fame/Museum that is scheduled to open to the public in October and will support the facility with $200,000, renewable annually.
The announcement was made Monday (June 12) during a coalition meeting in conjunction with Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) Committee Week at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C.
The exhibit will feature five new RVs, a small theater with a 50-inch plasma TV and computer kiosks that will connect visitors with Go RVing’s website.
“We wanted to contrast the old with the new,” said coalition member B.J. Thompson, president of B.J. Thompson Associates in Mishawaka, Ind.
According to Gary LaBella, RVIA vice president of public relations and marketing, “This will take the facility from being just a museum to so much, much more.”
Last year, the Go RVing Coalition financed construction of a $200,000 state-of-the-art electronic sign at the site of the new hall of fame/museum in rural Elkhart (Ind.) County adjacent to the Indiana Toll Road.
The sign will advertise the Go RVing market expansion program and also display RV-related commercial advertising.
Staff for the RV/MH Heritage Foundation Inc. will move from its current location in downtown Elkhart into the new building in October, which initially will house the RV/MH Hall of Fame gallery, a display area for the 34 historic RVs the foundation already owns, a library and foundation offices.
The special exhibit hall that will depict the evolution of the manufactured housing industry, a 20,000-square-foot convention and convocation center, and a wing to display industry historian David Woodworth’s collection of antique RVs and camping memorabilia will be added later.
The official grand opening of the new facility will be in August 2007.
RV Business
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
The Go RVing Coalition will sponsor a 5,000-square-foot exhibit in the new RV/MH Hall of Fame/Museum that is scheduled to open to the public in October and will support the facility with $200,000, renewable annually.
The announcement was made Monday (June 12) during a coalition meeting in conjunction with Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) Committee Week at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C.
The exhibit will feature five new RVs, a small theater with a 50-inch plasma TV and computer kiosks that will connect visitors with Go RVing’s website.
“We wanted to contrast the old with the new,” said coalition member B.J. Thompson, president of B.J. Thompson Associates in Mishawaka, Ind.
According to Gary LaBella, RVIA vice president of public relations and marketing, “This will take the facility from being just a museum to so much, much more.”
Last year, the Go RVing Coalition financed construction of a $200,000 state-of-the-art electronic sign at the site of the new hall of fame/museum in rural Elkhart (Ind.) County adjacent to the Indiana Toll Road.
The sign will advertise the Go RVing market expansion program and also display RV-related commercial advertising.
Staff for the RV/MH Heritage Foundation Inc. will move from its current location in downtown Elkhart into the new building in October, which initially will house the RV/MH Hall of Fame gallery, a display area for the 34 historic RVs the foundation already owns, a library and foundation offices.
The special exhibit hall that will depict the evolution of the manufactured housing industry, a 20,000-square-foot convention and convocation center, and a wing to display industry historian David Woodworth’s collection of antique RVs and camping memorabilia will be added later.
The official grand opening of the new facility will be in August 2007.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
RECALL
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
SPARTAN / K224360-025 2007
Manufacturer : SPARTAN CHASSIS, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V200000 Mfg's Report Date : JUN 08, 2006
Component: STEERING:COLUMN
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 2
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH TRW MANUAL STEERING COLUMNS, THE STEERING COLUMN HAS AN INCORRECT BUSHING THAT DOES NOT PROPERLY LIMIT THE TRAVEL OF THE STEERING COLUMN.
Consequence:
THE REDUCED ENGAGEMENT OF THE COLUMN TUBING MAY LIMIT THE DRIVER'S CAPABILITY TO CONTROL THE STEERING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BUSHING TO INCREASE THE LENGTH OF THE ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THE STEERING COLUMN TUBES FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATIION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPARTAN AT 517-543-6400.
Notes:
SPARTAN RECALL NO. 06014. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATIONS VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
SPARTAN / K224360-025 2007
Manufacturer : SPARTAN CHASSIS, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V200000 Mfg's Report Date : JUN 08, 2006
Component: STEERING:COLUMN
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 2
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH TRW MANUAL STEERING COLUMNS, THE STEERING COLUMN HAS AN INCORRECT BUSHING THAT DOES NOT PROPERLY LIMIT THE TRAVEL OF THE STEERING COLUMN.
Consequence:
THE REDUCED ENGAGEMENT OF THE COLUMN TUBING MAY LIMIT THE DRIVER'S CAPABILITY TO CONTROL THE STEERING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BUSHING TO INCREASE THE LENGTH OF THE ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THE STEERING COLUMN TUBES FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATIION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPARTAN AT 517-543-6400.
Notes:
SPARTAN RECALL NO. 06014. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATIONS VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
