Friday, April 25, 2008

 

MONACO CUTTING MORE JOBS

RV Business
Friday, April 25, 2008

Monaco Coach Corp. announced today (April 25) that it is cutting 600 jobs, fairly evenly split between the company’s home base in Oregon and its Indiana operations.

“With the decline in consumer confidence, oil prices and the financial market unrest, consumers are delaying the purchase of RVs,” Craig Wanichek, director of investor relations, told RVBusiness. “We also want to size our business to come out of this a stronger company.”

The Coburg, Ore.-based recreational vehicle builder said the layoffs represent about 12% of its work force and included administrative and production employees. In January, Monaco laid off 200 workers at its Wakarusa, Ind., facility.

Wanichek said that employees were informed Thursday and today of the layoff, which reduced the company’s work force to around 4,400 people.

“This is a very difficult decision,” Wanichek said. “It’s not the only cost-saving measure we’re putting in place. We’re also increasing manufacturing efficiencies and trying to be more efficient with our supply chain.”

The announcement comes on the heels of Wednesday's first-quarter earnings report that showed a net loss of $8.5 million. Monaco also projected a loss again for the current quarter.

 

RECALL: WINNEBAGO/ITASCA (RINCON WHEEL CHAIR LIFTS)

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
ITASCA / CAMBRIA 2007
ITASCA / HORIZON 2007-2008
WINNEBAGO / ACCESS 2007
WINNEBAGO / ADVENTURER 2006
WINNEBAGO / JOURNEY 2006-2008
WINNEBAGO / MINNIE WINNIE 2006
WINNEBAGO / SIGHTSEER 2006-2007
WINNEBAGO / TOUR 2007
WINNEBAGO / VECTRA 2007
WINNEBAGO / VOYAGE 2006-2008
Manufacturer : WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC. Mfr's Report Date : MAR 12, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V149000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 31
Summary:
WINNEBAGO IS RECALLING 31 MY 2006-2008 JOURNEY, VOYAGE, MY 2006-2007 SIGHTSEER, MY 2006 ADVENTURER, MINNIE WINNIE, MY 2007 ACCESS, TOUR, VECTRA, ITASCA CAMBRIA, AND MY 2007-2008 ITASCA HORIZON MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE MOTOR HOMES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.
Consequence:
THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.
Remedy:
WINNEBAGO IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000.
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: DICK WALTERS CAMPER (DOMETIC REFRIGERATORS)

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
DICK WALTERS / GMC G3500 1999
Manufacturer : DICK WALTERS RV'S Mfr's Report Date : AUG 21, 2007
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V380000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 1
Summary:
ONE CAMPER EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION, MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.
Consequence:
RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy:
THIS CAMPER HAS BEEN REPAIRED.
Notes:
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.

 

RECALL: NATIONAL RV (DOMETIC REFRIGERATORS)

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
NATIONAL RV / BLAZE'N 2003
NATIONAL RV / CARIBBEAN 2000-2001
NATIONAL RV / DOLPHIN 1997-2003
NATIONAL RV / DOLPHIN LX 2002-2003
NATIONAL RV / ISLANDER 2001-2003
NATIONAL RV / MARLIN 2001-2002
NATIONAL RV / MYSTIQUE 2002
NATIONAL RV / PALISADES 2002-2003
NATIONAL RV / PALISADES FW 2000-2003
NATIONAL RV / RAGE'N 2001-2003
NATIONAL RV / SEA BREEZE 1997-2003
NATIONAL RV / SEA BREEZE FW 1997-2003
NATIONAL RV / SEA BREEZE LX 2002-2003
NATIONAL RV / SEA VIEW 1998-2002
NATIONAL RV / SEABREEZE 2003
NATIONAL RV / SPLASH 2001-2003
NATIONAL RV / SURFSIDE 1999-2001
NATIONAL RV / TRADEWINDS 1997-2003
NATIONAL RV / TRADEWINDS LE 2002-2003
NATIONAL RV / TRADEWINDS LTC 2003
NATIONAL RV / TROPI-CAL 1997-2003
Manufacturer : NATIONAL RV, INC. Mfr's Report Date : MAY 15, 2007
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V230000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 21326
Summary:
CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR, MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION, MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.
Consequence:
RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy:
NATIONAL RV WILL BE WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 06E076). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST OWNERS IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR NATIONAL RV AT 1-800-999-7260, EXT. 4335.
Notes:
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.

 

SKYLINE SHUTTING DOWN NOMAD TRAVEL TRAILER PLANT IN OREGON

RV Business
Friday, April 25, 2008

Elkhart, Ind.-based Skyline Corp. has announced that it plans to close its manufacturing plant in McMinnville, Ore., eliminating 84 jobs.

The News Enterprise, McMinnville, reported that the facility, which produces the company’s Nomad line of travel trailers, will close June 20.

The company is working with a "rapid response team" created by the state and a local community college to help employees find new jobs or seek retraining, said Jodi Christensen, executive director of the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership and a member of the response team.

The company has not indicated any plans to close Skyline's manufactured housing plant in McMinnville, Christensen said.

Nomad Manager Terry Ainslie referred all media inquiries to the company's corporate headquarters, where a spokesman was unavailable on Wednesday (April 23).

Deanna Webber, coordinator of Workforce Oregon's Yamhill County branch and head of the response team, said that Skyline also has contacted Forest River Inc. in nearby Dallas to see whether it is interested in hiring any of the Skyline employees. Forest River is expanding its operations and has positions open, Christensen said.

"We all have same goal - to make sure people have jobs and are going to continue to work," she said. "It's certainly a tight community, and they're going to take care of each other."

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

 

RECALL: DOMETIC (REFRIGERATORS)

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
DOMETIC / NDR1062 9999
DOMETIC / RM2652 9999
DOMETIC / RM2662 9999
DOMETIC / RM2852 9999
DOMETIC / RM2862 9999
DOMETIC / RM3662 9999
DOMETIC / RM3663 9999
DOMETIC / RM3862 9999
Manufacturer : DOMETIC CORPORATION Mfr's Report Date : APR 11, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08E032000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: EQUIPMENT
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 745574
Summary:
DOMETIC HAS REPORTED A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT COVERING 745,574 TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATORS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1, 2003 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2006, WITH SERIAL NOS. 320XXXXX THROUGH 352XXXXX; 401XXXXX THROUGH 452XXXXX; 501XXXXX THROUGH 552XXXXX; AND 601XXXXX THROUGH 639XXXXX, INSTALLED IN CERTAIN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT. A FATIGUE CRACK MAY DEVELOP IN THE BOILER TUBE WHICH MAY RELEASE A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.
Consequence:
THE RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy:
THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLES THAT HAD THE REFRIGERATORS INSTALLED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND DOMETIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE AFTERMARKET REFRIGERATORS. DOMETIC WILL INSTALL A SECONDARY BURNER HOUSING FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL/MAY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC AT 888-446-5157.
Notes:
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.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

 

RECALL: SAF-HOLLAND/ADL (SUSPENSION)

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
SAF-HOLLAND / ADL 9999
SAF-HOLLAND / ADLSD 9999
Manufacturer : SAF-HOLLAND Mfr's Report Date : APR 04, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08E031000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: SUSPENSION
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 2065
Summary:
SAF-HOLLAND HAS REPORTED A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT IN 2,065 TRANSVERSE BEAM ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. 90547733, 90547813, AND 90548443, INSTALLED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT IN CERTAIN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES TO AID IN PROVIDING ROLL RESISTANCE OF THE DRIVE AXLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM. IN SOME INSTANCES THE TRANSVERSE BEAM WAS NOT PROPERLY WELDED WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FAILURE OF THE WELD.
Consequence:
IF THE WELD FAILS, VEHICLE STABILITY WHILE CORNERING COULD BE AFFECTED RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSVERSE BEAM COULD DROP TO THE GROUND CAUSING SPARKS THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE HAZARD.
Remedy:
EACH VEHICLE MANUFACTURER WILL FILE A DEFECT REPORT AND REMEDY PLAN FOR THEIR VEHICLES WHICH INCLUDED THESE TRANSVERSE BEAM ASSEMBLIES AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. VEHICLES WILL BE REPAIRED AT NO COST TO THE OWNER. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT EITHER THEIR VEHICLE MANUFACTURER OR SAF-HOLLAND AT 231-773-3271.
Notes:
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.

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