Winnebago Industries reported revenues for the fiscal 2018 second quarter ended Feb. 24, were $468.4 million, an increase of 26.4 percent compared to $370.5 million for the same fiscal 2017 period. 

Gross profit was $67.7 million, an increase of 37.2 percent compared to $49.3 million for the fiscal 2017 period. Gross profit margin increased 110 basis points in the quarter, driven by the continuation of accelerated growth in the towable segment, which accounted for 57 percent of revenues in the Fiscal 2018 second quarter. 

Operating income was $35.3 million for the quarter, an improvement of 24.2 percent compared to $28.4 million in the second quarter of last year. Fiscal 2018 second quarter net income was $22.1 million, an increase of 44.6 percent compared to $15.3 million in the same period last year. 

President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Happe said, “The second quarter marked another period of solid consolidated results for Winnebago Industries, including strong sales growth, overall market share accretion, and margin improvement, as we continue to build a more balanced full-line RV portfolio. Our towables segment outpaced the industry with robust organic growth and impressive profitability across the Winnebago and Grand Design brands. The towables backlog position and retail performance remain strong, with reasonable field inventory levels driven by our market momentum, increasing share of dealer lots, and further product line expansion. We continue to make incremental progress facing the market in our motorized segment, with encouraging double-digit percentage retail growth in the quarter and a strong increase in our motorized backlog driven by improving product line vitality and appeal. However, there remains much work ahead on motorized profitability improvement as we work to drive a return on the current costs and investments associated with the turnaround strategy.”

Happe added, “During the quarter, we recorded a tax reform benefit and expect a similar favorable tax rate for the remainder of fiscal 2018. We are committed to passing a portion of the tax savings to our hard-working Winnebago Industries employees in the form of a bonus and other selective wage adjustments, making a donation to our foundation, and accelerating facility improvements over the coming months which will create better work environments.”

Southwire Co.’s newest innovation, the Surge Guard 50A Model 34950, is an upgrade to the current RV line of surge protectors featuring patent pending technology to detect electrical issues within the RV. This feature furthers Carrollton, Ga.-based Southwire’s commitment to invest in the advancement of surge protector technology.

“Our goal is to provide the highest level of electrical protection for RV owners to safeguard their families and investments from the dangers of electrical faults,” Southwire’s Director of Sales, Mobile Power & Electrical Safety, Bobby Raatz said. “Surge Guard Model 34950 includes exclusive technology that detects and protects against faults beyond the device. This level of protection has never been available before and is the launching point for the future of Southwire’s Surge Guard surge protector product line.”

Key features of the Surge Guard 50A Model 34950: 

New patent pending technology allows the Surge Guard 50A Model 34950 to detect an open neutral condition inside the RV. The Surge Guard device can detect open neutral on the common neutral line from the device to the main breaker panel. When this fault occurs, there is a dramatic swing in the voltages in both Leg 1 and Leg 2, where one leg will swing to extremely high voltage and the other leg will swing to extremely low voltage, causing immediate damage to all electronic devices that are plugged in inside the RV, unless the Surge Guard 50A Model 34950 is in use.

Both the Surge Guard 30A Model 34930 and Surge Guard 50A Model 34950 can now detect and protect against elevated ground line currents that are generated inside of the RV.

All Surge Guard RV power protection devices, including the Surge Guard 50A Model 34950, include a Limited Lifetime Warranty with Connected Equipment Coverage, effective on aftermarket Surge Guard products retail purchased on or after Nov. 27, 2017.

The Federal Trade Commission said Tuesday that CDK Global Inc. had abandoned its planned purchase of fellow automotive dealer software vendor Auto/Mate Dealership Systems after the agency filed an administrative complaint alleging their tie-up would “reduce competition in an already concentrated market,” according to Law360.

According to the FTC’s announcement, had CDK acquired Auto/Mate, it would have further expanded its lead as the U.S.’ strongest dealer management system, or DMS, software provider. New-car dealers, the FTC said, use that software “to manage nearly every aspect of their business.”

Automotive News said CDK and Auto/Mate signed an agreement last April outlining terms of a sale that was subject to FTC approval, Auto/Mate said. But after an 11-month review, Auto/Mate said “the FTC decided that it was in the best interest of auto dealers to have Auto/Mate remain as a strong competitor in the marketplace.”

Auto/Mate said the FTC dug into documents from CDK and Auto/Mate and spoke to a variety of industry players, including dealers, competing companies, consultants and CDK employees, as well as Auto/Mate CEO Mike Esposito and Larry Colson, the Albany, N.Y., company's managing partner.

Highland Ridge RV, manufacturer of Open Range, Mesa Ridge and Highlander toy hauler brands, is introducing the all-new Open Range and Mesa Ridge stick-and-tin travel trailer for immediate production. This full-featured, aggressively priced RV will be the first of its class produced by Highland Ridge RV and will draw on the popularity of several innovative features exclusive to the current Highland Ridge RV product offering. 

“The Product Development Team at Highland Ridge RV has done an incredible job creating this strategy and bringing it to fruition for the spring selling season,” stated Marc Hauser, vice president of sales and product development for Jayco towable products. “We are looking forward to producing innovative, amenity rich and aggressively priced products, for which Highland Ridge RV is known.”  

Added Hauser, “Our objective is to keep our product offering focused solely on the best-selling and highest-turning floorplans, while including the most requested features as standard equipment. It will insure we consistently offer superior quality products while making it simple for dealers and consumers to compare value.” 

Highland Ridge RV plans to produce the new products in both Indiana and in its West region production facility. The management team said it believes that maximizing production capabilities in multiple locations will increase the competitive edge from which the products already benefit, providing added value for dealers and consumers. Production is scheduled for April and products will be distributed throughout the U.S. and Canada through Highland Ridge RV dealer partners.

REV Group’s Board of Directors has approved the authorization of a share repurchase program.

The authorization allows the repurchase of up to $50 million of the company’s outstanding common stock, effective immediately. The repurchase authorization expires in 24 months and gives management the flexibility to determine conditions under which shares may be purchased.

“The board’s share repurchase authorization reflects confidence in our company’s long-term performance and position in our marketplace, as well as our commitment to returning value to shareholders,” said Tim Sullivan, REV Group president and CEO. “This repurchase authorization allows us the flexibility to opportunistically acquire shares when attractive opportunities arise, and we believe our current share price represents a compelling investment opportunity and prudent use of existing liquidity. We will remain committed to a disciplined capital deployment strategy to drive value for our shareholders through strategic acquisitions, dividends and share repurchases.”

The company’s share repurchase authorization permits the company to purchase shares through a variety of methods, including in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Milwaukee-based REV Group manufactures recreational and specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services.

Volta Power Systems has been recognized as one of the 2018 “Best Small Businesses,” an awards program presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business.

Holland, Mich.-based Volta Power Systems will be honored at an awards ceremony during the fourteenth annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business gala event, May 3, in Lansing, Mich.

Volta Power Systems provides safe, powerful and complete lithium ion energy storage solutions for small to midsize businesses in the RV, marine, furniture and specialty vehicle industries. Based on automotive technology, OEMs and manufacturers trust Volta to deliver leading-edge power systems that increase the capabilities and comfort of their end users.

“We’re proud to be recognized in the Smartzone category for Volta’s advancements in the advanced energy storage industry,” Jack Johnson, co-founder of Volta Power Systems. “We’re bringing the same advanced technology used in electric vehicles to the RV, Marine, furniture, and specialty vehicle industries to provide safe energy solutions to some of those industries’ most pressing issues.”

Companies recognized as a “Best Small Business” through Michigan Celebrates Small Business were selected by their regional Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), Small Business Development Center (SBDC), or SmartZone. Honorees are selected based on their demonstration of successful growth and contributions to the economy of Michigan.

For more information visit www.MichiganCelebrates.biz.

Meyer Distributing has added Banks Power to its extensive line up of aftermarket parts it distributes. Banks Power Products offers superior performance products for a variety of vehicles such as Jeeps, SUVs, marine, motorhome and diesel applications.

Shawn O’Connor, the Diesel Category manager at Meyer states, “With the addition of another quality manufacturer to our line card, it solidifies our goal of being a quality supplier that spans coast to coast with our own delivery network and offer a true one-stop shop for our brick & mortar customers, as well as the capability to fulfill for our Ecommerce customers in a timely fashion.”

Banks Power (also know as Gale Banks Engineering), indisputably leads the gas and diesel engine automotive performance industry. The cutting-edge engineering of Banks Power systems have brought the aftermarket such innovations as the high performance big block blower modifications and hard hitting turbo diesel power electronic technologies to the multi-product power package bundles for the rapidly growing power-hungry diesel and gas enthusiast.

Route 66 RV Network has made Keller Marine & RV a primary RV Parts Distribution partner to the group.

“This group is made up of top-quality dealers across the U.S.A. and Canada. We are excited to have the opportunity to serve the US dealers” said Mike Keller, president of Keller Marine & RV. “As a privately held distribution firm, we look forward to working closer with the dealers in the group as a parts provider. We all share a common goal of bringing a strong value proposition to the Route 66 dealers and their customers. The internet has really changed the game and the partnership will aid in assisting this group to compete in this evolving marketplace.”

Keller Marine & RV has a long-standing relationship with key suppliers in the industry. Those relationships, and its industry leading technology, will allow Keller Marine & RV to become a strong partner to the Route 66 RV Network and reach the dealers with programs that will enhance the RV lifestyle.

The recent addition of Lightning RV to the Keller Marine & RV family will help the distributor to serve dealers in the Southeast out of its recently opened Tampa facility.

“This also brings the opportunity to introduce the Lightning Visual Parts System to the Route 66 dealers. Keller is fast becoming an industry leader by combining KWeb with VPS (Visual Parts System) which brings together the best back room organizing system in the industry and state of the art parts lookup” said Joe Ely, Keller Marine & RV Southeastern sales coordinator.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to be adding Keller and Lightning to our parts distribution team” said Dave

Francis, partner at Route 66. “Few distributors in the country have the combination of experience, technology and integrity that Keller can bring to a partnership. Add the additional capabilities that Lightning brings to the table and I’m confident our dealers will be well served whether they are selling parts in their stores or online.”

“Keller is prepared to support and serve the Route 66 RV Network dealers with attention to detail and the level of customer service that is second to none. Since 1958, we have been helping dealers give exceptional service to their retail consumers. This partnership helps expand Keller’s market, but doesn’t change our commitment to service and two-step distribution. We believe the dealer is our future. The dealer’s success is firmly tied to our success and we prefer it that way,” said Michael Keller, Keller Marine & RV sales manager.

Highland Ridge RV has added four RV industry veterans to its Mesa Ridge and Open Range sales teams, respectively.

Nick Jordan – A 13-year industry veteran, Jordan brings with him extensive manufacturer experience, most recently as a Regional Sales Manager at Forest River. He joins the Mesa Ridge / Highlander toy hauler team covering the Northwest Region. Jordan may be reached via email at njordan@highlandridgerv.com or via cell: 951-378-8545. 
Dan Hauser - Hauser joins the Highland Ridge team after spending six years on the manufacturer side of the RV industry. He previously served on the staff of U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (Utah). He is the new Southwest Regional Manager for the Mesa Ridge / Highlander toy hauler product lines. Hauser may be contacted via email at dhauser@highlandridgerv.com or via cell: 801-691-3022.
Jay Jessup – Following 15 years on the retail side of the RV industry, Jessup joins Highland Ridge as the Southeast Regional Sales Manager on the Mesa Ridge / Highlander toy hauler team. He has served the RV Industry in various roles, and is looking forward to joining the wholesale side of the industry. Jessup may be reached via email at jjessup@highlandridgerv.com or via cell: 615-934-0360. 
Nick Eppert – Eppert is joining the team with 25+ years of RV industry experience, most recently serving as National Sales Manager at Starcraft RV. Eppert is joining the Open Range team and will be covering the Southwest Territory for the Open Range brand. He may be reached via email at nepppert@highlandridgevr.com or via cell: 574-612-2795. 

“The enormous amount of success we are experiencing at Highland Ridge RV is attracting top-tier talent from both the retail and wholesale sides of our industry,” stated Jason Poole, general manager, Highland Ridge RV. “Our entire team feels very blessed we are able to add these four high-caliber individuals to our group. We look forward to them meeting our Dealer Partners.” 

Added Poole, “We are confident that our dealers and potential Highland Ridge RV customers will appreciate the professionalism of these gentlemen- adding incremental value to the overall Highland Ridge RV experience.”
For more questions regarding Highland Ridge RV products, contact Poole at jpoole@highlandridgerv.com

President Trump further escalated economic tensions with China by unveiling Thursday afternoon extensive new trade restrictions under section 301 of the Trade Act that would effectively block at least $50 billion in Chinese imports from entering the United States.

Trump directed his administration to take action that will likely result in tariffs on a proposed list of 1,300 products as punishment for Beijing's intellectual property practices. Once these products have been identified, RV Industry Association will evaluate the possible effects on the RV industry and alert member companies.

The targeted products list, which will be published in 15 days, will largely focus on technology China is accused of forcefully taking from U.S. companies. The value of that list represents the harm that U.S. companies have suffered from China's practices. In addition to the tariffs on tech products, the administration will also propose for public comment the adding of 25 percent additional tariffs on certain products that are supported by China's unfair industrial policy.

The administration will also file a case against China at the World Trade Organization to address China's discriminatory technology licensing practices. Finally, the administration's crackdown on China will include the Treasury Department looking at possible restrictions on Chinese investment in the U.S. technology sector and in other important domestic industries.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has made some leadership changes within his administration. The governor has selected Danny Lopez, who currently serves as his deputy chief of staff, as chairman of the new Governor’s Workforce Council.

The council was created with the passage of Senate Enrolled Act 50, which Holcomb signed into law Wednesday. In his new role, Lopez will “lead the cabinet's efforts to realign and better coordinate the efforts of multiple state agencies that play a role in developing Indiana's workforce,” the governor's office says.

“Cracking the code on workforce development is the issue of the decade, not the day. We aim to make sure all Hoosiers have the education and skills for the jobs that are here today and coming tomorrow,” Holcomb said in a news release. “Aligning the many efforts underway will require truly effective management. There is no one I trust more than Danny Lopez to lead this work.”

Lopez previously served as Holcomb's chief of staff when he was lieutenant governor. He also served as state director to then-U.S. Sen. Dan Coats. 

Holcomb has also chosen Cris Johnston to succeed Lopez as deputy chief of staff. Johnston, who currently serves as a director for Indianapolis-based KSM Consulting, will begin his new role May 7. He has previously served as deputy chief of staff for then-Gov. Mitch Daniels and is a former executive director of the Office of Management and Budget’s Division of Government Efficiency under Daniels.

World Water Day, March 22, is the official United Nations day to celebrate water and create awareness around its issues. NDW, Dolphin Motor Coach, Blue Owl, and Raw + Rooted celebrated at Blue Owl Coffee in Reo Town, Lansing, Mich.

“Water is the key to life, yet we take it for granted. We are so happy to partner with all involved as we host Lansing’s Inaugural World Water Day,” said NDW cofounder Joni Sztykiel.

“From an RV perspective, great tasting, pure, odor free water is essential to any great RV trip. NDW water purification systems provide exactly that for Dolphin Motor Coach. However, a better world is key to Dolphin Motor Coach as we must protect our planet in order to enjoy it. Thus while this is small to start Dolphin Motor Coach is the first RV company to embrace, partner, around World Water Day,” said Darryl Conners, president & CEO of Dolphin Motor Coach.

“Water is the key to life, and too often people take plastic water bottles which actually destroy our environment as less than 30 percent get recycled. NDW purifies, oxygenates what is in the water tank, the complete system. A first ever in the RV Industry, natural, patented process. It all starts with awareness and commitment. We are excited about the awareness coming off World Water Day and the commitment of Dolphin Motor Coach.” said John Sztykiel, NDW cofounder.

The Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County is conducting a workforce study of the county.

The aim of the project, which involves a partnership with the consulting firm enFocus, is to foster economic development and diversification in Elkhart County to make the county the first choice for workers and employers, according to information from the EDC.

As a part of the larger economic study of the county, the Elkhart Truth reports the EDC hopes to assess the existing labor supply by publishing a brief worker questionnaire online at www.research.net/r/ElkhartWorkers. A link to the survey was distributed by postcard to about 10,000 randomly selected residents in order to capture a representative sample of the population, but all Elkhart County residents are eligible to participate.

The RV Industry Association will present a webinar on Low Voltage Overcurrent Protection at 11 a.m. ET on April 3.

Mick Sass, standards inspector, will be the host and presenter. The webinar will be no more than a half hour.

The intent of this webinar is to educate members regarding deviations that are being cited most often with the goal of minimizing the citing of these deviations in the future. 

This webinar is designed for production personnel, engineers and other parties involved in code compliance. It will cover the protection of the 12-volt electrical systems in RVs and the proper installation of overcurrent protection devices.

To register, click here.

For more information, contact Roxane Tharp, administrative assistant, Standards & Education at rtharp@rvia.org or call her at 574-549-9068.

Celebrating 16 years in business, Total Value RV of Elkhart, Indiana has been awarded two No. 1 distinctions for the state of Indiana by Statistical Surveys.

For 2017, the Elkhart dealer was awarded the No. 1 Class A dealer in the state of Indiana for the fourth consecutive year by Statistical Surveys. 

In addition, the dealership has repeated the honor of being the No. 1 Dealer of all Motorhomes for Indiana for the third straight year.

Founded in 2002 by Hank Schrock, Total Value RV endured the swift economic downturn that claimed many RV dealers’ businesses.  Before the Great Recession, the Elkhart area was home to 13 dealers. Today there are 4. 

Total Value persevered through the lean years and has become the No. 1 Class A RV dealer and the No. 1 RV dealer of all motorhomes in the state. 

“Our success over the years is due to our dedication, listening to our customers’ needs and responding with great customer service,” said General Manager Ivan Schrock.

Total Value RV carries Class A and Class C motorhomes by Thor, Forest River, Entegra Coach, Holiday Rambler and Coachmen, travel trailers by Heartland, Forest River and fifth wheels by Forest River.

RV wholesale shipments are expected to reach 539,900 units by the end of 2018, a 7 percent increase from the 504,599 units shipped in 2017, according to the new quarterly projection from Dr. Richard Curtin in the RV Industry Association’s spring issue of the RV RoadSigns forecasting newsletter.

This anticipated growth would mark the ninth consecutive year of expansion for the RV market, eclipsing the previous record of five years set from 2002-2006.

“The favorable RV outlook is based on expected growth in employment, wages and after-tax incomes,” said Curtin, director, Surveys of Consumers at the University of Michigan who has conducted RV market research since 1979. 

Towable RV shipments are projected to rise to 472,000 in 2018. Motorhome shipments also will see gains, growing to 67,900 units in 2018.

The positive outlook is also a reflection of the strong performance of the RV industry through the last half of 2017.   

Statistical Surveys reports Winnebago travel trailers up 56.8 percent in market share, and 69.9 percent in unit sales in January 2018 when compared to the same month last year.

Based on that data, Winnebago was the fastest growing of the top 10 travel trailer manufacturers in the month of January.

According to Vice President and General Manager Scott Degnan, this growth is a culmination of three major factors:

Winnebago’s renewed focus on the towable market started with an emphasis on skilled personnel. Once experienced management leaders were in place, operations, engineering, manufacturing, and sales could all operate efficiently.

Streamlining the product offering meant a complete re-branding of Winnebago’s towable products. All Winnebago branded travel trailers and fifth wheels have united under the “Minnie” name forming what Winnebago calls the “Minnie Family”.

Aside from a unified name, the Minnie Family embodies a standardized construction process on all Minnie branded products including 5/8-inch tongue and groove plywood flooring, Noble Classic gel coat fiberglass sidewalls, and a high strength low alloy prime steel NXG frame.

Other features of the Minnie Family include: two interior décor options, eight exterior colors, and upgraded standard features throughout — all of which have simplified the purchasing process for our customers.  

According to Director of Sales and Marketing Mark Gerber, Winnebago dealers have experienced what he calls “a taste of retail success, which has spurred more sales. Dealers realized that the Minnie Family has a great value offering and were willing to stock more.”

In the past two years, at least seven parks in Central and Southern California have invested in solar systems that offset their energy costs by 38 to 83 percent, depending on the size of their solar panels installations.

“RV parks are investing in solar energy to alleviate the unpredictable impacs of rising electricity rates dealt out by the utilities,” said Erik Boardman, who oversees business development for Shorebreak Energy Developers.
The Irvine-based company has developed turnkey solar power systems in more than 240 manufactured housing communities, about 20 of which are RV parks.

Thom Niederkofler, a partner with Pacific Current Partners, whose holdings include Oceanside RV Park in Oceanside, said there are very compelling reasons for RV park operators to invest in solar energy systems.

“Electric utility expenses are one of the biggest line items in our operating budget every year,” Niederkofler said. “You can make a huge impact on your bottom line by reducing that expense.”

Parks that invest in solar energy systems can also take advantage of tax credits as well as accelerated depreciation.

Let’s Go Aero recently announced its sponsorship of female athlete Nicole Tittensor, a cross-country and endurance mountain bike competitor from Utah. Currently moving up in rankings along the western U.S., Tittensor is poised to become an international mountain bike champion. As a traveling athlete, she will be promoting one of Let’s Go Aero’s newest products, the Black Box Slide-out Cargo Carrier, a 51-cubic-feet, enclosed carrier that she said is the solution she needed to carry her mountain and road bike to and from events on her Thor Axis RV. 

“I am extremely excited for this partnership,” said Tittensor. “It was really important for me as well to support a local company, you can tell that they care a lot about the things that they are making and that their heart and soul goes into this like my heart and soul goes into cycling.” 

Tittensor took the top podium spot last year at the Intermountain Cup in the elite women category and has finished up her third season in both the Elite Female Cross Country & Endurance Mountain Bike Racing circuits where she has obtained two top-five rankings internationally and is a top-ten national champion. 

“When Nicole first approached us about sponsorship I knew the partnership just made sense,” said Sara Williams, Let’s Go Aero’s VP of operations. “She has the lifestyle that really embodies our ‘Let’s Go’ attitude so we are just thrilled for the opportunity to help her better manage her bicycles and gear using our Black Box Enclosed Carrier on the back of her RV.” 

Let’s Go Aero is a Colorado-based outdoor lifestyle company that has been inventing new solutions for transporting recreation and utility gear since 1998.

Myrl Winton “Bill” Deitch Jr., age 93, passed away peacefully Sunday, Jan. 28, at his home in Largo, Fla. He was the founder of what would become LaSalle Bristol. His daughter, Cathy, and youngest, son Jimmy, were at his side.

Deitch was born in Cleveland, Ohio, Feb. 12, 1924, to Bertha and Myrl Deitch Sr. Bill married Betty Ann Manning on June 11, 1949.  She preceded him in death a year earlier.

This obituary appeared in the Elkhart Truth.

They had four children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

At age 17, his mother signed papers allowing him to enlist in the Navy during World War II in 1941. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Steel Navigator, a supply ship. On Oct. 19, 1942, his ship was hit by a torpedo which sank in three minutes. Bill was one of 16 survivors of a 52-man crew. They were picked up seven days later and he was reassigned to the U.S.S. Walter E Brown. There he was the Sargent of Arms until the ship was retired on Oct. 4, 1945. Two days later he was released with honors and sent home.

After marrying Betty, he took a job with Midwest Floor Covering. He later founded LaSalle Deitch Co. Over time he built it into 11 companies and 68 warehouses.

In 1972, LaSalle Deitch went public on the N.Y.S.E. Within one year, Magnavox Corp. of Fort Wayne bought LaSalle Deitch and he became vice president of Magnavox. He retired from that position in 1975.

After retiring, he thought he would try his hand at politics. Deitch eventually went back to the private sector and started the Deitch-Stewart Co. He specialized in selling floor covering for the RV industry. The company later became Deitch and Co. As a recognition of his success, in 1984, Bill was elected in the RV Hall of Fame.

His and Betty’s memorial service will be June 9 in Naples, Fla.