RV Business wrote: BREAKING NEWS
NuWa to Stop Production, Firm Remains Open
Bob Ashley
RV Business
Friday, November 7, 2008
NuWa Industries Inc., Chanute, Kan., will stop production of its high-end fifth-wheels on Christmas Eve, but is keeping its sales staff and parts and service departments open after the first of the year.
"We want to take a look to see what kind of sales are going to come in 2009," NuWa President Neil Ford told RVBusiness. "We will never close our parts, warranty and service departments. Those will remain open."
About 100 workers will be laid off as part of the move, he said. NuWa also canceled the space it had reserved at the 46th Annual National RV Trade Show, Dec. 2-4, in Louisville, Ky.
"The problem is the whole economy," Ford said. "Most of our customers are retired, and the price range of our units is not inexpensive. People can't get financed or they fear what the economy is going to do."
As recently as 2006, NuWa operated two factories in the Chanute area and employed about 500 people. After the production shutdown, about 40 employees will remain.
"We are not slamming the doors shut and saying 'We're, through,' " Ford said. "We're definitely coming back if there's business there."
I was watching a national news program last night and they were talking about how the Elkhart,IN RV plant closing has just devastated that community. The auto and RV industry has really taken a hard hit. What's really bad is that other businesses in these areas are shutting down too because their economy relies on it. We're in for a tough stretch.....
Ken
2008 Ford F250 XLT Super Duty SB Crew Cab 6.8L V-10 4x4 4:10
2005 Keystone Copper Canyon Sprinter
Sad...sad, state of affairs this country is in. While I was never a big fan of NUWA's very outspoken president, I have to give him honors for not slamming the doors shut and keeping the parts and service operations going for their existing customers. NuWa made good products and it is a sad day for the whole RV industry.
2003 GMC HD 2500 CC 4x4 DuraMax/Allison
2008 Sundance 2900MK
Another of the greats stopping production/shutting down. What will be left? The cardboard box brands? I have heard one or two of the remaining quality brands may be shutting their doors in the near future. Wouldn't you know it, I bought a Sunline, now closed. I bought a Teton, now closed. Been looking at HitchHikers and Jaycos, hopefully Jayco will survive.
Capt Skup
AD-1(AW)USNRet.
Wonderful Wife,3 Daughters,2Goldens Gus&Riley
"Never get in a battle of wits with an unarmed man"
Capt Skup wrote: Another of the greats stopping production/shutting down. What will be left? The cardboard box brands? I have heard one or two of the remaining quality brands may be shutting their doors in the near future. Wouldn't you know it, I bought a Sunline, now closed. I bought a Teton, now closed. Been looking at HitchHikers and Jaycos, hopefully Jayco will survive.
Just let me know what you do buy so I can get something else!!! ...Brian
ladymc53 wrote: A couple next to us just pulled out yesterday with their 2006 NuWa...nice rig but they don't read this site, so I guess they'll find out someday.
I think it is a little premature to close the door and turn out the lights and claim we are in a depression. There are a lot of RV companies going out of business and there will likely be more. On the other hand there are companies that are doing very well and reporting increased sales. When times get hard only the smart and strong will survive.
Often companies will try to reduce cost by cutting back on customer service after the sale, others raise prices and price themselves out of business. These are usually the first to go. If you have been reading the forum you should have seen this reported by forum members.
Also you see where members have praised the manufacturer of thier 5ver for good customer service and a quality trailer. Thor Industries is cutting back on many line, but are still selling trailers, sale are down but they are surviving. Jayco and Heartland are both reporting increased sales over last year. They have some of the most loyal owners and build very good RV's.
Lets not close the door on the RV industry just yet, I believe that we may see new name rise to the top, but the industry will survive.
Gary
2009 Bighorn 3400RL
2008 Chevy 3500HD DRW
DuraMax w/allison
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