By Marilyn Odendahl, Truth Staff
modendahl@etruth.com
Jayco Inc. has announced plans to close its Starcraft RV subsidiary in Topeka and consolidate production into the main manufacturing campus in Middlebury.
The closure, expected to happen in early January, will impact 244 employees, the company stated in a release Monday afternoon.
"The decision has been taken with deep regret because we know that it will place hardship on many of our employees and their families," stated Derald Bontrager, president and chief operating officer of Jayco. "Business conditions dictate that we take steps to reduce operating costs and maintain production capacity that reflects marketplace realities."
Don Walter, president of Starcraft for 17 years, will continue as a member of the Board of Directors of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association and as co-chair of the Go RVing Coalition on Jayco's behalf.
Starcraft RV currently builds a complete line of towable units of folding camping trailers, truck campers, travel trailers and fifth wheels. Although production is being shifted, Starcraft will continue to operate as a separate brand with a separate dealer body and separate sales and product development staff.