By Marilyn Odendahl, Truth Staff
modendahl@etruth.com
As Monaco Coach Corp. marked its official last day at plants in Wakarusa and Nappanee, the company announced the service center in Elkhart could remain open under a lease agreement with one of the manufacturer's dealer partners.
With the previous decision to keep open the joint venture chassis plant in Elkhart, maintaining operations at the service center would completely reverse Monaco's plans to close both facilities. A definitive agreement between Monaco and the dealer could be signed next week, said Craig Wanichek, spokesman for the recreational vehicle maker.
In July, the company had announced it would close the two operations in Elkhart along with manufacturing and office facilities in Wakarusa and the woodworking shop in Nappanee. In addition, more than 1,400 jobs were to be cut.
Monaco has since stopped operations in Nappanee and has those buildings for sale, Wanichek said. Production should be complete at the Wakarusa campus by the end of this week with a few office personnel remaining until the end of September.
"This is a very difficult day for everyone here, knowing these plants will be shut down and the effect that is having on employees and their families," Wanichek said. "We're taking it very seriously."
Wakarusa will still benefit from property taxes Monaco will continue to pay as long as it owns the array of plants in the community, said town manager Tom Roeder. That has eased the impact, but the town remains shaken.
"We're so stunned by this," Roeder said. "We were just shocked by a complete closure."
Nappanee Mayor Larry Thompson declined to discuss whether any business or individual had an interest in purchasing any of the Monaco buildings. He said the city was "remaining positive" and working to help displaced workers and attract new businesses.
Monaco will also keep open some ancillary operations, including the door-making facility in Elkhart and other fiberglass and fabrication plants in the county, Wanichek said. The buildings in Wakarusa will be listed for sale.
The company has "no plans in the immediate future to come back," Wanichek said.