By Tim Vandenack, Truth Staff
tvandenack@etruth.com
GOSHEN -- The recreational vehicle and manufactured home industries will be back, says Dennis Harney, head of an Indianapolis-based group that represents the industries.
The key when it happens, though, will be making sure Indiana still has a big chunk of each.
To that end, Harney's group, the Indiana Manufactured Housing Association-Recreation Vehicle Indiana Council, is carrying out a study to figure out what to do to assure the state's share of RV and manufactured home companies. Representatives from the group -- prodded by recent industry layoffs, plant closures and slipping sales -- will meet with company leaders, aiming by year's end to come up with concrete steps, maybe legislation, to assist the sector.
Although locally owned RV and manufactured home companies may be inclined to stay put in Indiana, he noted that some have sold out to firms based elsewhere. New owners outside the state may be less loyal to the area as they figure out how to deal with the ongoing market turbulence, thus it's incumbent on Indiana leaders to take steps to keep the operators here. Indeed, he indicated that industry officials can't take it for granted that the central location of Elkhart County and Indiana -- ideal for shipping to all parts of the country -- will always be enough to retain the manufacturers.
More generally, Harney, speaking Tuesday, addressed the root of the tough times faced by RV and manufactured home builders, a pillar of the local economy. Of late, tight credit has been the most punishing factor, he said, limiting availability of money to those wanting to borrow to make RV purchases.
"It's a very serious problem that needs to be corrected," said Harney, speaking to a group of Elkhart County business and government leaders at the monthly County Cities Forum. "The industry has some problems right now. We have some issues to face."
But he saved room for optimism, describing the manufactured home and RV industries, as providers of shelter and leisure, as well-placed to survive over the long haul.
Also Tuesday, County Commissioner Mike Yoder reported that 264 education vouchers worth nearly $1.1 million had been granted to area workers recently displaced in the RV and RV-related industries. The funds, to be used for job retraining and education, are part of a $3 million state grant program implemented in response to the upheaval in the sector.