A worker installs graphics on an RV inside an East to West RV factory in Elkhart. RV shipments rebounded sharply because of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and are expected to set a new record in 2021. South Bend Tribune Photo/ROBERT FRANKLIN
Even with the shutdowns caused by the coronavirus pandemic earlier this year, it appears 2020 will go down as the fourth best in the history of the RV industry.
Pent-up demand, the pandemic and long-term trends favoring the industry contributed to the surge, and that’s important for the regional economy, as tens of thousands of people are employed at Elkhart-area businesses that either supply or produce most of the nation’s RVs.
According to the RV Industry Association, factory shipments to dealers jumped 43.4% to 42,513 in November compared to the same month a year ago, and shipments for the year are up 3%, even with the shutdowns that lasted from six to eight weeks.
The shift from empty plants to full production caused whiplash for those who keep a close eye on the industry.
“When the federal and state governments decided to shut down the economy, I thought ‘holy cow,’ and expected the worst for Elkhart County,” said former county Commissioner Mike Yoder, who will move into a new role as Bristol town manager on Monday.
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