Heartland RV Details Major Expansion

A subsidiary of Elkhart-based Thor Industries Inc. (NYSE: THO) has announced plans for several building projects in 2017. Heartland RV’s expansion is expected to create about 200 jobs in Indiana and another 80 in Idaho. 

Thor says the building projects will add more than 500,000 square feet of production space at its Elkhart, Middlebury and Howe campuses, as well as its operations in Nampa, Idaho. A specific investment total was not disclosed, however a Thor spokesperson tells Inside INdiana Business the projects are part of the company’s total capital expenditures for the fiscal year, which total approximately $101 million.

Thor says the new facilities are being built in response to growing demand for Heartland’s travel trailer, fifth wheel and toy hauler products. Heartland President Chris Hermon says the demand has stretched the company’s existing capacity to its limits.

"As we expand capacity to meet demand, our facilities will have a brand focus and production layout that will enhance our product quality," said Hermon. "With these moves, Heartland will be well positioned to meet the already strong, yet still growing demand for its products."

The expansion in Elkhart includes three facilities, the first of which is a 78,000 square-foot plant which began operations in November producing toy haulers. The second facility, slated to open next month, is a 77,000 square-foot plant that will produce travel trailers. The third facility will provide pre-delivery inspection for Heartland’s products.

A 139,000 square-foot towable production facility is being constructed in Middlebury and is expected to open in August. Two travel trailer production facilities in Howe are slated to be complete in September 2017 and early 2018, respectively. The expansion in Idaho included an additional production line, which began operation in January.

Heartland has begun hiring for the some of the new positions at its website.