Winnebago Industries recently announced plans to open a manufacturing plant in Junction City, Oregon. The company intends to use the former Country Coach facility for the production of select diesel Winnebago products.
"This purchase is part of Winnebago's ongoing strategy to further solidify the company as a leader in the RV industry for years to come," said Scott Degnan, Winnebago's vice president of sales and product management. "As part of the facility purchase, Winnebago also acquired the intellectual property rights associated with Country Coach, and we intend to revive that brand as part of the planned use of the new facility."
The plant is expected to employ approximately 200 people and begin operating in the second half of 2016. Winnebago estimates a total investment between $15 and $20 million, including land, buildings, modifications, production equipment and technology infrastructure. Lane County commissioners approved the use of up to $100,000 in lottery funds to assist with the cost of infrastructure improvements necessary to open the facility.
"Winnebago is helping to breathe life into an industry that was largely lost during the Great Recession," said Lane County commissioner Jay Bozievich. "Lane County has many skilled and talented workers in need of living-wage manufacturing jobs to sustain themselves and their families."
For more information, visit www.winnebagoind.com.