Tiffin Cutting Back Too

[Pigman1]

We're at the Tiffin plant in Red Bay getting some work done on the coach and found out that they laid off about 30% of their work force today. Exact numbers are still sketchy, but that seems about the general consensus. When we were here in April they were producing 13 units a day, working 5 days a week. Friday they were down to 9 a day working 4 days a week, and today we heard they went to 6 a day with a considerable cut in workforce. This was not just production workers, it also included staff and engineering as rumor has it. Repair folks are still hanging strong.

Sign of the times.

John

[Pigman1]

We're at the Tiffin plant in Red Bay getting some work done on the coach and found out that they laid off about 30% of their work force today. Exact numbers are still sketchy, but that seems about the general consensus. When we were here in April they were producing 13 units a day, working 5 days a week. Friday they were down to 9 a day working 4 days a week, and today we heard they went to 6 a day with a considerable cut in workforce. This was not just production workers, it also included staff and engineering as rumor has it. Repair folks are still hanging strong.

Sign of the times.

John

[Jackm]

Manufacturing is a business that only pays off when the economy of scale is high enough. For Tiffin, the decision to scale production back by 50% means they are sliding back to a much less efficient business model. From there, things get pretty tough. One thing is for sure, gas isn't ever going to be cheap again. For small companies like Tiffin, there are going to be some very difficult decisions to make this year. June is normally a busy time for the RV manufacturing industry. I hate to see what the winter will bring.

Jack

[CoastieSCPO]

Tiffin is a great company with top of the line products and factory support second to none. It is unfortunate that things are the way they are and especially for folks who lost their jobs.

From a RV owners perspective, it is very scary that the people who build our recreational vehicles are experiencing cut backs, especially when it comes to build quality and quality control. Just hope that the people doing the final inspections at the various manufacturers are having a "good day" when that new rig is checked over. Not trying to be negative, just hoping that the cutbacks don't negatively effect quality. I'm confidant that Tiffin will remain at the top of the list.

Bob

[OC-RV]

We as a nation are in real trouble due to greed and the worthless politicians of both parties. The entire RV industry, all manufacturers, not just Tiffin are experiencing drastic sales reductions. Our RVs are rapidly depreciating. The next couple of years will surely be challenging.

[Tom Meredith]

In 2006, buying diesel for $2.35----the other party won control and now I just paid $4.59--shutter to think if they get all three houses

[dieselclacker]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Tom Meredith:
In 2006, buying diesel for $2.35----the other party won control and now I just paid $4.59--shutter to think if they get all three houses </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Tom, what were you paying for Diesel in 2000, before present administration took control?


Diselclacker

[edgray]

Gentlemen: iRV2.com has a VERY specific policy which forbids POLITICAL discussions and postings. Please adhere to this policy and refer to the TOS and rules for any clarification. ED (moderator)

[Joe's Cat]

Plant is open today to retrofit for just one production line. Keep the folks is Red Bay in your prayers. Many of the laidoff don't have a safety net.

[Jestme13]

Ed, when did you become a Moderator ?

[Jackm]

The tripling of fuel prices almost certainly represents the greatest threat the current RV industry has ever faced. As a result, some manufacturers will become stronger and others simply won't make it. There used to be close to a hundred automobile manufacturers in the U.S. Today, there are just two (or three if you count Chrysler/Benz).

It's always important to put on a good face in the business world. But as a practical matter, lots of RV manufacturers won't be around to see the next decade. The good news is that this situation will ultimately result in a U.S. RV industry that is stronger, more flexible, and more diverse.

Jack

[Tom Meredith]

Dieselcraker,,,looks like from my records, the price of diesel was $1.50 to $1.95

In 2000 could buy farm diesel and fill up truck and RV.

DT

[edgray]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Ed, when did you become a Moderator ? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
STEVE: I don't remember the exact date, but I have been a moderator for several years, prior to Sevierville rally for sure. My current "assignments" are the Workhorse chassis forum and the FMCA forum. Since there is no room for that title along with all the others under my screen name, I add (moderator) to any post I make as a moderator, which I assume is the basis of your question. ED

[ruppr]

Not hijacking the tread, but it was back around March 2005 wasn't it Ed? Seems like yesterday!

Best,