Winnebago Announces $7 Million State-of-the-Art E-Coat System

[DriVer]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Winnebago Announces $7 Million State-of-the-Art E-Coat System

FOREST CITY, IA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/25/15 -- Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO), one of the leading United States (U.S.) recreation vehicle manufacturers, has announced the installation of a $7 million state-of-the-art electro-deposition (e-coat) paint system in the Company's motorhome chassis prep facility in Forest City.


E-Coat Tanks

"This new system is unique to Winnebago and keeps us 'best in class' among motorhome manufacturers," said Winnebago Chairman, CEO and President Randy Potts. "We use an extensive amount of steel in our motorhomes for strength and durability and we find it vitally important to protect the steel through an e-coat process to help reduce corrosion. We take pride in going above and beyond to deliver a true quality advantage that helps extend the life of our motorhomes. No one else in the industry has this capability."


E-Coat Parts Dip

The new e-coat system processes piece parts and assemblies through a 10-stage, full-immersion electro-coating system capable of accepting loads 5' wide x 16' long x 6' high. The first seven stages are used for pretreatment and involve cleaning, treating with a nano-ceramic conversion coating and deionized water rinse for good conductivity. The final three stages are used for the e-coat and rinse cycles. Electro-deposition is accomplished by charging the components with electricity, and then paint film is bonded to the body to a desired thickness. Similar to automotive companies, Winnebago uses the e-coat process to provide corrosion protection.

"This new state-of-the-art system provides increased capacity and improved efficiency compared to our previous system, which has been in place since the early 80's," continued Potts, "In addition to providing a higher quality e-coat process, the new system has lower operating costs, less waste and fewer personnel will be needed to operate the system, freeing them up for other manufacturing operations."

About Winnebago Industries
Winnebago Industries, Inc., "The Most Recognized Name in Motorhomes®", is a leading U.S. manufacturer of recreation vehicles, which are used primarily in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The Company builds quality motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheel products, and transit buses. Winnebago Industries has received the Quality Circle Award from the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association every year since 1996.