Monaco's Elkhart Service Center May Stay Open

[Route 66]

From RV Business;

As Monaco Coach Corp. marked its official last day at Indiana plants in Wakarusa and Nappanee, the company announced the service center in Elkhart could remain open under a lease agreement with one of the manufacturer's dealer partners.

The Elkhart Truth reported that with the previous decision to keep open the joint venture chassis plant in Elkhart, maintaining operations at the service center would completely reverse Monaco's plans to close both facilities. A definitive agreement between Monaco and the dealer could be signed next week, said Craig Wanichek, director of investor relations for the Coburg, Ore.-based builder.

In July, the company had announced it would close the two operations in Elkhart along with manufacturing and administrative complex in Wakarusa and the woodworking shop in Nappanee. In addition, more than 1,400 jobs were to be cut.

Monaco has since stopped operations in Nappanee and has those buildings for sale, Wanichek said. Production should be complete at the Wakarusa campus by the end of this week with a few office personnel remaining until the end of September.

"This is a very difficult day for everyone here, knowing these plants will be shut down and the effect that is having on employees and their families," Wanichek said. "We're taking it very seriously."

Wakarusa will still benefit from property taxes Monaco will continue to pay as long as it owns the array of plants in the community, said town manager Tom Roeder. That has eased the impact, but the town remains shaken.

"We're so stunned by this," Roeder said. "We were just shocked by a complete closure."

Nappanee Mayor Larry Thompson declined to discuss whether any business or individual had an interest in purchasing any of the Monaco buildings. He said the city was "remaining positive" and working to help displaced workers and attract new businesses.

Monaco will also keep open some ancillary operations, including the door-making facility in Elkhart and other fiberglass and fabrication plants in the county, Wanichek said. The buildings in Wakarusa will be listed for sale.

The company has "no plans in the immediate future to come back," Wanichek said.

[Route 66]

From RV Business;

As Monaco Coach Corp. marked its official last day at Indiana plants in Wakarusa and Nappanee, the company announced the service center in Elkhart could remain open under a lease agreement with one of the manufacturer's dealer partners.

The Elkhart Truth reported that with the previous decision to keep open the joint venture chassis plant in Elkhart, maintaining operations at the service center would completely reverse Monaco's plans to close both facilities. A definitive agreement between Monaco and the dealer could be signed next week, said Craig Wanichek, director of investor relations for the Coburg, Ore.-based builder.

In July, the company had announced it would close the two operations in Elkhart along with manufacturing and administrative complex in Wakarusa and the woodworking shop in Nappanee. In addition, more than 1,400 jobs were to be cut.

Monaco has since stopped operations in Nappanee and has those buildings for sale, Wanichek said. Production should be complete at the Wakarusa campus by the end of this week with a few office personnel remaining until the end of September.

"This is a very difficult day for everyone here, knowing these plants will be shut down and the effect that is having on employees and their families," Wanichek said. "We're taking it very seriously."

Wakarusa will still benefit from property taxes Monaco will continue to pay as long as it owns the array of plants in the community, said town manager Tom Roeder. That has eased the impact, but the town remains shaken.

"We're so stunned by this," Roeder said. "We were just shocked by a complete closure."

Nappanee Mayor Larry Thompson declined to discuss whether any business or individual had an interest in purchasing any of the Monaco buildings. He said the city was "remaining positive" and working to help displaced workers and attract new businesses.

Monaco will also keep open some ancillary operations, including the door-making facility in Elkhart and other fiberglass and fabrication plants in the county, Wanichek said. The buildings in Wakarusa will be listed for sale.

The company has "no plans in the immediate future to come back," Wanichek said.

[cb5300]

Oh what a sad day I just heard yesterday that "Crooked Wheel" (Also known as Turning Wheel) had taken over the service center at Elkhart. I'm so glad that some of the techs have gone out and opened their own shops, that's where you will find my rig if service is needed.

[Pusherpilot]

This from another forum.
Service Center that is open for business


Hello, this is Jeff Marner from All 4 One Service, LLC. We are located just 3minutes north of the toll road. If you get off at exit 92 of toll road you go north to michigan, when you cross state line you will follow the curves until you come to a flashing light and just past the flashing light on the right you will see a 2 drive gated complex factory builings, we are located there on the right side of complex. for now. We are going to expand next spring and summer so there is construction plans for the other parts. we have 21 acres to play with. come down or up to see us. we want to give you the best service we can, because we care about you. All of us at All 4 One Service are qualified and trained ex monaco employees, we know your concerns and want to help. Our hours are monday thru friday 8am- 4pm, call 574-903-7218 or 574-612-6222 to set appointment.

[DocUSAF]

Does anyone know if "All for One LLC" has a web site/page and can perform factory type warrant work. I'm glad former Monaco shop managers/workers have made this move on their own and set up thier own Monaco service shop. This is great. Monaco owners really need to "spread the word" on this location for Monaco service instead of driving west or east coast just to have Monaco factory type service work done.
I'm still looking for a real "RoadMaster Chassis" repair shop. DocUSAF