Monaco Shut Down

[dave and ginny]

Apparently the Holiday Rambler and other brands that Monaco built has shut down. It was reported that they closed the plant of the tow-able lines Monday without notice.

I had talked with a few people that were impressed with the 5th wheels that Holiday Rambler was starting to put out. Sorry to see another company "bite the dust".

 

[spindrift]

Years ago we almost purchased a HR TT. They were nice units.

 

[mhs4771]

Per a news brief it was a financial decision as the towable sector was less than 2 % of their total sales, so they decided to drop them.

 

[dave and ginny]

Per a news brief it was a financial decision as the towable sector was less than 2 % of their total sales, so they decided to drop them.

Now it's going to be 0% with no hope of growing it.

 

[mhs4771]

They want to devote 100% to their motorized section. We did look at one of the new HR 5ers at one of the Rallies, price started around 150K and up from there.

 

[dave and ginny]

I guess that's the same thing Newmar did but HR has a bad reputation right now with shutting down and not honoring warranty work. If I was in the market for a motor home, I'd stay away from HR.

 

[Oriana]

Just read an article on how they closed the doors and the employees arrived at work to be met with security guards and a person from inhuman resources giving out letters how to apply for UI.

If that's how they treat employees, I would not want to be a customer.

 

[EWendlandt]

At least they got 60 days severance pay. While that doesn't make up for a lost job its still far better than a lot of people have gotten the past couple years. It was probably less of an impact than trying to run for 60 days knowing they were closing the doors.

 

[Tobys Home]

I wish them all well and hope they find new employment. Been through that and it sucks. Started working for my self and had no one to blame but ME.

 

[Rick-REDW]

That 60 days of severance is required by law via the WARN Act. They are obligated to provide 60 days notice of provide 60 days severance pay. Not a good deal for anyone but at least the employees received 60 days pay and the freedom to start an immediate full time job search rather than continue reporting to a bad work situation for an additional 60 days.

 

[mhs4771]

Can you imagine the quality of products out the door if the employees knew they were through in 60 days.
Wonder if they left folks holding the bag as Carriage did, with partly finished units on the line and folks expecting delivery?

 

[dave and ginny]

To keep it a secret from the employees, they would have to.

 

[johnboytoo]

My Bro-in-law just found out his company was sold and thank goodness they were given 4 months severance, but he was prepping to retire next year anyway so he's MUCH better off than some !

Thank goodness I've only had to personally let 1 person go and that was for poor performance and attendance, but it was still heart wrenching no matter how bad a position they put me in !

 

[dave and ginny]

It's always tough to lay people off or terminate. Unfortunately that's my job in our company and I never take that job lightly.

I realize that the RV industry is very competitive and sometimes a company just can't compete with the others for their market share.

 

[Oriana]

It's always tough to lay people off or terminate. Unfortunately that's my job in our company and I never take that job lightly.

I realize that the RV industry is very competitive and sometimes a company just can't compete with the others for their market share.

Never an enjoyable experience, but unfortunately too many times it was necessary.

 

[atom ant]

Kind of sad to see them go - HR were the only ones that kept that smooth aluminum siding and they always stayed nice looking that way.

 

[EWendlandt]

Heard that there is interest in the facility and possibly some of the old employees. Hopefully it works out for them

 

[mhs4771]

Per a follow-up article, Thor also purchased the Names of the Towables that were produced in that plant. At present they're looking to increase the Motorized line, but looking to see if any of the Towables could be added to another division.
Have to wait and see, but since they never proceeded with the Carriage line might be doubtful.