docj Posted September 16, 2019 Report Share Posted September 16, 2019 The consolidation of the RV industry continues: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/09/16/1915855/0/en/Winnebago-Industries-to-Acquire-Premium-RV-Manufacturer-Newmar.html Quote Sandie & Joel 2000 40' Beaver Patriot Thunder Princeton--425 HP/1550 ft-lbs CAT C-12 2014 Honda CR-V AWD EX-L with ReadyBrute tow bar/brake systemWiFiRanger Ambassador Follow our adventures on Facebook at Weiss Travels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted September 16, 2019 Report Share Posted September 16, 2019 (edited) Interesting news! I had long wondered how long Newmar could continue as a family held business. After the founding family members pass away it becomes inevitable at some point when the number of owners grows too large and some members are not interested in the business or simply want the money it represents. It is kind of sad, but nearly always happens at some point unless the business gets passed from the founder to an involved heir and the other family members do not share ownership. That seems to happen eventually to nearly all family businesses, even the successful farm/ranch. A close friend of mine resently passed and left all of his farm and farm assets to only one member of his family as that son had been operating the farm for some years. He had told me of his plan to do that and leave only other assets to the other children. Pam used to work for a state cardealer association and that is yet another family business that is dissappearing into big corporations. Here is that same story but from Market Insider. Edited September 16, 2019 by Kirk W Quote Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orvil Hazelton Posted September 16, 2019 Report Share Posted September 16, 2019 WOW . . . I certainly didn't see this one coming. Winnebago seems to respect it's acquisitions well, giving them independence while enhancing their available cash flow. I can hardly wait to see. Quote oRV 75065 Lifetime Member 2010 Phaeton 40 QTH 2014 Honda CR-V Toad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2gypsies Posted September 16, 2019 Report Share Posted September 16, 2019 It's imperative that they remain independent of each other in the process. They are definitely two different manufacturers. Quote Full-timed for 16 YearsTraveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXiceman Posted September 16, 2019 Report Share Posted September 16, 2019 Just be thankful that Newmar was not bought by Thor, Forrest River, Lippert or Camping World. Ken Quote Amateur radio operator, 2023 Cougar 22MLS, 2022 F150 Lariat 4x4 Off Road, Sport trim <br />Travel with 1 miniature schnauzer, 1 standard schnauzer and one African Gray parrot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D&J Posted September 16, 2019 Report Share Posted September 16, 2019 Maybe they will start making 5th wheels agian. Denny Quote Denny & Jami SKP#90175 Most Timing with Mac our Scottie, RIP Jasper our Westie 2013 F350 SC DRW 6.2 V8 4.30 Gears 2003 HH Premier 35FKTG Home Base Nebraska Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARGO Posted September 16, 2019 Report Share Posted September 16, 2019 I love my 03 KSWB, REAL 16" frame, tandem duals. Quote You'd have to see the movie to understand.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnowGypsy Posted September 16, 2019 Report Share Posted September 16, 2019 I was surprised when I learned that they owned Grand Design RV. I did not realize they were acquiring other companies, and hopefully, their acquisitions won't end up trying to be so price competitive that they forget about quality as the others mentioned above have. It also seems like some of the other big ones just buy and then put the manufacturer out-of-business ending competition from that one. Quote Cathy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pappy Yokum Posted September 16, 2019 Report Share Posted September 16, 2019 2 hours ago, TXiceman said: Just be thankful that Newmar was not bought by Thor, Forrest River, Lippert or Camping World. Ken Yes !! ~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2gypsies Posted September 16, 2019 Report Share Posted September 16, 2019 Here's today's letter from the Newmar President to employees: https://files.constantcontact.com/a59c8a93101/def23077-0a02-4b14-a41a-298ed0aef626.png Quote Full-timed for 16 YearsTraveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted September 17, 2019 Report Share Posted September 17, 2019 4 hours ago, SnowGypsy said: I was surprised when I learned that they owned Grand Design RV. Grand Design was founded in 2012 and sold out to Winnebago in October of 2016. Quote Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FL-JOE Posted September 20, 2019 Report Share Posted September 20, 2019 On a different forum (manufacturer forum) under this topic there were over 375 comments about this topic as of this morning. Of course almost all of them are negative comments. We will be visiting the Newmar factory again early next month. The whole town of Nappanee, for those that have never been there, is made up of many Amish. Some of the stores in town have hitching posts in their lots for tying up horses and/or buggies. Most of the Newmar factory buildings have about as many bicycles parked in employee spaces as automobiles, probably more. During our last visit (2018) I visited with our assigned tech several times over a three day period. A nice young Amish craftsman who took great pride in his job. I honestly don't think anything much will change for Newmar. I am hopeful that maybe there will be some benefit for their employees. I would like to think that due to the size of the new parent company that possibly Newmar's employees health care could improve for example. I don't know anything about that particular employee benefit, I'm just throwing that out there as a possible way this could be a good thing for Newmar. A better compensated, happier employee should mean better quality overall. Quote Joe & Cindy Newmar 4369 Ventana Pulling 24' enclosed (Mini Cooper, Harley, 2 Kayaks) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2gypsies Posted September 20, 2019 Report Share Posted September 20, 2019 Newmar employees are some of the highest paid in the industry. They don't mass-produce as fast as they can. It can take 10-14 days to finish one unit because most are customized. No two are alike. There's a rain tunnel at the very end to test for leaks. There's a bonus if, when thoroughly inspected, it doesn't have to go back to the same person who initially worked on that section. Quote Full-timed for 16 YearsTraveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docj Posted September 20, 2019 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2019 3 hours ago, 2gypsies said: They don't mass-produce as fast as they can. It can take 10-14 days to finish one unit because most are customized. No two are alike. And, no doubt, this will be one of the first things that will be changed. I recall that Thor did something to restrict "special orders" at Entegra after its acquisition. Quite honestly the fact that "no two are alike" is anathema to a production facility. It makes QA/QC far more complicated. Quote Sandie & Joel 2000 40' Beaver Patriot Thunder Princeton--425 HP/1550 ft-lbs CAT C-12 2014 Honda CR-V AWD EX-L with ReadyBrute tow bar/brake systemWiFiRanger Ambassador Follow our adventures on Facebook at Weiss Travels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docj Posted September 20, 2019 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2019 4 hours ago, FL-JOE said: On a different forum (manufacturer forum) under this topic there were over 375 comments about this topic as of this morning. Of course almost all of them are negative comments. I suspect that you are referring to the Newmar Owners forum on IRV2. IMHO a significant percentage of the membership of that forum consists of folks who convinced themselves that some measure of their self-image was demonstrated by their purchase of the "best motorhomes" in the US. Now that their beloved Newmar will be "just another Winnebago" some of them are acting as if this is a blow to their egos. Similar posts were made when Thor purchased Entegra, but I don't think things changed all that much. Quote Sandie & Joel 2000 40' Beaver Patriot Thunder Princeton--425 HP/1550 ft-lbs CAT C-12 2014 Honda CR-V AWD EX-L with ReadyBrute tow bar/brake systemWiFiRanger Ambassador Follow our adventures on Facebook at Weiss Travels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2gypsies Posted September 20, 2019 Report Share Posted September 20, 2019 Newmar will continue to operate independently. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aQTLFnp4g4 Quote Full-timed for 16 YearsTraveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray,IN Posted September 21, 2019 Report Share Posted September 21, 2019 (edited) It isn't a done-deal yet. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/winnebago-industries-acquire-premium-rv-113000321.html Winnebago held a live discussion on Sep.16. https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/winnebago-industries-to-acquire-premium-rv-manufacturer-newmar-2019-09-16 Edited September 21, 2019 by Ray,IN Quote 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD, ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG retired;Good Sam Life member,FMCA ." And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy 20 Jan 1961 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dutch_12078 Posted September 21, 2019 Report Share Posted September 21, 2019 Of course it'll take some time to cross all the 'i's and dot all 'T's, but Newmar went to Winnebago for this deal, so there's no much likelihood the deal will fall apart before closing. Quote Dutch 2001 GBM Landau 34' Class A F-53 Chassis, Triton V10, TST TPMS 2011 Toyota RAV4 4WD/Remco pump ReadyBrute Elite tow bar/brake system Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docj Posted September 21, 2019 Author Report Share Posted September 21, 2019 6 hours ago, 2gypsies said: Newmar will continue to operate independently. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aQTLFnp4g4 And if you actually believe that this is a binding commitment, then IMO you haven't had much personal experience in corporate mergers and acquisitions. Quote Sandie & Joel 2000 40' Beaver Patriot Thunder Princeton--425 HP/1550 ft-lbs CAT C-12 2014 Honda CR-V AWD EX-L with ReadyBrute tow bar/brake systemWiFiRanger Ambassador Follow our adventures on Facebook at Weiss Travels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dutch_12078 Posted September 21, 2019 Report Share Posted September 21, 2019 3 minutes ago, docj said: And if you actually believe that this is a binding commitment, then IMO you haven't had much personal experience in corporate mergers and acquisitions. I suspect a lot will depend on how long Matt Miller stays on as president of Newmar, and how much autonomy he's given... Quote Dutch 2001 GBM Landau 34' Class A F-53 Chassis, Triton V10, TST TPMS 2011 Toyota RAV4 4WD/Remco pump ReadyBrute Elite tow bar/brake system Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docj Posted September 21, 2019 Author Report Share Posted September 21, 2019 13 minutes ago, Dutch_12078 said: I suspect a lot will depend on how long Matt Miller stays on as president of Newmar, and how much autonomy he's given... In my experience, key personnel such as Miller will have contractual commitments that typically run 12-24 months. My presumption is that Miller sought the acquisition to create a personal exit plan. I would be surprised to see him stay any longer than his commitment. Quote Sandie & Joel 2000 40' Beaver Patriot Thunder Princeton--425 HP/1550 ft-lbs CAT C-12 2014 Honda CR-V AWD EX-L with ReadyBrute tow bar/brake systemWiFiRanger Ambassador Follow our adventures on Facebook at Weiss Travels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted September 21, 2019 Report Share Posted September 21, 2019 (edited) 9 hours ago, docj said: And if you actually believe that this is a binding commitment, then IMO you haven't had much personal experience in corporate mergers and acquisitions. I am not a corporate expert, but have been invested in the market since 1970 and have observed several of them as well as being an employee through 2 of them with my employer. You can easily look to Grand Design for an example of what Newmar's future will be and even to Chris-Craft Boats which is also part of Winnebago. In addition, Newmar has been through that sort of thing before and was aquired by Matt Miller's dad in 1984. Quote Miller said his family was “excited to see this happen” and that it was always their intention to sell the company, which was founded in 1968 by Marvin Miller and Marvin Newcomer. Matt Miller’s father Mahlon Miller — they are no relation to Marvin — acquired 51% of Newmar Corp. in 1984, and the former Holiday Rambler president, now in retirement, would purchase the remaining 49% of the company in 1990. Coach Builder Newmar a ‘Natural Fit’ For Winnebago By: Rick Kessler|Published on: Sep 17, 2019| It has long been common for Winnebago to be listed by most experienced class A people to be listed among the top reputed coach builders, with the most common listing being Newmar, Tiffin, and Winnebago. Winnebago is not Thor Ind. Changes happen in any active industry and founders always leave the company at some point. It is inevitable as none of us can live forever. Edited September 21, 2019 by Kirk W Quote Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FL-JOE Posted September 21, 2019 Report Share Posted September 21, 2019 18 hours ago, docj said: I suspect that you are referring to the Newmar Owners forum on IRV2. IMHO a significant percentage of the membership of that forum consists of folks who convinced themselves that some measure of their self-image was demonstrated by their purchase of the "best motorhomes" in the US. Now that their beloved Newmar will be "just another Winnebago" some of them are acting as if this is a blow to their egos. Similar posts were made when Thor purchased Entegra, but I don't think things changed all that much. You "hit the nail on the head" docj. A number of them are crying foul and promising that when they get their next coach it will be a Tiffin. Not sure what they will do when Bob Tiffin is gone because I'm betting his family will probably sell out also. When we started we had fivers. After doing some research a Keystone Montana fit our needs for price, quality, and floorplan. I didn't really care if it was a family owned business or a public traded corporation. Then when we were in the market for a DP and after some research narrowed it down to Newmar, Tiffin, and Entegra. Again, being a smaller family owned corporation didn't really factor into my decision. Quote Joe & Cindy Newmar 4369 Ventana Pulling 24' enclosed (Mini Cooper, Harley, 2 Kayaks) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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