A Heartland Recreational Vehicles manufacturing plant in Sturgis, Michigan, is set to shut down in June, leading to the loss of 121 jobs. The plant opened a little more than a year ago in late 2023. The company specializes in towable RVs and travel trailers.
Heartland, based in Elkhart, Indiana, submitted a WARN notice on Tuesday to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, outlining the planned layoffs.
The WARN Act is a federal law passed in 1988 by Congress that requires employers with 100 or more employees to provide a 60-day notice of significant layoffs or plant closings.
According to Heartland, the closure of its Haines Boulevard facility in Sturgis is “due to business necessity.” The shutdown will impact six salaried employees and 115 non-union hourly workers, with layoffs taking effect on June 20.
In addition to the Sturgis closure, the company closed its manufacturing plant in Nampa, Idaho, in October 2024, laying off 70 people.
Heartland manufactures travel trailers, toy haulers and fifth wheel recreational vehicles.
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RVT1206
Perhaps if they concentrated on quality and not quantity, the RV manufacturing sector could scale down, trim the fat and redesign itself into a more sustainable industry with higher skilled employees producing a better product that could survive changes in market forces. In my hometown area there are dealerships with hundreds of unsold units that I know most have been there for at least three years.
I have a fiberglass travel trailer purchased in 2009. It is in great shape with conscientious quality control manufacturing. ironically, it was made in Canada.
It is not uncommon to see 30 to 50 year-old fiberglass travel trailers still being used.
I had thoughts about buying in Canada. Wondering if they are going to charge tariffs on things we drive across the northen border to buy? And wondering about how hard it is to then get vehicles and TT’s licensed in the States?
It is very difficult, on all counts. Taxes will need to be paid upon entry, also paid upon purchase in ca., inspections in the US to get plates, certifications ensuring American safety standards are met…. etc, etc.
Escape? We have a 21C. Great trailer.
Thank you, RV Travel! Closing a plant slightly more than a year after opening it certainly demonstrates that the company’s forecasting was relied on far too heavily. In defense of the forecaster(s), there is a widely repeated phrase that anytime a forecaster hits a forecast accurately, then it is time to retire from forecasting. That is, they never are accurate and at best approximate, so someone took a forecast far too literally. No consolation to those losing their jobs though. Have a great weekend and safe travels!
I’m sure it will all be fixed on day 1, whenever that is.
This plant was the result of Covid expansion. The industry could not sustain it for long.
How is that “maga” thing working out for all those fired and laid off workers across the country. You reap what you sow people.
Opened in 2023. Prior planning prevents poor performance.