The following statement was released Monday, October 13, 2014 from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation:
SHIPSHEWANA, IN – K. Z., Inc., a maker of towable recreational vehicles (RV), announced plans today to expand its operations in Shipshewana, creating up to 125 new jobs by 2017.
The homegrown-Hoosier company, which is an operating company owned by a subsidiary of THOR Industries, Inc., will invest up to $4.83 million to construct and equip a new 80,750 square-foot dedicated lamination facility in Shipshewana. The facility, which will be fully operational by late spring 2015, will allow the company to increase its production capacity for lamination, aluminum frame welding and towable recreational vehicle assembly.
“The RV industry has deep roots and a proud tradition in Indiana,” said Governor Mike Pence. “KZRV’s decision to expand in the Hoosier State is a testament to the skill of our workforce, the strength of our infrastructure and our low-tax, pro-growth environment. Not only does Indiana have a great history with the RV industry, but with our ideal business climate, we also have a promising future.”
KZRV, which currently employs more than 360 full-time Indiana associates, plans to begin hiring aluminum welders and general assembly workers in late spring 2015. Interested applicants may apply in person at the KZRV human resources office in Shipshewana.
“For more than four decades, KZ has grown its business in northern Indiana, the RV capital of the world, so it is only natural that we would continue to invest in Shipshewana as we continue to grow our business,” said Aram Koltookian, chief operating officer at KZ. “The new lamination facility is designed to produce high-quality laminated components and custom aluminum parts that will feed our other towable assembly plants, improving overall efficiency while maintaining the level of quality that KZ is known for in our industry.”
KZRV produces a full line of towable RVs, from high-end models like the Durango and Stone Ridge to value lines including Sportsmen Classics. The KZRV complex, with the new addition, now consists of eight buildings covering 530,000 square feet. Since 2000, KZRV has won the RV Industry Association’s Quality Circle Award 13 times for dealer satisfaction.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered K. Z., Inc. up to $1,250,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $21,600 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. LaGrange County will consider additional incentives at the request of the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation.
“We are thrilled that KZRV has chosen to continue to grow in LaGrange County,” said Peter Cook, president of the LaGrange County Council. “As one of our largest employers, they have made a large long-term commitment to our community and we are happy to continue to support them.”
Indiana leads the nation in RV production, manufacturing almost 80 percent of all RVs in the U.S., according to the RV Industry Association. In 2013, wholesale RV shipments in the U.S. reached their highest levels since 2007 and were up 12 percent from 2012.
