Mr Binns, right, takes the minister on a factory tour

RV company a local success story

Minister helps mark Avida's anniversary

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NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres recently took a first-hand look at RV production.

It happened when the minister visited the Avida Motorhomes and Caravans factory at Emu Plains.

The manufacturer, which is celebrating 50 years in the business, is a local success story employing around 200 staff who produce more than 600 vehicles a year for the Australian market.

Avida chief executive Ben Binns said the company prided itself on producing value for money, world class vehicles for the Australian market.

"We have great people in our business and our team is a valuable part of our success," he said.

"We are highly consultative and our success comes from listening to our staff, feedback from our dealers and ultimately, our customers.

"We take their feedback seriously and it helps to lead product innovation and quality.

"After a few years of minimal growth, the last 12 months have seen greater consumer interest in RVs and caravans and the dollar has certainly made us more competitive.

"So, the future is bright and we will continue to align our product with what the consumer is after."

Caravan & Camping Industry Association (NSW) chief executive Lyndel Gray said the recreational vehicle manufacturing sector continued to grow strongly, reflecting the popularity of domestic caravan and camping holidays.

"We are seeing year-on-year growth in RV manufacturing of around 13 percent and these figures are some of the highest we have seen in 20 years," she said.

"The figures are a reflection of a growing interest and engagement with the caravan and camping holiday and, with the weakening Australian dollar, we are likely to see even more Australians choosing a domestic holiday experience."

She said NSW was Australia's favorite state for caravan and camping holidays, claiming more than 35 percent of domestic caravan and camping visitors nationally and accounting for 8.2 percent of all visitors to the state.

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