August 2010

Expansion to meet increasing demand

Jayco boosts production with new state-of-the-art factory

Jayco Starcraft: new assembly line

JAYCO, Australia's biggest manufacturer of recreational vehicles, is boosting production with a new $7 million state-of-the-art purpose-built factory.

The additional 8000sq m assembly line at the company's 20ha complex  in Victoria is a major milestone in its history and has generated an extra 150 jobs, bringing its total workforce to 850.

Since starting out in a humble shed in Cranbourne in 1975 with a staff of eight, Jayco has grown into one of the largest manufacturers in Victoria and is one of the biggest employers in the south-east metropolitan region.

The company builds more than 9000 campers, caravans, motorhomes and park cabins annually, holding over 50 percent of the national market share.

Its production of recreational vehicles has increased by over 600 percent in the past decade and after selling 1252 units in 1990, Jayco is now on track to sell 9200 units during the 2009/2010 year.

In the last year alone, demand for Jayco RVs has grown by 22 per cent.

"The requirement for additional factory space is due to the high demand for recreational vehicles and subsequent increase in production volumes," marketing director Andrew Ryan said.

"The new production line will build the Starcraft series, which will result in an additional 500-plus units being built each year."

Mr Ryan said expanding the company's existing premises would result in further employment opportunities in the area and further strengthen Jayco's ties to the Dandenong community.

"We believe in the future of the Victorian manufacturing industry and keeping jobs on Australian soil," he explained.

"We are proud of our commitment to design and innovation ... and making quality products that bring enjoyment to so many families."

The family owned and operated company is a true Australian manufacturing success story, he added.