WINNEBAGO Australia is looking forward to a bumper year after a record
first quarter of sales and production.
Business development manager Richie Fort said that with four of
Australia's five major caravan and camping shows already wrapped up, the
response to the company's entire range had exceeded expectations.
This had reinforced a commitment to improve production.
"Our 2016 sales are already on track to exceed those of 2015, which is a
testament to the quality product coming out of the factory coupled with
our great network of dealers who really know our product," Mr Fort said.
He and his team lead Winnebago’s national dealer network from a dedicated
new sales office in Northgate, Brisbane.
"We marked our first anniversary as an Australian brand in February this
year with the launch of our first Australian-built caravan ‒ the Burke ‒
and we have big plans underway for the Winnebago product range," he
explained.
Executive manager (manufacturing and production) Paul Truman said the team
focus was on "design to manufacture".
"The better the RV design the easier it is to manufacture, resulting in a
higher quality and more enjoyable product experience for the client," he
said.
 |
| Winnebago's first
Australian-built caravan, the Burke |
"We have been leveraging the best design concepts in an expanded range of
motorhomes, campervans and caravans, investing in existing staff and have
also welcomed some new and talented people to our team."
Recent developments at Winnebago Australia include the appointment of
design and process engineer Craig Jeffrey, who is responsible for
designing and researching new products and providing project support.
Mr Jeffrey’s 22-year background spans automotive, trucking, residential
hardware and home automation products and he has been focusing on the
factory’s new computer-aided precision cutter used for cabinetry and which
creates very precise panels to ensure a seamless interior.
"We know from customer feedback that internal styling is of major
importance, and in the new all-Australian Winnebago caravan range we are
doing this better than ever before ... the results are pretty
spectacular," he said.
"Consistent manufacturing quality standards and cost effective,
sustainable production are key priorities for the team."
Mr Jeffrey is working closely with Winnebago's new production manager
Kevin Edwards.
With more than 29 years' experience under his belt in South Africa, the UK
and Australia, Mr Edwards has been appointed to lead product development
and production of Winnebago Australia's growing range of caravans.
"The release of all-Australian designed and built caravans under the
iconic Winnebago brand is a major step forward for us, and the caravans we
have coming off the production line in 2016 absolutely meet the needs of
our modern market," he said.
The next all-Australian Winnebago caravan, the 22ft Mossman range named
after one of Australia's most famous natural wonders, Mossman Gorge, will
be launched at the Queensland Caravan, RV & Holiday Supershow this month.
Within the range are three models, from four to six berth and including an
optional slide-out.
In total, Winnebago will be releasing eight new products at the Brisbane
show.
