Industry Spotlight

The RV business continues to grow and consolidate as two of our local RV businesses have joined teams with industry leaders.

KZ-RV of Shipshewana was recently acquired by Thor Industries, Inc, effective May 1, 2014.

Founded in 1972, Indiana-based K-Z is known for its innovative, high-quality travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers.

"Becoming a part of Thor allows us to continue to operate K-Z with the core values and relationships that have made us successful since our founding," said Daryl Zook, founder and Chief Executive Officer of K-Z.

You can read the full story here: http://ow.ly/vTxDh

Also on our success list is Open Range RV, who recently joined teams with Jayco.

"The two companies are a natural match." said Randy Graber, President of Open Range RV.

With growth in excess of 20% annually, the management of Open Range recognized in order to maintain and further increase that type of growth, it was necessary to partner with a larger organization.

Derald Bontrager, Jayco's President and CEO said, "Open Range will be a perfect addition to the Jayco family."

You can read the full story here: http://ow.ly/vTxIB

Success and growth is always possible in LaGrange County, especially for our local and homegrown businesses. We applaud them for the years they have been here, and look forward to sharing their future successes.

"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."-Henry Ford

_______________________________________

LaGrange County EDC Releases New Case Studies of Local Businesses

The LCEDC has released five new case studies profiling businesses in LaGrange County.

The five profiles feature businesses from different sectors of the LaGrange County community who have been assisted by the LCEDC, and are featured on the LagrangeCountyEDC.com website. The businesses featured are:

-Cruiser RV: a second generation, family owned manufacturer and industry leader in the production of high quality, lightweight, towable recreational vehicles.

-Lake Area Designs: a manufacturer of high quality wood furnishings and other wood products for many industries, including the recreational vehicle industry.

-Mudd-Ox: a manufacturer of unique 6 and 8 wheeled and tracked specialty ATV's for many applications ranging from outdoorsmen to industrial use.

-Nishikawa Cooper: a joint venture between Nishikawa Rubber Co. and Cooper Standard Automotive, a Tier One supplier to the automotive industry.

-West Point Woodworking: a manufacturer of heirloom quality tables for wholesale suppliers of high-end furnishings.

The LCEDC has already received positive feedback on how helpful and well written the studies were. Be sure to check them out!

_______________________________________

Local companies

Since March, the LaGrange County EDC has visited many of our local companies. A few of them are: Gro Alliance, Indiana Interstate Enterprise LLC, and Riverside RV.

Gro Alliance has a proud history of providing high quality seed and specialty crop production and has consistently exceeded the expectations of some of the most demanding companies and organizations in the world. Gro Alliance accesses production areas in Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan which includes a broad range of soil types, climates and growing conditions to meet client needs.

Indiana Interstate Enterprise, LLC specializes in RV repairs, warranties, services, and new RV and cargo sales. Their 13,000 square foot RV Repair facility is capable of handling the most elite RV's on the road today.

Riverside RV offers a complete lineup of Retro Travel Trailers to meet customer needs. They hold a floor plan for every need and want. Their goal is to see their clients have a "Great Camping Experience".

_________________________________________________

President's Perspective

It's been a very busy and successful spring for the LaGrange County EDC. We have seen our homegrown businesses continue to grow, as well as other businesses begin and consolidate. We are here to help our businesses in anyway that we can to help them succeed in every aspect of their company.

We hope as the spring weather continues and the flowers blossom, so will the accomplishments of our businesses, our county, and the LaGrange County EDC.

-Keith Gillenwater, President & CEO

_________________________________________________