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Draft:Jayco Family of Companies


Jayco Family of Companies is an American manufacturer of recreation vehicles as a subsidiary of Thor Industries. The company manufactures Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, Toy Haulers, Class B Vans, Class C Motorhomes, Super C Motorhomes, Gas Class A Motorhomes and Luxury Diesel Pushers. From smaller trailers that are easy to tow, to the most luxurious motorcoaches on the road, Jayco Family of Companies delivers the highest quality. United by a drive to make more memorable experiences possible, Jayco, Entegra Coach, Highland Ridge RV and Starcraft RV are your partners in adventure. [1]Jayco RV and Entegra Coach are based in Middlebury, Indiana and Highland Ridge RV and Starcraft RV are located in Shipshewana, Indiana. Each company in the Jayco Family of Companies has always been rooted in family as an integral part of the industry. From founders Lloyd and Bertha Bontrager, always having extra chairs in their family home for dealers and employees to eat with them at any given moment, customers and employees have always been treated like family.

Jayco Family of Companies

History

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In 1968, Lloyd Bontrager developed a prototype camping trailer featuring a unique lifter system designed specifically for fold-down campers. By January 1969, Al Yoder joined the Jayco Family of Companies as a partner. This year marked significant growth, as the company expanded to 15 employees and sold a total of 132 camping trailers.

In 1970, Lloyd Bontrager launched the first Jayco Family of Companies Dealer Seminar. This initiative aimed to introduce new units and facilitate connections between dealers and employees. The following year, the Jayco Family of Companies entered the travel trailer market, successfully building 1,100 units in its inaugural year. In 1972, the Jayco Family of Companies expanded its offerings by entering the fifth wheel market.

By 1975, Al Yoder had risen to the position of Executive Vice President. During this time, the Jayco Family of Companies achieved a milestone by ranking among the country’s top ten RV manufacturers for the first time. Additionally, Jayco Australia was established, marking the company's entry into international markets. In 1976, the Jayco Family of Companies became the first company to introduce a stand-up area in the front bedroom of fifth wheels. The company further diversified in 1977 by entering the Class C motorhome market with the launch of the JayMini motorhome series.

In 1985, the Jayco Family of Companies built and shipped its 100,000th unit. However, this year also saw tragedy strike, as Lloyd Bontrager, his son Wendell, and associates Nelson and Marcus Hershberger died in a plane crash. Following this, Al Yoder was appointed President, while Lloyd’s oldest son, Wilbur, became Executive Vice President and Bertha was named chairman of the board. In 1987, Al Yoder received the RVIA’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award.

In 1991, the Jayco Family of Companies expanded its portfolio by acquiring Starcraft RV. Starcraft RV manufactures Conventional Travel Trailers and Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailers and is now based in Shipshewana, Indiana. Dating back to 1903, Starcraft was founded as a farm equipment manufacturer, then added marine manufacturing to its lineup, followed by tent campers in 1964.

Lloyd Bontrager was inducted into the RV Hall of Fame in 1994, recognizing his significant contributions to the industry. By 1997, the Jayco Family of Companies celebrated the shipment of its 300,000th unit. The company also opened a state-of-the-art Customer Service center in Middlebury, Indiana, which included a parts warehouse and service bays. Additionally, the Jayco Family of Companies launched its website, www.jayco.com.

In 1999, the Jayco Family of Companies completed its new headquarters facility in Middlebury, Indiana. The following year, the Jayco Family of Companies introduced the Kiwi, a lightweight travel trailer that would eventually evolve into what is now known as the Jay Feather. In 2002, the Jayco Family of Companies launched the Jay Flight trailer brand, which has maintained its status as the #1 best-selling travel trailer for nearly 15 consecutive years. In 2003, the Jayco Family of Companies became the first company to offer surround sound system components across all its products, including entry-level RVs.

In 2005, the company opened a new manufacturing plant in Twin Falls, Idaho. The Jayco Family of Companies marked a significant milestone in 2006 by building and shipping its 500,000th unit. This year also saw the introduction of iPod adapters across various products, including toy haulers and camping trailers. In 2008, the Jayco Family of Companies acquired the assets of the former Travel Supreme, launching the Class-A diesel pusher Entegra Coach division. Entegra Coach manufactures Luxury Diesel Pushers, Gas Class A Motorhomes, Super Class C Motorhomes, Class C Motorhomes, and Class B Vans. Entegra Coach is now based in Middlebury, Indiana, supplying first-class luxury in a motorcoach with diesel pushers that are the quietest riding and best handling luxury coaches on the market today.

The Jayco Family of Companies celebrated 40 years of success, and Wilbur Bontrager was inducted into the RV Hall of Fame. By 2011, the Jayco Family of Companies had become the largest privately-held RV manufacturer in the industry. In 2014, the Jayco Family of Companies acquired the assets of the former Open Range and rebranded the division as Highland Ridge RV. Highland Ridge RV manufactures Conventional Travel Trailers and Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailers and is now based in Shipshewana, Indiana. Highland Ridge RV was founded with a passion for innovation, aiming to create better products using advanced technologies in construction materials—all at an affordable price.

The Jayco Family of Companies then entered the gasoline Class A market. On July 1, 2016, Jayco Corporation, encompassing all its brands, was acquired by Thor Industries. This year also marked the celebration of building the 1,000,000th unit across the four divisions of the Jayco Family of Companies, Entegra Coach, Highland Ridge RV, and Starcraft RV. Furthermore, the Eagle brand celebrated its 25th anniversary as the industry’s longest-running trailer brand.

In 2017, Derald Bontrager was honored with the RVIA’s Distinguished Service to the RV Industry Award. The company’s workforce grew to its largest size in history, boasting nearly 4,000 employees. In 2020, the Jayco Family of Companies announced the promotion of Ken Walters, previously Vice President of Sales and Product Development, to the position of President. Jay Flight was recognized as the #1 selling travel trailer in North America for 15 consecutive years. In 2021, the Jayco Family of Companies rebranded itself, reflecting its diverse divisions: Jayco, Entegra Coach, Highland Ridge RV, and Starcraft RV.

In 2022, the Jayco Family of Companies achieved a significant milestone by attaining 100% Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) at all three locations. This accomplishment underscored the company's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. In 2023, the Jayco Family Care Clinic opened at the Middlebury headquarters, further demonstrating the company’s dedication to employee well-being and health.

Subsidiaries

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Jayco RV

Jayco RV is a subsidiary of Jayco Family of Companies and an American manufacturer of recreational vehicles. The company sets out to make it easier and safer for families to have fun together by manufacturing Travel Trailers, Toy Haulers, Fifth-Wheels and Motorhomes (Class A, B, and C). Jayco is based in Middlebury, Indiana, and about three-quarters of its 3,200-person workforce is from the Amish and Mennonite communities of Indiana.  Jayco RV also provides the industry’s best warranty. Jayco RV’s limited warranty covers two full camping seasons. That is twice as long as most other manufacturers. Jayco RV confidently offers this because of the company’s commitment to build better. Jayco RV has been respected for decades with multiple RV hall of famers and 77 Quality Circle Awards, for achieving the highest possible rating in the Dealer Satisfaction Index. Their innovative floorplans consistently win top industry awards.

 
Entegra Coach

Entegra Coach is a subsidiary of Jayco Family of Companies and an American manufacturer of recreational vehicles. The company manufactures Luxury Diesel Pushers, Gas Class A Motorhomes, Super Class C Motorhomes, Class C Motorhomes and Class B Vans. Entegra Coach is based in Middlebury, Indiana. Entegra Coach supplies first-class luxury in a motorcoach, with diesel pushers that are the quietest riding, best handling luxury coaches on the market today. Entegra Coach is committed to upholding their promises and going the extra mile to ensure quality motorcoaches. The company puts honesty, integrity, reliability, accessibility, responsiveness and thoroughness at the core of their business. With meticulous craftsmanship, attention to detail and innovative features, Entegra Coach creates motorhomes that continuously surpass expectations.

 
Highland Ridge RV

Highland Ridge RV is a subsidiary of Jayco Family of Companies and an American manufacturer of recreational vehicles. The company manufactures Travel Trailers and Fifth-Wheels. The company is based in Shipshewana, Indiana. Highland Ridge RV was founded with a passion for innovation, to make a better product using advanced technologies in construction materials—all at an affordable price. The company focuses on solving the problems RVers encounter every day, building the RVer’s RV. [2]Highland Ridge RV is a subsidiary of Jayco and operates its own manufacturing facilities, service and warranty group, sales team, management and leadership teams. Through deliberate design, Highland Ridge RV comes up with creative RV solutions that makes time at camp a little easier, and a lot more comfortable.

 
Starcraft RV

Starcraft RV is a subsidiary of Jayco Family of Companies and an American manufacturer of recreational vehicles. The company manufactures Travel Trailers and Fifth-Wheels. Starcraft RV is based in Shipshewana, Indiana. Dating back to 1903, Starcraft was founded as a farm equipment manufacturer, then added marine manufacturing to its lineup, followed by tent campers in 1964. In the heart of Northern Indiana’s Amish country, the company built their reputation on crafting iconic campers at affordable prices, using the latest technologies and highest-quality materials available.[3] Well established as a top RV manufacturer in Indiana by the 1990s, today’s Starcraft RV has expanded product lines, facilities and its workforce throughout North Central Indiana—and its reputable name throughout North America.[4]

Sustainability

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Solar Panels

Jayco Family of Companies continues to make major strides to produce quality RVs while reducing waste. The company’s goal is to be the first landfill-free RV Manufacturer in the industry and raise the expectations for competitors each year. By recycling nearly 5,000,000 pounds of waste, reducing water usage, increasing the use of sustainable packaging and decreasing energy consumption through major solar initiatives, Jayco Family of Companies continue to move even closer to their goals.[5]

In 2022 Jayco Family of Companies made a massive solar initiative by installing more than 3,000 panels that will provide more than 10% of the energy needed to run the facilities on the Middlebury campus in Indiana.

100% Pre-Delivery Inspection

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PDI Building

Jayco Family of Companies’ standard is achieved by providing additional procedures and implementing protocols to remove the margin of human error. The company conducts inspections and quality-control checks throughout the production process, to the last stop in the manufacturing plant, Jayco Family of Companies has added another step to ensure their travel trailers and motorhomes are reliable and top quality before they make it to a dealer's lot.[6]

Our Product is Our People

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Our Product is Our People

The "Our Product is Our People" campaign by Jayco Family of Companies is centered around five guiding pillars that encapsulate the company's core values and principles. Development focuses on personal and professional growth, encouraging continuous improvement and empowering individuals to elevate their skills and potential. Respect is at the heart of every interaction, promoting a culture of dignity and mutual appreciation among all members of the Jayco Family of Companies. Integrity upholds the highest standards of ethical behavior, ensuring all actions are aligned with the company's commitment to honesty and doing what is right. Through Community, the companies’ commitment extends beyond the workplace, aiming to make a lasting positive impact on the broader society. Finally, Family emphasizes the strong bonds that unite the Jayco Family of Companies’ team, fostering a sense of purpose and strength as they work together toward shared goals.[7]

Careers

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With nearly 4,000 team members strong, over 1.3 million RVs built and over 55 years in business, Jayco Family of Companies is built on superior craftsmanship and a history of innovation. The company has been awarded and respected for decades and offers the best warranty in the RV industry with quality remaining at the forefront. Jayco Family of companies has teams in marketing, sales, operations, purchasing, IT, accounting, customer service, engineering, human resources, pre-delivery inspection, interior design, and research and development.[8]

Jayco Family of Companies success in producing a diverse range of RVs and delivering tens of thousands of units to dealers across North America each year is a direct result of the dedication and passion of its team. The company’s rich heritage is built on the foundation of integrity, hard work, and the fun-loving attitude of its employees. Jayco's distinctive family atmosphere and cooperative spirit across its campuses foster a unique environment that sets it apart, both as an employer and in the marketplace. This strong sense of community is reflected in the loyalty of its workforce, with hundreds of employees having over 15 years of service and many choosing to spend their entire careers with the company.

Jayco Family of Companies' Universities

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Jayco Family of Companies University

Jayco Family of Companies is dedicated to providing customers across all its brands with comprehensive and accessible product information. To achieve this, Jayco Family of Companies has partnered with the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) with the shared objective of creating knowledgeable and successful RV owners and users. This collaboration has led to the development of a fully virtual online classroom, allowing customers to gain confidence and expertise before hitting the road. The enrollment process is streamlined; customers can select their specific brand and click the University logo to begin. Once enrolled, users are guided through a branded curriculum that covers essential topics such as RV basics, walk-around procedures, setup, and more for each RV model. This initiative underscores Jayco's commitment to enhancing the ownership experience by empowering customers with the necessary skills and knowledge to fully enjoy their RV adventures.[9]

Pathfinders Ambassador Program

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Pathfinders Ambassador Program

The Jayco Family of Companies' Pathfinder Ambassador Program is designed for passionate RV enthusiasts who embody the authentic RV lifestyle and are eager to represent Jayco's brands. Pathfinders create diverse, multimedia content—such as blogs, videos, and social media posts—that highlights their unique RV experiences while promoting Jayco Family of Companies’ values and initiatives. Open to owners of Jayco RV, Entegra Coach, Highland Ridge RV, and Starcraft RVs, the program offers ambassadors exclusive opportunities, including direct collaboration with product development teams, participation in events, and discounted RV upgrades. Pathfinders serve as key advocates, inspiring the broader RV community and growing their own influence within the industry.[10]

International

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Jayco Australia Ltd is an Australian owned and operated, and continues to operate as a locally owned family business employing more than 1,100 employees. Jayco RV and Jayco, Inc. are separately held and run businesses from Jayco Australia Ltd, with the Australian company having name and branding rights since 1975.

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References

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  1. ^ "Jayco - Owner of Leading RV Manufacturers | Jayco Family of Companies". www.jaycofamily.com. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  2. ^ "About Us - A Leading RV Manufacture | Highland Ridge RV". www.highlandridgerv.com. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  3. ^ "About Us | Starcraft RV". starcraftrv.com. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  4. ^ "About Us | Starcraft RV". starcraftrv.com. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  5. ^ "Sustainability". www.jaycofamily.com. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  6. ^ "Jayco Family of Companies Launches 100% PDI". www.jaycofamily.com. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  7. ^ "Our Product is Our People". www.jaycofamily.com. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  8. ^ "Career Opportunities | Jayco Family of Companies". www.jaycofamily.com. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  9. ^ "JFOC University with NRVTA". www.jaycofamily.com. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  10. ^ "Pathfinder | Jayco Family of Companies' Ambassadors". www.jaycofamily.com. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
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