Thor, one of the largest manufacturer of recreation vehicles and mid-size buses in North America. It is the home of well-known brands Airstream and Dutchman.
In a July 6 press release announcing second-quarter and six-month results ending June 30 the company reported that Recreational Vehicle sales in June were up 19% as compared with 2004. Travel trailers and fifth wheel vehicles were up 20%, while Class A and Class C motor homes were up 29%. In May total retail sales were up 18%. Wade F. B. Thompson, chairman said, "This indicates a late, very strong retail selling season for all of our product segments."
Growth should continue as Thor's demographics put the number of baby boomers (78 million) at 27% of the U.S. population. And that number is growing by 350,000 monthly. The company notes the group controls 75% of the U.S. financial wealth.
To prepare for the demand Thor has upgraded and expanded its plants by 2 million square feet of state-of-the-art manufacturing in the past five years. In 2005, capital expenditures are budgeted at $55 million.
IW 50 Best Manufacturing Company
