Winnebago Industries in the United States is the most prominent manufacturer of recreational vehicle. It manufactures boats and fifth wheels as well as towable products. It has offices in Texas, Minnesota and Indiana. It produces products under the Winnebago brand, Newmar brand, Grand Design brand, and Chris-Craft brand. Winnebago is an openly traded company that trades at the New York Stock Exchange. It was founded in Forest City (Iowa) in 1958.
Winnebago Industries manufactures a range of motor homes and fifth wheels as well as pontoons and a wide variety of outdoor lifestyle products. There are 2,850 employees at the company's four Iowa and Minnesota facilities.
Winnebago Industries began manufacturing RVs in the early 1960s, when the company was founded in the small town of Forest City, Iowa. The company was formed by five Midwesterners. The company uses automotive-style assembly lines to manufacture its products. It employs a network of independent authorized dealers.
Winnebago RVs are comfortable living spaces. Their vans feature solar panels, all-wheel drive, and bump-outs for extra sleeping space. Winnebago RVs are available in a range of prices, from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Its durability and quality have been the key to Winnebago's success.
Winnebago Industries seeks to stay on top of technological advances. The Advanced Technology Innovation Center, which will house Winnebago Industries, will be used to incubate and prototyping new technologies and products. The company's goal will be to discover industry-changing products, evaluate them and then apply them to its products.
Winnebago has increased its offering in the recreational vehicle segment in recent years. In 2010, Winnebago acquired SunnyBrook RV and established a Waverly production facility. The company expanded its marine business presence with the 2018 acquisition Chris-Craft. It now offers self-propelled mobile homes, diesel and gas powered boats, and pontoons.
Winnebago is known for its dependable vehicles and customer service. Customers can schedule appointments with Winnebago's dealer network or shop for products in a store near them. The company offers an opt-out option for its mailing lists.
The company's 2022 Corporate Responsibility Report outlines the company's progress in several areas of social and environmental responsibility. It contains baseline data that supports the company's goal to have net-zero greenhouse gases emissions by 2050. It also outlines the company's investments in diversity, environmental sustainability, and corporate governance.
Winnebago, a member of Make-A-Wish, is a partner with RV Retailer. The company donates $500,000 to the new career center at North Iowa Area Community College in November. Its gift shop is closed during holidays. It partners also with the Winnebago-Itasca Travelers Club.
Winnebago Industries' headquarters, Forest City, Iowa is just a short drive from Waldorf College, Pammel RV Park and Pilot Knob State Park. The 200-acre plant includes a sawmill, a plastics facility and main assembly areas. There are also the design and sewing areas. Winnebago is also well-known for its decorative stripes.