The sale of New Paris, Ind.-based, specialty vehicle manufacturer Turtle Top to Forest River Inc. will be a “win-win” situation for both companies, Rob Cripe, VP of Turtle Top.
This story by Roger Schneider originally appeared in Goshen News.
The Cripe family has owned Turtle Top since its inception in 1962. The company was a division of Independent Protection in Goshen. Independent Protection will continue to be owned by the family, according Cripe. That company manufactures lightning-protection systems.
Forest River announced Wednesday it purchased Turtle Top. Forest River already operates several specialty vehicle brands it purchased in recent years.
Forest River’s interests include the manufacturing of recreational vehicles, pontoon boats, cargo trailers and buses. Turtle Top also produces small buses as well as specialty vehicles, including limousines. Cripe said some of the company’s customers include airports, hotels, government agencies and parking shuttle operators.
The specialty vehicle industry is doing well these days, according to Cripe.
The approximate 220 employees, including the management team, will continue on with Forest River, according to Cripe.