Should EverGreen RVs shut down completely this week, its manufacturing complex, people and equipment will be in high demand, according to a report from the South Bend Tribune.
That's because the RV industry is struggling to find skilled workers, according to CEO of the Elkhart Economic Development Corp. Mark Dobson. Other RV companies, meanwhile, are expected to be interested in buying the multiple-building complex, located north of Middlebury on County Road 2 in York Township, according to the report.
The copmany effectively ceased operations last Friday, maintaining a skeleton crew to wind down production, according to multiple reports.
“We heard from a company source that quite potentially they’re shutting down this week and that there are some negotiations to be acquired by someone else to continue operations,” said Dobson, adding that his source was a company executive. “In spite of the very robust economy in Elkhart County, some businesses don’t work out.”
EverGreen, which laid off most of its roughly 400 employees at the of end last week, is expected to shut down for good Wednesday, an employee confirmed.
The employee, who declined to be identified, was among about 30 workers Monday at the RV manufacturing facility. He said the small crew of workers is building the final batch of RVs at the plant; once production is done, the plant will close and equipment will be sold at an auction.
“They’re setting things up to be auctioned this week after the last unit is out,” he said, adding that he believes EverGreen’s facility will be sold to a rival RV manufacturer.