©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/WELCOMIA
Rolling with the Punches
AS THE RV INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO BOOM, PRODUCT AVAILABILITY PRESENTS A MAJOR CHALLENGE
T
BY STEPHANIE ORNELAS
he pandemic proved many things for the industry—the power of digital, the human necessity to be outdoors and just how adaptable the American office can be. But as COVID restrictions ease up across the country, consumers are desperate to travel. And although some might still be avoiding airports and hotels for a while, others are looking to a different kind of getaway—one that gets them on the road—thus, leaving a swift demand in RV sales. The only problem is the demand is starting to outweigh the supply. Couple that with spiking lumber prices and you have manufacturers and product managers scrambling for solutions. “People are buying. The outlook for the RV industry looks favorable for many years, but we’re seeing many companies having a lot of difficulty getting materials,” said Nathan Klomp, Director of Business
Development and Marketing for MJB Wood. “You’ve got guys waiting for panels and doors and other materials to support this demand and it’s really presenting a challenge.” Klomp went on to explain that it’s not uncommon for vehicles to pile up as material shortages continue to be an issue. “I’ve seen lots here with dozens of RVs sitting around waiting for their materials and its mind blowing,” he said. To combat this, the company recently broke ground for its new 500,000 sq. ft. production and distribution facility in Elkhart County, IN. The facility, according to Klomp, “is a result of increased demand and will support growth within the RV industry, as well as additional customer segments throughout the region.” Renee Gillis, Director of Design for Heartland RVs, echoed Klomp’s concerns, highlighting the shortage in lumber products. “The boom of RVs sales right now has caused a shortage in many lumber/wood products as well as many other materials that are used to develop the units,” said Gillis. “The RV industry is definitely booming due to the aftereffects of the pandemic,” Gillis said. “I would imagine there is a large portion of people who used to travel by other means who are now fearful of the crowded airports, airplanes or cruise ships.” To keep up with demand, Gillis explained that constant communication with customers and manufacturers about products and the design process is crucial. “Each project that I am involved with has different needs, such as budgets, color scheme and size constraints. All in all, the manufacturer CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 ›
22
SURFACEANDPANEL.COM