Winnebago Industries leads the U.S. market for recreational vehicles. It is also a manufacturer and distributor of boats, fifth wheel, and towable goods. It has a presence in Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana, and Texas. It makes products under the Winnebago (Newmar), Grand Design (Chris-Craft) brands. Winnebago, a publicly traded company, trades on 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 285 employees at four locations in Iowa or Minnesota.
Winnebago Industries began production of RVs during the 1960s. This was when the company was founded near Forest City, Iowa. The company was formed by five Midwesterners. The company uses automotive-style assembly lines to manufacture its products. The company has a network independent authorized dealers.
Winnebago RVs offer a comfortable living experience. Their vans are equipped with solar panels, all wheel drive, and bump outs to provide extra sleeping space. A Winnebago RV can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Its quality and durability has been a defining factor in the company's reputation.
Winnebago Industries wants to keep up with technological developments. The company's Advanced Technology Innovation Center will be geared towards incubating, prototyping, and testing innovative products and technologies. The company's goal will be to discover industry-changing products, evaluate them and then apply them to its products.
Winnebago's recreational vehicle offerings have expanded in recent years. The company purchased SunnyBrook RV in 2010 and opened a Waverly, Iowa production plant. In 2018, the company acquired Chris-Craft, a new marine-related brand. It now offers self-propelled mobile dwellings, gasoline and diesel powered boats, as well as pontoons.
Winnebago has a reputation for reliable vehicles and great customer service. Winnebago dealers can arrange appointments for customers or they can shop at local stores. There is an option to opt out of the company's mailing lists.
The 2022 Corporate Responsibilities Report for the company highlights its progress in several areas. It contains baseline data that supports the company's goal to have net-zero greenhouse gases emissions by 2050. It also describes the company’s investments in diversity and environmental sustainability as well as 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. It closes its gift shop on holidays. It partners 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 facility includes a sawmill and a plastics plant. It also has main assembly areas. There are also design and sewing departments. Winnebago's decorative striping is another trademark.