It baffles the imagination. National RV spends a fortune to participate in the National RV Show, the conduct a major press announcement, they introduce several new products — and shut their doors the next day.
It’s been no secret that National RV has been struggling. I blogged about it with my former employer, which you can read here. Sales were down more than 40 percent last quarter alone. But, with David Humphreys rise in power at National RV, and his influence within the industry, I was certain company had turned a corner.
One large dealer representing National RV has told me the company had become a pleasure to work with. They were responsive to dealers, producing great products and paying attention to the details — all signs of a company truly committed to building a strong future in the RV industry.
Then, as 600 employees arrive to work today, 25 days before Christmas, they get a present of their own in the form of a pink slip and a letter explaining “the layoff is expected to be permanent and the entire site will be closing.”
Let this be a lesson to other manufacturers. When you lose money every quarter for years, and someone on your board with direct experience running a company in the industry (Bob Lee) tells you you’re driving the company into the ground — listen.
