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{{short description|American manufacturer of recreational vehicles and trailers}}
{{other uses|Forest River (disambiguation)}}
{{other uses|Forest River (disambiguation)}}
{{Refimprove|date=December 2006}}
{{More citations needed|date=December 2006}}

{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Forest River
| name = Forest River
| logo = Frlogogreen.png
| logo = File:FR Primary Logo Green.png
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| founded = {{Start date and age|1996|1|26}}
| founded = {{Start date and age|1996|1|26}}
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| owner =
| owner =
| num_employees = 11,000
| num_employees = 11,000
| parent = [[Berkshire Hathaway]] (since 2005)
| parent = [[Berkshire Hathaway]] (2005-present)
| divisions = {{Collapsible list
| divisions = {{Collapsible list
|title=List of Divisions
|title=List of Divisions
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|13=Haulin Trailers
|13=Haulin Trailers
|14=Lightning Trailers
|14=Lightning Trailers
|15=Rance Aluminimum Trailers
|15=Rance Aluminum Trailers
|16=US Cargo
|16=US Cargo
|17=Berkshire Pontoon
|17=Berkshire Pontoon
Line 51: Line 51:
| location =
| location =
| location_city = [[Elkhart, Indiana]]
| location_city = [[Elkhart, Indiana]]
| location_country = [[United States]]
| location_country = United States
| locations = More than 100 Plants
| locations = More than 100 Plants
| homepage = {{URL|www.forestriverinc.com}}
| homepage = {{URL|www.forestriverinc.com}}
}}
}}


'''Forest River Inc.''' is an American manufacturer of [[recreational vehicle]]s, cargo trailers, utility trailers, pontoon boats, and buses.<ref>http://www.forestriverinc.com/about.aspx</ref>
'''Forest River Inc.''' is an American manufacturer of [[recreational vehicle]]s, cargo trailers, utility trailers, pontoon boats, and buses.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.forestriverinc.com/about.aspx|title = Our Story &#124; Forest River Inc., A Berkshire Hathaway Company}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Forest River, Inc., (Forest River) was founded in 1996 by Peter Liegl and the company just recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Liegl Conveys Gratitude on Forest River's 20th|url = http://www.rvbusiness.com/2016/02/liegl-conveys-gratitude-on-forest-rivers-20th/|website = RV Business|access-date = 2016-02-19|language = en-us}}</ref>
Forest River, Inc. was founded in 1996 by Peter Liegl<ref>{{Cite web|title = Liegl Conveys Gratitude on Forest River's 20th|url = http://www.rvbusiness.com/2016/02/liegl-conveys-gratitude-on-forest-rivers-20th/|website = RV Business|access-date = 2016-02-19|language = en-us|archive-date = 2016-02-11|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160211000322/http://www.rvbusiness.com/2016/02/liegl-conveys-gratitude-on-forest-rivers-20th/|url-status = dead}}</ref> after purchasing certain assets of Cobra Industries,<ref>(''RV Business'' Vol 56, no. 9 pg 38)</ref> where [[Chief executive officer|CEO]] Peter Liegl worked from 1985 to 1993.
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The company started by manufacturing tent campers, [[travel trailers]], fifth wheels, and park models under the model lines Salem, Sierra, Sandpiper, Wildwood, Rockwood, Flagstaff, Summit, and Quailridge. Later that same year, they began producing cargo utility trailers as Cargo Mate.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Cargomatetrailer.com-AboutUs|url = http://www.cargomatetrailer.com/AboutUs|website = www.cargomatetrailer.com|access-date = 2016-02-23|archive-date = 2021-07-27|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210727124004/https://cargomatetrailer.com/AboutUs|url-status = dead}}</ref>


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In 1997, Forest River established a second cargo trailer line in 1997 called Continental Cargo.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Continentalcargotrailer.com-AboutUs|url = http://www.continentalcargotrailer.com/AboutUs|website = www.continentalcargotrailer.com|access-date = 2016-02-23|archive-date = 2016-02-23|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160223231452/http://www.continentalcargotrailer.com/AboutUs|url-status = dead}}</ref>
After Purchasing Certain assets of [[Cobra Industries]] in January 1996<ref>(''RV Business'' Vol 56, no. 9 pg 38)</ref> where [[Chief executive officer|CEO]] Peter Liegl served from 1985 to 1993.
⚫
The company started by manufacturing tentcampers, [[travel trailers]], fifth wheels, and park models under the following model lines: Salem, Sierra, Sandpiper, Wildwood, Rockwood, Flagstaff, Summit, and Quailridge. Later that same year, they began producing cargo utility trailers as Cargo Mate.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Cargomatetrailer.com-AboutUs|url = http://www.cargomatetrailer.com/AboutUs|website = www.cargomatetrailer.com|access-date = 2016-02-23}}</ref>


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In 1998, Forest River Launched Forest River Marine and began producing pontoon boats.<ref>{{Cite web|title = South Bay Pontoon - a division of Forest River, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company.|url = http://www.southbaypontoon.com/AboutUs.aspx|website = www.southbaypontoon.com|access-date = 2016-02-23|first = South Bay|last = Pontoons|archive-date = 2016-04-02|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160402101856/http://www.southbaypontoon.com/AboutUs.aspx|url-status = dead}}</ref> That same year the company purchased certain assets of Firan Motorhomes to begin manufacturing class A [[motorhome]]s.
Forest River has grown through growth and acquisitions.

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In 1997, Forest River established a second cargo trailer line in 1997 called Continental Cargo.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Continentalcargotrailer.com-AboutUs|url = http://www.continentalcargotrailer.com/AboutUs|website = www.continentalcargotrailer.com|access-date = 2016-02-23}}</ref>

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In 1998, Forest River Launched Forest River Marine and began producing pontoon boats.<ref>{{Cite web|title = South Bay Pontoon - a division of Forest River, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company.|url = http://www.southbaypontoon.com/AboutUs.aspx|website = www.southbaypontoon.com|access-date = 2016-02-23|first = South Bay|last = Pontoons}}</ref> That same year the company purchased certain assets of Firan Motorhomes to begin manufacturing Class A Motorhomes.


In 2000, Forest River acquired US Cargo, another manufacturer of utility trailers.
In 2000, Forest River acquired US Cargo, another manufacturer of utility trailers.
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In 2002, Rockport Commercial Vehicles, a brand of commercial vehicles and cargo trucks, was launched. That same year, the company acquired Vanguard Industries and the assets of Palomino.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Palomino RV - Manufacturer of Quality RVs since 1968|url = http://www.palominorv.com/AboutUs/|website = www.palominorv.com|access-date = 2016-02-23|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160222143513/http://www.palominorv.com/AboutUs/|archive-date = 2016-02-22}}</ref>
In 2002, Rockport Commercial Vehicles, a brand of commercial vehicles and cargo trucks, was launched. That same year, the company acquired Vanguard Industries and the assets of Palomino.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Palomino RV - Manufacturer of Quality RVs since 1968|url = http://www.palominorv.com/AboutUs/|website = www.palominorv.com|access-date = 2016-02-23|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160222143513/http://www.palominorv.com/AboutUs/|archive-date = 2016-02-22}}</ref>


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In 2005, Forest River, Inc., was acquired by [[Warren Buffett]] and [[Berkshire Hathaway]] Inc.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/2005ar/2005ar.pdf|title = Berkshire Hathaway Annual Report-2005}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.rvbusiness.com/2005/11/billionaire-buffett-operates-on-%E2%80%98gut-instinct%E2%80%99/|title = Billionaire Buffett Operates on 'Gut Instinct'|website = RVBusiness|publisher = RVBusiness|access-date = 2016-04-12|archive-date = 2016-04-26|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160426151649/http://www.rvbusiness.com/2005/11/billionaire-buffett-operates-on-%E2%80%98gut-instinct%E2%80%99/|url-status = dead}}</ref> In the same year, a new luxury coach brand, Elkhart Coach, was launched.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.elkhartcoach.com/our-story|title = Our Story|website = Elkhart Coach|publisher = Elkhart Coach}}</ref>
With its rapidly expanding business, Forest River moved its corporate office out of the original building in Goshen, Indiana, to its current location in Elkhart, Indiana. Each new acquisition and launch led to expansions in manufacturing and production facilities in order to meet the demand for the products and strategically grow the company.

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In 2005, Forest River, Inc., was acquired by [[Warren Buffett]] and [[Berkshire Hathaway]], Inc.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/2005ar/2005ar.pdf|title = Berkshire Hathaway Annual Report-2005}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.rvbusiness.com/2005/11/billionaire-buffett-operates-on-%E2%80%98gut-instinct%E2%80%99/|title = Billionaire Buffett Operates on 'Gut Instinct'|website = RVBusiness|publisher = RVBusiness}}</ref> In the same year, a new luxury coach brand, Elkhart Coach was launched.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.elkhartcoach.com/our-story|title = Our Story|website = Elkhart Coach|publisher = Elkhart Coach}}</ref>


Forest River continued to expand with the acquisition of Rance Aluminum Fabrication and Priority One Financial Services in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|title = About Priority One: History|url = http://www.p1fs.com/aboutus.asp|website = www.p1fs.com|access-date = 2016-02-23}}</ref>
Forest River continued to expand with the acquisition of Rance Aluminum Fabrication and Priority One Financial Services in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|title = About Priority One: History|url = http://www.p1fs.com/aboutus.asp|website = www.p1fs.com|access-date = 2016-02-23|archive-date = 2016-04-23|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160423080436/http://www.p1fs.com/aboutus.asp|url-status = dead}}</ref>


The following year, the company acquired assets of Coachmen RV, a subsidiary of [[All American Group|Coachmen Industries]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Coachmen and Forest River Working out the Details|url = http://www.rvbusiness.com/2008/11/coachmen-forest-river-working-out-details/|website = RV Business|access-date = 2016-02-09|language = en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Coachmen RV - Manufacturer of Travel Trailers - Fifth Wheels - Tent Campers - Motorhomes|url = http://www.coachmenrv.com/AboutUs.aspx|website = www.coachmenrv.com|access-date = 2016-02-23|first = Forest River|last = Inc.}}</ref> Coachmen provides a broad breadth of product makes, ranging from rear diesel motorhomes, gas class A motorhomes, class C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, tent campers and sport utility trailers and have been on North American roads dating back to 1964.
The following year, the company acquired assets of Coachmen RV, a subsidiary of [[All American Group|Coachmen Industries]]<ref>{{Cite web|title = Coachmen and Forest River Working out the Details|url = http://www.rvbusiness.com/2008/11/coachmen-forest-river-working-out-details/|website = RV Business|access-date = 2016-02-09|language = en-us|archive-date = 2016-04-26|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160426154752/http://www.rvbusiness.com/2008/11/coachmen-forest-river-working-out-details/|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Coachmen RV - Manufacturer of Travel Trailers - Fifth Wheels - Tent Campers - Motorhomes|url = http://www.coachmenrv.com/AboutUs.aspx|website = www.coachmenrv.com|access-date = 2016-02-23}}</ref> and a manufacturer of class A motorhomes, class C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, tent campers and sport utility trailers.


Prime Time Manufacturing, which builds towable recreational vehicles, was established in 2009<ref>{{Cite web|title = Prime Time Manufacturing - Manufacturer of Travel Trailers - Fifth Wheels|url = http://www.primetimerv.com/AboutUs.aspx|website = www.primetimerv.com|access-date = 2016-02-23|first = Prime Time|last = Manufacturing}}</ref> followed by the revival of the [[Shasta travel trailers|Shasta]] product line in 2010,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = Forest River Launches Shasta RV Division|url = http://www.rvbusiness.com/2010/08/forest-river-launches-shasta-rv-division/|website = RV Business|access-date = 2016-02-09|language = en-us}}</ref> one of the intellectual properties of the Coachmen asset acquisition.
Prime Time Manufacturing, which builds towable recreational vehicles, was established in 2009<ref>{{Cite web|title = Prime Time Manufacturing - Manufacturer of Travel Trailers - Fifth Wheels|url = http://www.primetimerv.com/AboutUs.aspx|website = www.primetimerv.com|access-date = 2016-02-23|first = Prime Time|last = Manufacturing}}</ref> followed by the revival of the [[Shasta travel trailers|Shasta]] product line in 2010,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = Forest River Launches Shasta RV Division|url = http://www.rvbusiness.com/2010/08/forest-river-launches-shasta-rv-division/|website = RV Business|access-date = 2016-02-09|language = en-us}}</ref> one of the intellectual properties of the Coachmen asset acquisition.


In 2011, Forest River acquired Dynamax Corporation,<ref>{{Cite web|title = Liegl Expects Few Changes at Dynamax Corp.|url = http://www.rvbusiness.com/2011/02/liegl-expects-few-changes-at-dynamax-corp/ |website = RV Business |access-date = 2016-02-19 |language = en-us |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202012302/http://www.rvbusiness.com/2011/02/liegl-expects-few-changes-at-dynamax-corp/ |archive-date=2 February 2017}}</ref> which builds Luxury motorhomes (Super Class C and Class C).
In 2011, Forest River acquired Dynamax Corporation,<ref>{{Cite web|title = Liegl Expects Few Changes at Dynamax Corp.|url = http://www.rvbusiness.com/2011/02/liegl-expects-few-changes-at-dynamax-corp/ |website = RV Business |access-date = 2016-02-19 |language = en-us |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202012302/http://www.rvbusiness.com/2011/02/liegl-expects-few-changes-at-dynamax-corp/ |archive-date=2 February 2017}}</ref> which builds luxury motorhomes (class C and super class C).


In 2014, the company expanded further with the addition of production facilities in [[Silverton, Oregon]],<ref>{{Cite web|title = New business could add up to 70 jobs in Silverton|url = http://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/silverton/2014/10/15/business-prepares-expansion-former-champion-site/17306969/|website = Statesman Journal|access-date = 2016-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Our Town – Silverton, Mt. Angel & Scotts Mills » Blog Archive » Match made: Forest River expands manufacturing operations into Silverton|url = http://ourtownlive.com/ourtown/?p=5221|website = ourtownlive.com|access-date = 2016-02-23}}</ref> [[Hemet, California]],<ref>{{Cite web|title = HEMET: First trailer rolls out of new manufacturing plant|url = http://www.pe.com/articles/plant-763078-forest-river.html|website = Press Enterprise|access-date = 2016-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Hundreds of Jobs Expected as Major RV Manufacturer Opens Plant in Hemet {{!}} Patch|url = http://patch.com/california/banning-beaumont/hundreds-jobs-expected-major-rv-manufacturer-opens-plant-hemet-0|website = Banning-Beaumont, CA Patch|access-date = 2016-02-23|language = en-US}}</ref> and [[White Pigeon, Michigan]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = RV makers, dealers on roll as show opens in Novi|url = http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2016/02/10/rv-makers-dealers-roll-show-opens-novi/80179780/|website = Detroit Free Press|access-date = 2016-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Nearly 400 jobs coming to St. Joseph County as RV maker Forest River Manufacturing expands|url = http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2015/01/nearly_400_jobs_expected_in_wh.html|website = MLive.com |access-date = 2016-02-23}}</ref> That same year, the company acquired StarTrans Bus.<ref>[http://www.rvbusiness.com/2014/03/forest-river-acquiring-startrans-shuttle-bus-unit/ Forest River Acquiring Startrans Shuttle Bus Unit]</ref>
In 2014, the company expanded further with the addition of production facilities in [[Silverton, Oregon]],<ref>{{Cite web|title = New business could add up to 70 jobs in Silverton|url = http://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/silverton/2014/10/15/business-prepares-expansion-former-champion-site/17306969/|website = Statesman Journal|access-date = 2016-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Our Town – Silverton, Mt. Angel & Scotts Mills » Blog Archive » Match made: Forest River expands manufacturing operations into Silverton|url = http://ourtownlive.com/ourtown/?p=5221|website = ourtownlive.com|access-date = 2016-02-23}}</ref> [[Hemet, California]],<ref>{{Cite web|title = HEMET: First trailer rolls out of new manufacturing plant|url = http://www.pe.com/articles/plant-763078-forest-river.html|website = Press Enterprise|access-date = 2016-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Hundreds of Jobs Expected as Major RV Manufacturer Opens Plant in Hemet {{!}} Patch|url = http://patch.com/california/banning-beaumont/hundreds-jobs-expected-major-rv-manufacturer-opens-plant-hemet-0|website = Banning-Beaumont, CA Patch|access-date = 2016-02-23|language = en-US}}</ref> and [[White Pigeon, Michigan]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = RV makers, dealers on roll as show opens in Novi|url = http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2016/02/10/rv-makers-dealers-roll-show-opens-novi/80179780/|website = Detroit Free Press|access-date = 2016-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Nearly 400 jobs coming to St. Joseph County as RV maker Forest River Manufacturing expands|url = http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2015/01/nearly_400_jobs_expected_in_wh.html|website = MLive.com |access-date = 2016-02-23}}</ref> That same year, the company acquired StarTrans Bus.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rvbusiness.com/2014/03/forest-river-acquiring-startrans-shuttle-bus-unit/ |title=Forest River Acquiring Startrans Shuttle Bus Unit |access-date=2017-03-09 |archive-date=2017-03-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312042444/http://www.rvbusiness.com/2014/03/forest-river-acquiring-startrans-shuttle-bus-unit/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>


In 2016, Forest River Marine added the Trifecta Pontoon line.
In 2016, Forest River Marine added the Trifecta Pontoon line.
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In January 2017, Forest River launched its new line of luxury buses, Berkshire Coach.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.southbendtribune.com/news/business/forest-river-launches-luxury-bus-line/article_ebdfc1c1-d24d-5c31-8263-da9c81025a84.html |title=Forest River launches luxury bus line|last=Tribune|first=Lincoln Wright South Bend|newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=2017-01-16}}</ref> In June of the same year, Battisti Customs was acquired.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://rv-pro.com/news/forest-river-acquires-battisti-customs/|title=Forest River Acquires Battisti Customs|newspaper=RV Pro |access-date=2017-06-20}}</ref>
In January 2017, Forest River launched its new line of luxury buses, Berkshire Coach.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.southbendtribune.com/news/business/forest-river-launches-luxury-bus-line/article_ebdfc1c1-d24d-5c31-8263-da9c81025a84.html |title=Forest River launches luxury bus line|last=Tribune|first=Lincoln Wright South Bend|newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=2017-01-16}}</ref> In June of the same year, Battisti Customs was acquired.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://rv-pro.com/news/forest-river-acquires-battisti-customs/|title=Forest River Acquires Battisti Customs|newspaper=RV Pro |access-date=2017-06-20}}</ref>


In May 2020, Forest River acquired the following [[REV Group]] shuttle bus brands: [[Champion Bus Incorporated|Champion]], Federal Coach, World Trans, Krystal Coach, [[ElDorado National|ElDorado]], and [[Goshen Coach]]. <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/management/press-release/21137633/rev-group-inc-rev-group-completes-sale-of-shuttle-bus-business|title=Forest River acquires REV Group's shuttle bus business|access-date=2020-05-13}}</ref>
In May 2020, Forest River acquired the [[REV Group]] shuttle bus brands [[Champion Bus Incorporated|Champion]], Federal Coach, World Trans, Krystal Coach, [[ElDorado (bus manufacturer)|ElDorado]], and [[Goshen Coach]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/management/press-release/21137633/rev-group-inc-rev-group-completes-sale-of-shuttle-bus-business|title=Forest River acquires REV Group's shuttle bus business|access-date=2020-05-13}}</ref> In 2020, they closed the Federal Coach, Goshen Coach, Krystal Coach, and World Trans brands soon after acquisition.


In January 2024, Forest River acquired the school bus manufacturer [[Collins Industries|Collins Bus]] from REV Group.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240129849307/en/Forest-River-Acquires-Collins-Bus-Strengthening-Position-as-Americas-Premier-Shuttle-and-School-Bus-Builder |title=Forest River Acquires Collins Bus, Strengthening Position as America's Premier Shuttle and School Bus Builder |website=businesswire.com |date=2024-01-29 |access-date=2024-01-29}}</ref>
==Purchase by Berkshire Hathaway==
On June 21, 2005, [[Warren Buffett]] received a two-page fax telling him why Forest River met the [[Berkshire Hathaway]]’s acquisition criteria. Buffett immediately asked for more figures, and that afternoon he made Pete Liegl an offer. On June 28, 2005, they agreed on a deal. The transaction closed on August 31, 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/2005arn/impnote05.html|title=Berkshire Hathaway 2005 Annual Report}}</ref>


On November 18, 2024, Forest River, Inc. Founder and CEO Peter J. Liegl died. He is survived by his wife Sharon, daughter and two 2 grandchildren.<ref>{{cite web |title=Forest River, Inc. Mourns the Passing of Founder Pete Liegl, Celebrating His Visionary Leadership and Philanthropy |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241119279703/en/Forest-River-Inc.-Mourns-the-Passing-of-Founder-Pete-Liegl-Celebrating-His-Visionary-Leadership-and-Philanthropy#:~:text=Pete%20is%20best%20known%20as,enterprise%20began%20from%20humble%20beginnings |website=businesswire.com}}</ref>
== Forest River Owners’ Group==
Formed in 2011, the Forest River Owners’ Group (FROG), is a community of recreational vehicle owners from all over the US and Canada.<ref>{{Cite web|title = FROG's Facebook page|url = https://www.facebook.com/FROwnersGroup/posts/991295534224910 |website = Facebook|access-date = 2016-02-19|language = en-us}}</ref> Free to owners of Forest River and affiliated brands’ products, it organizes group trips and rallies. These vary in size from small local gatherings to the annual FROG International Rally in [[Goshen, Indiana]]. In 2015, the FROG International Rally had approximately 700 RVs and 1400 members.<ref>{{Cite web|title = FROG Rally Draws 1300 Plus Members and 700 Rigs|url = http://www.rvbusiness.com/2015/08/frog-rally-draws-1300-plus-members-700-rigs/|website = RV Business|access-date = 2016-02-19|language = en-us}}</ref>


==Subsidiaries==
==Subsidiaries==
Forest River, Inc., though known best for its recreational vehicles, sells a wide variety of products including cargo trailers, buses, and pontoon boats. Below are the subsidiary brands of Forest River, Inc.:
Forest River, Inc., though known best for its recreational vehicles, sells a wide variety of products including cargo trailers, buses, and pontoon boats. Below are the subsidiary brands of Forest River, Inc.:


===[[Bus]]es===
===Buses===
*Berkshire Coach
*[[Glaval Bus]]
*[[Glaval Bus]]
*Elkhart Coach
*Starcraft Bus
*Starcraft Bus
*StarTrans Bus
*StarTrans Bus
⚫
*[[ElDorado (bus manufacturer)|ElDorado Motor Corp.]]
*Battisti Customs
⚫
*[[ElDorado National|ElDorado Motor Corp.]]
*[[Champion Bus Incorporated|Champion Bus]]
*[[Champion Bus Incorporated|Champion Bus]]
* [[Collins Industries|Collins Bus]]
*[[Goshen Coach]]

⚫
===Vans===
⚫
*Forest River Vans
*Mobility Trans


===Cargo Trailers===
===Cargo Trailers===
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*AmeraLite
*AmeraLite
*Cargo Mate
*Cargo Mate
*Cargo King
*Continental Cargo
*Continental Cargo
*Haulin Trailers
*Haulin Trailers
Line 135: Line 129:
*Quailridge
*Quailridge


===[[Pontoon (boat)|Pontoon]] Boats===
===Pontoon Boats===
*Berkshire Pontoons
*Berkshire Pontoons
*South Bay Pontoons
*South Bay Pontoons
*Trifecta Pontoons
*Trifecta Pontoons

===[[Recreational Vehicle]]s (RVs) Range Brands (listed alphabetically)===

====Coachmen RV====
[[File:2015 Coachmen Mirada.JPG|thumb|Coachmen RV]]
The first Coachmen RV products were manufactured in 1964<ref>{{Cite web|title = Coachmen RV - Manufacturer of Travel Trailers - Fifth Wheels - Tent Campers - Motorhomes|url = http://www.coachmenrv.com/AboutUs.aspx|website = www.coachmenrv.com|access-date = 2016-02-23|first = Forest River|last = Inc.}}</ref> in a 5,000 square foot plant in downtown [[Middlebury, Indiana]]. Coachmen’s first year of production totaled 12 travel trailers, a single truck camper and 80 truck caps. Since then, over three quarters of a million Coachmen recreational vehicles have been produced and sold. In December 2008, Coachmen RV became a brand of Forest River, Inc. Today Coachmen RV is still headquartered in Middlebury, Indiana. Its primary manufacturing facilities occupy over 220 acres, serving as dedicated manufacturing facilities for Coachmen branded Class A Motorhomes, Class C Motorhomes, Class B Motorhomes, Fifth Wheels and Travel Trailers. Coachmen and Viking branded Travel Trailers and Camping Trailers are manufactured in its Centerville, Michigan, manufacturing facilities occupying 90 acres and in their recently built [[White Pigeon, Michigan]],<ref>{{Cite web|title = RV makers, dealers on roll as show opens in Novi|url = http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2016/02/10/rv-makers-dealers-roll-show-opens-novi/80179780/|website = Detroit Free Press|access-date = 2016-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Nearly 400 jobs coming to St. Joseph County as RV maker Forest River Manufacturing expands|url = http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2015/01/nearly_400_jobs_expected_in_wh.html|website = MLive.com|access-date = 2016-02-23}}</ref> manufacturing facility.

====Dynamax Corporation====
Dynamax Corporation was founded in 1997<ref>{{Cite web |title=Luxury RV {{!}} Luxury RVs {{!}} Class C Motorhomes {{!}} Motor Coach {{!}} Fifth Wheel {{!}} Dynamax Corp. |url=http://www.dynamaxcorp.com/ |date=2010-11-12 |access-date=2016-02-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112125755/http://www.dynamaxcorp.com/ |archive-date=November 12, 2010 }}</ref> with a fresh perspective in RV design – to create an automotive style motorhome. Over the years, Dynamax has developed a recreational vehicle product lineup and a series of custom Specialty Vehicles and RVs. Forest River, Inc., acquired the Dynamax brand in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Liegl Expects Few Changes at Dynamax Corp.|url = http://www.rvbusiness.com/2011/02/liegl-expects-few-changes-at-dynamax-corp/|website = RV Business|access-date = 2016-02-19|language = en-us}}</ref>

Dynamax builds luxury Class C and Super C Motorhomes.

====East to West====
East to West was acquired by Forest River, Inc. in 2018. The division debuted its flagship Della Terra conventional travel trailer at the 11th Annual Forest River Product Expo on Sept. 24, 2018, and later introduced the Alta laminated travel trailer. According to the company, East to West operates on five guiding principles which promote environmental sustainability, corporate/social responsibility, teamwork, quality construction and customer satisfaction.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New Forest River Unit to Debut 'Della Terra' Trailer|url=https://rvbusiness.com/new-forest-river-unit-to-debut-della-terra-trailer/|date=2018-08-28|website=RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-06}}</ref>

⚫
====Forest River RV====
Forest River RV is a division of Forest River, Inc., and initially manufactured pop-up tent campers, travel trailers, fifth wheels and destination trailers. One of the largest RV manufacturers in North America, today Forest River RV has expanded into producing Class A and C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, camping trailers and destination trailers.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Forest River, Inc. - Manufacturer of Travel Trailers - Fifth Wheels - Tent Campers - Motorhomes|url = http://www.forestriverinc.com/AboutUs.aspx|website = www.forestriverinc.com|access-date = 2016-02-23|first = Forest River|last = Inc.}}</ref> Motorized Model lines sold under the Forest River range brand include: Berkshire RDs, Charleston RDs, Legacy RDs, Georgetown Class As, FR3 Class As, Forester Class Cs and Sunseeker Class Cs. Travel Trailer and Fifth Wheel Model lines sold under the Forest River range brand include: Blue Ridge Fifth Wheels (FWs), Cardinal FWs, Cedar Creek FW & Travel Trailers (TTs), Cherokee FW & TTs, Evo TTs, Flagstaff FW & TTs, Salem FW & TTs, Wildwood FW & TTs, Riverstone FWs, Rockwood FW & TTs, R-Pod TTs, Sabre FWs, Sandpiper FW & TTs, Sierra FW & TTs, Surveyor FW & TTs, Vibe TTs and Wildcat FW & TTs. Sport Utility Trailers sold under the Forest River range brand include: All American Sport, XLR, Work and Play, Cherokee, Sandstorm, Shockwave, Stealth and Vengeance. Camping Trailers sold under the Forest River range brand include: Flagstaff and Rockwood. Park Models sold under the Forest River range brand include Summit, Quailridge and Cabins & Suites.

====Palomino====
The Palomino brand was founded in 1968 by Vanguard Industries in [[Savage, Minnesota]]. In 1972, they moved their manufacturing facility to [[Colon, Michigan]], where it remains to this day. Palomino was purchased by Forest River, Inc., in 2002.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Palomino RV - Manufacturer of Quality RVs since 1968|url = http://www.palominorv.com/AboutUs/|website = www.palominorv.com|access-date = 2016-02-23|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160222143513/http://www.palominorv.com/AboutUs/|archive-date = 2016-02-22}}</ref> This allowed for rapid growth and the introduction of two new towable lines of travel trailers and fifth wheels, Puma, Sabre, and Columbus. Palomino has grown to one of the top 5 RV manufacturers in North America. Palomino RV produces truck campers, travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers.

====Prime Time Manufacturing====
Prime Time Manufacturing was founded in 2009<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rvbusiness.com/2009/09/forest-river-expects-1600-to-attend-2nd-annual-show|title=Forest River unveils Newly Formed Prime Time at 2nd Annual Show}}</ref> by an executive management team with over 100 years of experience. Prime Time Manufacturing has been North America’s fastest growing RV Company and is currently a Top 10 manufacturer of both travel trailers and fifth wheels in the United States and Canada. Headquartered in [[Wakarusa, Indiana]], the company produces fifth wheels and travel trailers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.primetimerv.com/AboutUs.aspx|title=Prime Time Manufacturing - Manufacturer of Travel Trailers - Fifth Wheels|website=www.primetimerv.com|access-date=2016-02-23}}</ref>

⚫
====Shasta====
[[Shasta travel trailers|Shasta RV]] was founded in 1941<ref>{{Cite web|title = Tin Can Tourists |url = http://www.tincantourists.com/wiki/doku.php?id=shasta|website = Tin Can Tourists|access-date = 2016-02-15|language = en-us}}</ref> with the first “house trailer” built to be used as mobile military housing. In the 1950s and 60s,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.shastarving.com/AboutUs/|title=Shasta RV - About Us|website=www.shastarving.com|access-date=2016-04-15}}</ref> Shasta’s iconic travel trailers were a recognizable shape on the road. As the industry’s longest producer of recreational vehicles, Shasta has manufactured hundreds of thousands of RVs. Building on this history in the recreational vehicle industry, today Shasta manufactures travel trailers and fifth wheels.


== References ==
== References ==
Line 177: Line 145:
[[Category:Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1996]]
[[Category:Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1996]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies based in Indiana]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies based in Indiana]]
[[Category:Motor vehicle manufacturers based in Indiana]]
[[Category:1996 establishments in Indiana]]
[[Category:1996 establishments in Indiana]]
[[Category:Companies based in Elkhart County, Indiana]]
[[Category:Companies based in Elkhart County, Indiana]]

Latest revision as of 17:45, 23 November 2024

For other uses, see Forest River (disambiguation).
Forest River
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryRecreational vehicle products
FoundedJanuary 26, 1996; 28 years ago (1996-01-26)
FounderPeter Liegl
Headquarters
Elkhart, Indiana
,
United States
Number of locations
More than 100 Plants
Key people
Peter Liegl (CEO)
Number of employees
11,000
ParentBerkshire Hathaway (2005-present)
Divisions
List of Divisions
  • Prime Time Manufacturing
  • Coachmen RV
  • Shasta RV
  • Palomino RV
  • Forest River RV
  • Dynamax Corporation
  • Glaval Bus
  • Elkhart Coach
  • Starcraft Bus
  • AmeraLite
  • Cargo Mate
  • Continental Cargo
  • Haulin Trailers
  • Lightning Trailers
  • Rance Aluminum Trailers
  • US Cargo
  • Berkshire Pontoon
  • South Bay Pontoon
  • Trifecta Pontoon
  • Qualridge
  • Rockport Commercial Vehicles
  • Berkshire Coach
  • East to West
  • Battisti Customs
Websitewww.forestriverinc.com

Forest River Inc. is an American manufacturer of recreational vehicles, cargo trailers, utility trailers, pontoon boats, and buses.[1]

History

[edit]

Forest River, Inc. was founded in 1996 by Peter Liegl[2] after purchasing certain assets of Cobra Industries,[3] where CEO Peter Liegl worked from 1985 to 1993. The company started by manufacturing tent campers, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and park models under the model lines Salem, Sierra, Sandpiper, Wildwood, Rockwood, Flagstaff, Summit, and Quailridge. Later that same year, they began producing cargo utility trailers as Cargo Mate.[4]

In 1997, Forest River established a second cargo trailer line in 1997 called Continental Cargo.[5]

In 1998, Forest River Launched Forest River Marine and began producing pontoon boats.[6] That same year the company purchased certain assets of Firan Motorhomes to begin manufacturing class A motorhomes.

In 2000, Forest River acquired US Cargo, another manufacturer of utility trailers.

In 2001, Forest River entered the bus business through the acquisitions of Starcraft Bus[7] and Glaval Bus.

In 2002, Rockport Commercial Vehicles, a brand of commercial vehicles and cargo trucks, was launched. That same year, the company acquired Vanguard Industries and the assets of Palomino.[8]

In 2005, Forest River, Inc., was acquired by Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway Inc.[9][10] In the same year, a new luxury coach brand, Elkhart Coach, was launched.[11]

Forest River continued to expand with the acquisition of Rance Aluminum Fabrication and Priority One Financial Services in 2007.[12]

The following year, the company acquired assets of Coachmen RV, a subsidiary of Coachmen Industries[13][14] and a manufacturer of class A motorhomes, class C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, tent campers and sport utility trailers.

Prime Time Manufacturing, which builds towable recreational vehicles, was established in 2009[15] followed by the revival of the Shasta product line in 2010,[16] one of the intellectual properties of the Coachmen asset acquisition.

In 2011, Forest River acquired Dynamax Corporation,[17] which builds luxury motorhomes (class C and super class C).

In 2014, the company expanded further with the addition of production facilities in Silverton, Oregon,[18][19] Hemet, California,[20][21] and White Pigeon, Michigan.[22][23] That same year, the company acquired StarTrans Bus.[24]

In 2016, Forest River Marine added the Trifecta Pontoon line.

In January 2017, Forest River launched its new line of luxury buses, Berkshire Coach.[25] In June of the same year, Battisti Customs was acquired.[26]

In May 2020, Forest River acquired the REV Group shuttle bus brands Champion, Federal Coach, World Trans, Krystal Coach, ElDorado, and Goshen Coach.[27] In 2020, they closed the Federal Coach, Goshen Coach, Krystal Coach, and World Trans brands soon after acquisition.

In January 2024, Forest River acquired the school bus manufacturer Collins Bus from REV Group.[28]

On November 18, 2024, Forest River, Inc. Founder and CEO Peter J. Liegl died. He is survived by his wife Sharon, daughter and two 2 grandchildren.[29]

Subsidiaries

[edit]

Forest River, Inc., though known best for its recreational vehicles, sells a wide variety of products including cargo trailers, buses, and pontoon boats. Below are the subsidiary brands of Forest River, Inc.:

Buses

[edit]

Vans

[edit]
  • Forest River Vans
  • Mobility Trans

Cargo Trailers

[edit]
  • Force Trailers
  • Restroom Trailers
  • AmeraLite
  • Cargo Mate
  • Cargo King
  • Continental Cargo
  • Haulin Trailers
  • Lightning Trailers
  • Rance Aluminum Trailers
  • US Cargo

Commercial Trucks

[edit]
  • Rockport Commercial Vehicles

Park Models

[edit]
  • Cabins and Suites
  • Summit
  • Quailridge

Pontoon Boats

[edit]
  • Berkshire Pontoons
  • South Bay Pontoons
  • Trifecta Pontoons

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Our Story | Forest River Inc., A Berkshire Hathaway Company".
  2. ^ "Liegl Conveys Gratitude on Forest River's 20th". RV Business. Archived from the original on 2016-02-11. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
  3. ^ (RV Business Vol 56, no. 9 pg 38)
  4. ^ "Cargomatetrailer.com-AboutUs". www.cargomatetrailer.com. Archived from the original on 2021-07-27. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  5. ^ "Continentalcargotrailer.com-AboutUs". www.continentalcargotrailer.com. Archived from the original on 2016-02-23. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  6. ^ Pontoons, South Bay. "South Bay Pontoon - a division of Forest River, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company". www.southbaypontoon.com. Archived from the original on 2016-04-02. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  7. ^ "Forest River Buys Starcraft Bus Business". RV Business. Archived from the original on 26 April 2016. Retrieved 2016-02-05.
  8. ^ "Palomino RV - Manufacturer of Quality RVs since 1968". www.palominorv.com. Archived from the original on 2016-02-22. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  9. ^ "Berkshire Hathaway Annual Report-2005" (PDF).
  10. ^ "Billionaire Buffett Operates on 'Gut Instinct'". RVBusiness. RVBusiness. Archived from the original on 2016-04-26. Retrieved 2016-04-12.
  11. ^ "Our Story". Elkhart Coach. Elkhart Coach.
  12. ^ "About Priority One: History". www.p1fs.com. Archived from the original on 2016-04-23. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  13. ^ "Coachmen and Forest River Working out the Details". RV Business. Archived from the original on 2016-04-26. Retrieved 2016-02-09.
  14. ^ "Coachmen RV - Manufacturer of Travel Trailers - Fifth Wheels - Tent Campers - Motorhomes". www.coachmenrv.com. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  15. ^ Manufacturing, Prime Time. "Prime Time Manufacturing - Manufacturer of Travel Trailers - Fifth Wheels". www.primetimerv.com. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  16. ^ "Forest River Launches Shasta RV Division". RV Business. Retrieved 2016-02-09.
  17. ^ "Liegl Expects Few Changes at Dynamax Corp". RV Business. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
  18. ^ "New business could add up to 70 jobs in Silverton". Statesman Journal. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  19. ^ "Our Town – Silverton, Mt. Angel & Scotts Mills » Blog Archive » Match made: Forest River expands manufacturing operations into Silverton". ourtownlive.com. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  20. ^ "HEMET: First trailer rolls out of new manufacturing plant". Press Enterprise. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  21. ^ "Hundreds of Jobs Expected as Major RV Manufacturer Opens Plant in Hemet | Patch". Banning-Beaumont, CA Patch. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  22. ^ "RV makers, dealers on roll as show opens in Novi". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  23. ^ "Nearly 400 jobs coming to St. Joseph County as RV maker Forest River Manufacturing expands". MLive.com. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  24. ^ "Forest River Acquiring Startrans Shuttle Bus Unit". Archived from the original on 2017-03-12. Retrieved 2017-03-09.
  25. ^ Tribune, Lincoln Wright South Bend. "Forest River launches luxury bus line". South Bend Tribune. Retrieved 2017-01-16.
  26. ^ "Forest River Acquires Battisti Customs". RV Pro. Retrieved 2017-06-20.
  27. ^ "Forest River acquires REV Group's shuttle bus business". Retrieved 2020-05-13.
  28. ^ "Forest River Acquires Collins Bus, Strengthening Position as America's Premier Shuttle and School Bus Builder". businesswire.com. 2024-01-29. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  29. ^ "Forest River, Inc. Mourns the Passing of Founder Pete Liegl, Celebrating His Visionary Leadership and Philanthropy". businesswire.com.
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