It’s become one of the better known trends of the pandemic, renting a recreational vehicle and hitting the road. And now one of the most well-known makers of RV’s and boats, Winnebago, is moving out too. The company announced that it will relocate its corporate headquarters from Forest City, Iowa to Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
Winnebago Industries employs about 6,500 employees, about 100 of whom are now based out of its Eden Prairie office.
The company’s largest presence is in northern Iowa, where it employs more than 2,000 workers in factories in Charles City, Forest City, Lake Mills and WaverlyThe company said the Iowa operations will continue to be the manufacturing hub of Winnebago motorhome and specialty vehicles products. The company plans to add workers in the next 12 months to meet increased demand for recreational vehicles.
The company said consumer demand has created a backlog of more than 46,600 towable campers worth $1.52 billion and a backlog of 18,145 for its signature motor homes valued at $2.18 billion.