Heartland Will Oversee Bison Coach Operations
Heartland Will Oversee Bison Coach Operations
February 16, 2016 by RVBusiness
Thor Industries Inc. subsidiary Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC announced it has integrated operations for specialty trailer manufacturer Bison Coach into its growing portfolio, effective Feb. 8.
Thor, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, acquired the net assets of Bison Coach in October of 2013 from an operating unit of Navistar Inc. Bison Coach, originally founded in 1984, is known for its rugged, high-quality and affordable specialty trailers, including a full lineup of equine trailers equipped with living quarters.
“We’re excited to team up with one of the most successful companies in the horse trailer business and bring Bison Coach into our family of companies,” said Heartland President Chris Hermon in a press release. “With Heartland’s knowledge and support system, we are eager to take this company and help it increase sales and better strengthen the service side of the business with its dealer body.”
Thor, through a subsidiary, expanded Bison Coach’s footprint in June of 2014 by acquiring a 55,000-square-foot facility in close proximity to the Bison Coach campus in Milford, Ind., along with purchasing 20 acres of land for future growth. Hermon noted, “Thor made a significant investment in Bison Coach. Our mission is to help push Bison Coach to that next level and cement its standing as the market share leader.”
The move represents the latest in a series of expansions by Elkhart, Ind.-based Heartland. In July of 2013, the company announced the acquisition of the assets of park model builder Breckenridge followed by the acquisition of Cruiser RV LLC and DRV LLC in early January 0f 2015. In addition, Heartland will be ramping up operations at a new facility in Nampa, Idaho, in the next 45 days.
“This is an exciting time for Heartland,” Hermon stated. “We are experiencing tremendous growth on the RV side and continue to be at the forefront of innovation and product design. Bison Coach offers a similar profile in the specialty trailer market and we see this as a strong, productive alliance moving forward.”