Forest City-based Winnebago Industries — the nation’s leading motor home manufacturer — is reporting record revenues for fiscal year 2003. Revenues for the fourth quarter were up by over five-and-a-half million dollars when compared to last year’s fourth quarter, and up almost 20 million dollars for the year compared to fiscal 2002. Winnebago President and C-E-O Bruce Hertzke.Hertzke says a lot of businesses were hit by the war, low consumer confidence and the gas hikes, but he says Winnebago had a record year which allows the company to continue to grow. Hertzke says having the Baby Boom generation hit their golden years has helped Winnebago prosper through tough economic times, but the company is also attracting younger buyers. Hertzke says younger people are buying motor homes to support a hobby like attending NASCAR races, going to dirt bike tracks or tailgating at football games. Hertzke was happy to see record revenues despite higher manufacturing costs and building a new facility in Charles City. Hertzke says the company has a strong labor base that will help Winnebago grow. Nineteen percent of the motor homes sold during the first eight months of this year were Winnebagoes — making the company the industry leaders.
