Jayco Inc., a subsidiary of Thor Industries, is a renowned American manufacturer of recreational vehicles (RVs). With a diverse product line that includes pop-up camping trailers, conventional travel trailers, toy haulers, and motorhomes of various classes, Jayco is a key player in the RV industry. Notably, a significant portion of its workforce hails from the Amish and Mennonite communities in Indiana.
History and Growth:
- Founded in 1968 by Lloyd and Bertha Bontrager, Jayco started in a humble setup of chicken houses and a barn.
- Lloyd Bontrager innovated a unique trailer fold-down system in 1967, propelling the company’s initial success.
- Despite challenges during the energy crunch of the 1970s and gas price hikes in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Jayco emerged as a major RV manufacturer.
- Tragically, Lloyd Bontrager passed away in a plane crash in 1985, after which leadership roles were assumed by his wife Bertha and sons Wilbur and Derald, with Derald Bontrager as the current president and CEO.
- Jayco’s acquisition history includes Entegra Coach (2008), Starcraft RV (1991), and Highland Ridge (2014).
- As of 2016, Jayco manufactured approximately 50,000 RVs annually and celebrated the milestone of producing its 1 millionth RV.
Corporate Acquisition:
- In July 2016, Jayco was acquired by Thor Industries for $576 million.
Key Models and Innovations:
- Jayco is best known for the Jay Flight model, introduced in 2001 and consistently the top-selling travel trailer since 2005.
- The Jay Flight lineup expanded with the Bungalow model and features Goodyear tires with Durawall technology.
- Jayco was the first to offer a Gold Medal Green Certified RV.
Current Model Range:
- Offers a variety of models including Hummingbird, Jay Feather, White Hawk, Jay Flight, Eagle, North Point, Pinnacle, and various Toy Haulers and Motorhomes.
- Motorhomes span Class A, B, and C, featuring gas and diesel options and utilizing chassis from Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Ram, Chevrolet, and Freightliner.
Sustainability Efforts:
- In 2010, Jayco achieved 100% green certification for all products, focusing on sustainable manufacturing processes and materials.
- The company’s recycling program has been effective since the 1980s, leading to several awards and recognitions.
Awards and Recognitions:
- Received accolades including the RVDA Titan Award, Trailer Life Readers’ Choice Awards, and Quality Circle Awards.
- Jay Flight maintains a record as America’s bestselling travel trailer for over a decade.
International Presence:
- Jayco expanded internationally, collaborating with a UK-based company in the 1970s and establishing Jayco Australia Ltd in 1975, which quickly became a market leader in Australia.
Jayco Travel Club:
- The company fosters a sense of community among its customers through the “Jayco Travel Club,” offering organized vacations and local chapters known as “Flights.”