Airstream Factory

[JStanley]

The idea that “its all about the bottom line” seemed to have some believers, at least among the non-economist. History has shown that a “bottom line” strategy soon becomes irrational and self-destructive. The same is true of predatory pricing to gain market share.

Airstream management invests carefully to maintain its product’s quality and sustain its growth. To do that, it has to run an efficient and effective production facility in line with their long-range goals.

When we buy an Airstream we are help determine the demand and price people will pay. Quality and value are issues, and no one will argue the more quality improvements are needed. Therefore, Airstream has to pay close attention to their consumer’s wants and needs, and AIRForums is a great sounding board.

We don't really know if parent Thor Industries coerces Airstream to meet certain profit goals. We do know that RV consumers control the demand through prices and our free competitive markets. In the end, both Airstream and us buyers have few restrictions on the freedom to use our good judgment to our long-term advantage. What’s the alternative?

[dkottum]

Economists and realists seldom agree.

[BAB]

Just my experience. My 2012 Intl CCD had very, very few manufacturing flaws, and the one I did find was a rivet tail that wended its way into my furnace fan. I've been on the factory tour 4-5 times over the past 4 years and definitely have noticed a younger workforce, but I've had a good impression with limited observation. I had a second A/C installed at the Service Center and agree that this is a very well-operated enterprise. (My professional field is leadership development, around 24 years in this area.) I've spoken to some of the Airstream leadership team and I've been impressed with what I've seen or heard. I would compare them favorably with many top manufacturing leadership teams in the US and in Europe. Anyone who buys anything these days expects perfection, especially if you buy a top-end product. There is no doubt that some of their components are spec'd to a lower price point than many of us would prefer.....I changed many elements in my '12 and will probably do the same when my '15 Classic is delivered. Personal choice perhaps. The current "dilemma" they are facing is the ability to rapidly expand production to meet market demand and shareholder expectations. This is a "problem" many manufacturers would love to have. I think the Airstream leadership team is up to the task and agree with Andy R. that the company will continue as an American institution

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by BAB

The current "dilemma" they are facing is the ability to rapidly expand production to meet market demand and shareholder expectations. This is a "problem" many manufacturers would love to have. I think the Airstream leadership team is up to the task and agree with Andy R. that the company will continue as an American institution

Andy

[m.hony]

The new factory addition may allow them to relieve some of the cramped working quarters and clutter. That in itself will increase quality and profits.
It my also allow them to streamline some of their processes. Automobile factories are so efficient partly because they are so spacious.
I'm not sure they could automate much. That would change what the Airstream trailer is.

[white laker]

Awesome we have our dollars invested with a winner. don;t be fooled into thinking that private don't work to a "bottom line". they just have the opportunity to spread the risk to far fewer people when it all goes bad!
i just retired from years of selling a Premium American High Priced, leader of the pack product, Caterpillar. I never looked upon my product as high priced, rather I saw my compeditors products as lacking innovation in design, having major quality backed up by poorly capitalized dealers. Cat is a world wide manufacturer that has decided to stay in the States. yes they have moved jobs to the southern states that have right to work legislation but they are staying in the U.S. Deere on the other hand simply buy the loin share of theie products and paint them J.D. yellow. which is better?
i drive a G.M.C. Yukon that was assembled in Mexico. there were many less expensive options. My generator/inverter is a Honda as is my A.T.V. I could have saved a ton of cash with one of those fine knock off products from China, until you need to cross over a spark plug!
When I buy anything I look at product design and dealer support a way ahead of price. we are all enjoying the long term benefits of owning quality not the short term benefit of low cost. I am a Canadian that is proud to own am American made travel trailer. Now that the manufacturer is investing in increased capacity in the U.S. we have something to be proud of. look at all the brands that have come and gone in an industry plagued with failure, we bought a winner. Sure they have their problems and that is our job to keep their feet to the fire in an effort to do a better job. hang in there Airstream, we love you..Pete

[white laker]

well said. Buy a box trailer and see what you have in 10 to 15 years.
excellent post
Pete

[westernjeep401]

As long as this
is benchmark "quality", then only God knows....

[m.hony]

This is a 1957 GM PD 4104 bus/ RV conversion in the campground this weekend:


How many white box trailers will still be here 57 years from now? Those laminated fiberglass sided trailers WILL delaminate. It's just a matter of time. Those rubber membrane roofs will dry rot and leak.

[westernjeep401]

Or this. Sorry, 80k and aside from the legacy, I'd expect Mr. Byam would agree with me "this is unsatisfactory".

[gdod25]

If you saw the lack of quality in my 70 GT you would know how they did it.

[m.hony]

I am comparing personal ownership of a white trailer and an Airstream.
The Airstream has been better, not perfect, but better.
There is no way a wood framed sob will last as long as an aluminum framed trailer.
Personally I spent much more time maintaining my previous sob trailer.

[Denis4x4]

In my opinion, Thor is using Airstream as a "halo" brand to sell their other RV brands that have price points considerably less than Airstream Trailers and touring vans.

[jcanavera]

Consider that Thor's beginnings began with a purchase of Hi-Lo in Butler Ohio and then Airstream. You might notice that Hi-Lo's used the same axles from Henschen that Airstream used. Hi-Lo was eventually divested from Thor and is no longer being made.

Obviously there was plenty of profit in those 2 trailer lines since this was the seed money that helped expand the Thor empire.

Jack

[m.hony]

Why did Hi-Lo stop production? Lack of sales? Does Trail Manor (? The other Hi-Lo style trailer) still exist? To me those were too close to pop-ups.

[paiceman]

This announcement is not really a surprise. We have a friend who owns a very large RV dealership and the demand for large very expensive new motorhomes has far exceeded the manufacturers ability to keep up. These are expensive quality ones. Airstream fits right in, despite the gripes about the lack of quality from AS, their product is so much better than competition. Plus, much of the quality mistakes are or should be caught by the dealer in preparing the product.

[xrvr]

Trail manor still exists. Their QC used to be terrible, much worse than any AS I've owned. However new mngmt has evidently turned them around. The TM I owned, for example, had supports attached to the exterior. On mine there were four bolts holding this bracket. Three different types of bolts were used!, all rusty. Same for each bracket. Other details were just as bad. But, with new people running the place, the QC is greatly improved. So it can be done. Sorry to hijack. Jim

[J. Morgan]

"Quality" often means different things to different people.

In a sense building a trailer that is still routinely in use after twenty, thirty, forty, or fifty years and more is in itself its own kind of quality, a rare quality these days, that many Americans in their impatience don't really admire, value, or often even recognize.

Just sayin.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by J. Morgan

"Quality" often means different things to different people.

In a sense building a trailer that is still routinely in use after twenty, thirty, forty, or fifty years and more is in itself its own kind of quality, a rare quality these days, that many Americans in their impatience don't really admire, value, or often even recognize.

Just sayin.

And then there are some that believe "PERFECT" needs improving.

And near perfect only feeds sarcasm and things to gripe about.

We, for the vast majority, enjoy what we have, but if we really don't like it, we get rid of it and try something else.

Happens every day.

Andy

[AWCHIEF]

Prediction: I predict that along with the increased space more modern automation processes will be introduced to the production of Airstream trailers. As an example during my tour I was impressed by how the windows and door assemblies were made almost entirely by hand. From cutting to final glass instillation. The time and number of employees required to complete this process would give a modern production manager the shakes. Automation would take out any human error, cut waste and cut production time. It would in the long run cut the cost of each window and door unit. Downside of this automation could be a possible loss of jobs. Several years ago Airstream did automate the cutting and drilling of panels. This has made for consistent placement of rivets and cleaner install of windows and doors. Personally I would like to see Airstream make a change in some of the materials used such as the floor. Will Airstreams ever be made by robots? It could happen. In my opinion it would make for a better and more consistent product. But at what cost? Part of the appeal is that they are hand made and not just some other cookie cutter made trailer.