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HeadWest · 01-07-2013, 05:41 PM

My wife and I are heading to Jackson Center tomorrow for a tour. We were there when I had the Airstream itch about 15 years ago. I'm looking forward to seeing their current state of production.

I forgot to ask when I called today but am wondering if they allow people to take any photos while going through the facility. Also, anything else in particular worth trying to check out while there?

Thanks!

Colin H · 01-07-2013, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeadWest

My wife and I are heading to Jackson Center tomorrow for a tour. We were there when I had the Airstream itch about 15 years ago. I'm looking forward to seeing their current state of production.

I forgot to ask when I called today but am wondering if they allow people to take any photos while going through the facility. Also, anything else in particular worth trying to check out while there?

Thanks!

No photos allowed I'm afraid.
Colin

Skater · 01-07-2013, 07:03 PM

You are allowed to take pictures of an Airstream-styled motorcycle and all in the repair shop. But not in the factory.

HeadWest · 01-07-2013, 07:21 PM

That's what I was guessing. Thanks!

dkottum · 01-07-2013, 07:56 PM

We took the tour last fall and it made us feel very good about our Airstream design and construction. It is a very clean and nicely set up facility.

It is especially interesting to see how wood and metal components are cut, fitted, riveted and fastened together. You will get a chance to look inside the trailers as they are assembled, and later in the process to enter the trailer and ask the workers questions. As the tour is conducted today by longtime employee Don Ambos, it is very generous with time and access. Don is proud of his company, and is happy to answer questions about it.

The tour starts in the Service Center reception area and then goes out to the factory.

doug k

loudruff · 01-07-2013, 08:08 PM

at 2:00. The nice thing is that you could do a "regular" tour on a weekday, and then go back on Friday and take a tour without most of the workmen working. The workers leave early on Friday and Don can let you look at some areas that you don't usually get to see. (At least that is how it was last time we were there during Alumapalooza 2012)

BAB · 01-08-2013, 09:18 AM

You'll thoroughly enjoy the visit. I've been twice. For me, the highlight is at the end of the line where Don will give you time to walk through the trailers that are in final assembly. You can talk to the folks who are working in the trailer and get a good feel for how much they enjoy their jobs. I had a roller shade that was damaged, and the folks at the reception desk (very kindly), got me a replacement (asked me to bring in the damaged shade), and we swapped. Going to the factory really connects you to your trailer as you can see how the gestation process occurs. I'm sure I'll go again....most definitely worth the side trip, and the Terraport is super if you want to overnight.

Travel Bird · 01-08-2013, 10:55 AM

Have fun at the tour. I am sure you will have Don. I have been to JC twice this year. No photos in the factory but,plenty of photo opts outside and in the lobby. I wrote two blog posts about my two visits! Cheers!

**azflycaster** · 01-08-2013, 12:56 PM

We were in JC this past July and enjoyed the tour very much. The no pictures in the factory rule is enforced, but according to Don (tour guide) there is one exception to the rule. If your trailer is being built during your visit you will be allow to take pictures of your trailer while it is on the line. You would be escorted to your trailer after the tour to photograph your Airstream being built.

Jim Foster · 01-11-2013, 12:59 PM

When we visited the JC factory in 2003 photos were allowed. We also stuck around after the tour and were given a tour of the outside lot where old trailers including Wally's gold anodized trailer was stored at the time. Also there was a fifth wheel and the only class C Airstream built which has since been sold.

I think we got that second tour because we were there with our polished Caravel and orange '47 Chevy.

There was a TV crew filming at the time and they did their closing remarks at our camp site with our rig in the background. Can't think of the name of the program, the host was Ron Hazelton, but it started to pour down rain so he came inside the trailer until it stopped raining.

Fun time.

HeadWest · 01-12-2013, 10:04 AM

We had an excellent tour of the factory on Tuesday. We were able to go in to a lot of the units in various stages of construction. Seeing the methods of construction, I have a lot more understanding of these being more of a handmade product and that they are not like current auto production nor one-off custom products like high end boats. Don sure is enthusiastic and heck of an asset to the Airstream sales process. It was also interesting seeing how many of the trailers being built were for the international market. Sure would be nice to get the galvanized frames, insulated floors and some of the other features on the US models.

Assuming go through with ordering a unit, I will definitely want to pop back down while ours is in construction for a few photos midway through. Thanks Richard for the heads up on this.

For those that are on the fence with buying a new Airstream, I would highly recommend a visit to Jackson Center if you can.

Travel Bird · 01-12-2013, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Foster

When we visited the JC factory in 2003 photos were allowed. We also stuck around after the tour and were given a tour of the outside lot where old trailers including Wally's gold anodized trailer was stored at the time. Also there was a fifth wheel and the only class C Airstream built which has since been sold.

I think we got that second tour because we were there with our polished Caravel and orange '47 Chevy.

There was a TV crew filming at the time and they did their closing remarks at our camp site with our rig in the background. Can't think of the name of the program, the host was Ron Hazelton, but it started to pour down rain so he came inside the trailer until it stopped raining.

Fun time.

Jim, awesome Chevy and Caravel!!! Thanks for sharing your photo. May I share your photo on my Glamper Facebook page? Will provide you the photo credit. Anna

Jim Foster · 01-12-2013, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travel Bird

Jim, awesome Chevy and Caravel!!! Thanks for sharing your photo. May I share your photo on my Glamper Facebook page? Will provide you the photo credit. Anna

Sure. My pleasure. I would like the link after you post, if that's OK.