RV maker Western Recreational Vehicles Inc. of Yakima, Wash., has closed after a failed merger attempt and a slumping market. All together, 220 employees are now out of work.

According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, shipments of new RVs are expected to decline nearly 25 percent in 2007-08.

“During this short break in manufacturing, Western RV will review our alternatives and determine the best course of action going forward, company president Bob Wert told the Seattle Times. “Once a plan has been developed or a suitable buyer for the business is identified, we intend to resume normal manufacturing operations.”

Western RV is owned by Monomoy Capital Partners of New York. It manufacturers high-end motorhomes, fifth-wheel trailers and campers. The 37-year-old company founded by Bill and Suzanne Doyle. Its plant is south of Yakima in central Washington.

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 17th, 2008 at 9:00 am and is filed under RV manufacturers, economy, motorhomes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.