Ever wondered who makes the amazing Forest River RVs you see on the road and in camps? Forest River, Inc. is the name behind these top-notch RVs. Founded in 1996 by Peter Liegl, it’s based in Elkhart, Indiana, the RV capital.

Forest River, Inc. has been part of Berkshire Hathaway’s family of companies, showing its strength and importance in the industry, ever. But what makes Forest River RVs stand out, and how did the company grow to be so successful?

Key Takeaways

• Forest River, Inc. was founded on January 26, 1996.
• The company is headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, also known as the “RV Capital of the World.”
• Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway in 2005 for an estimated $800 million.
• Operates more than 100 plants across various locations, employing approximately 11,000 people.
• Forest River, Inc. manufactures a wide range of recreational vehicles, including travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes.

History and Founding of Forest River RV

Forest River RV was founded on January 26, 1996, by Peter Liegl in Elkhart, Indiana. It quickly became a big name in the RV world. Peter Liegl used his experience from Cobra Industries to start Forest River. He bought assets from his old company, starting Forest River’s journey in making travel trailers, motorhomes, and pontoons.

The Origins of Forest River

Forest River RV started in Elkhart, Indiana, known as the “RV Capital of the World.” Peter Liegl wanted to make high-quality RVs for everyone. From the start, Forest River made travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, motorhomes, and even pontoons. This wide range of products showed the company’s big plans for the future.

Expansion and Acquisitions

Forest River grew fast by buying other RV and trailer makers. It bought Coachmen RV, Dynamax Corporation, and Palomino RV. These buys made Forest River one of the biggest RV makers in North America. In 1998, it entered the marine industry, and by 2001, it started making buses.

Partnership with Berkshire Hathaway

In 2005, Forest River, Inc. was bought by Berkshire Hathaway. This move by Warren Buffett’s company gave Forest River a lot of financial help. It helped Forest River grow and innovate in RV making. The partnership showed Forest River’s strong business and leadership in the RV world.

Who builds Forest River RV?

Forest River RVs are built by a team of skilled engineers and designers. They focus on innovative and precise RV design at their headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana.

Design and Planning

The Forest River RV design aims to maximize space, functionality, and comfort. It caters to the needs of modern RVers, whether solo travelers or large families. The design process includes research and planning to integrate the latest technology.

It also ensures the RVs look great and are easy to use.

Manufacturing Locations

Forest River RVs are made at several locations across the United States. Their main production hub is in Elkhart, Indiana. Other locations include Oregon, California, Michigan, and more.

This setup helps Forest River serve customers all over the country. It ensures timely delivery and strong support services.

Commitment to Quality

Forest River is dedicated to quality in every stage of RV manufacturing. They follow strict quality assurance protocols. This ensures each RV is durable and reliable.

Regular testing and inspections are key to this quality process. Forest River’s commitment to quality has made it a trusted name in the RV industry. It has earned customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Conclusion

Forest River, Inc. has left a big impact on the RV world. Starting in 1996, it’s now a key player thanks to Berkshire Hathaway. They have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), showing their dedication to quality. At Pedata RV Center, we distribute many different types of Forest River RV’s and travel trailers.

Forest River offers a wide range of RVs. From affordable options under $10,000 to high-end models over $500,000, they meet many needs. Their products include travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes, making sure everyone finds their ideal RV.

Brands like Cherokee, Flagstaff, Rockwood, and Salem fall under Forest River. They cater to different budgets, from budget-friendly to luxury. While some customers have had issues, Forest River is a major name in the RV world.

Forest River focuses on innovation and making customers happy. They compete well with big names like Thor and Winnebago. With over 100 factories in the U.S., mainly in Elkhart, Indiana, they’re financially strong. Thanks to Berkshire Hathaway, Forest River is a top pick for RV lovers across the country.