Travel Lite RV Back In Operation On A Smaller Scale
SYRACUSE — Travel Lite RV, 110 Innovation Blvd., Syracuse, is back in operation, but currently on a smaller scale, at least for the time being.
Dustin Johns, president and chief executive officer, noted the company is undergoing a restructuring and reorganizational process. “We’re up and running slowly. We’re building units now with more in the weeks to come.”
The company laid off most of its employees in late August, which hit at the same time as a slow down in the recreational vehicle industry in general. During the past several weeks employment opportunities have opened up under the new plan and new chief operations officer, Ryan Rebar.
“We’re reconfiguring our warranty and parts team,” said Johns, who also noted the plant is being reconfigured. “We’ve moved people around and changed the lines.” He explained they are looking at just how many are needed in the various departments such as warranty and sales, as well as production.
Prior to the August shutdown, Travel Lite operated two facilities, one in New Paris and the other in Syracuse. The plant in Syracuse had one U-shaped production line. That has since been changed to two straight lines, allowing for all products to be produced under one roof. One line will run the smaller units for the company, while the other line will run the larger units.
“We’re taking things slowly,” Johns said noting they are working to bring back the quality. “We’re going back to the basics of Travel Lite. We will be stronger, more efficient, with lower overhead.”
Johns stated when he opened the Syracuse facility, his goal was to produce $85 million to $100 million in products. “That was my goal, but after what transpired (a downturn in the RV industry) we will not hit that number.”