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MIDDLEBURY, Ind. (AP) — Iowa-based recreational vehicle manufacturer Winnebago Industries plans to begin reopening its northern Indiana plants in May after closing them in March amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Winnebago and other RV manufacturers temporarily idled their manufacturing plants last month after stay-at-home orders were issued in Indiana and other states where RVs are produced.
Gov. Eric Holcomb has issued stay-at-home orders that extend through at least April 20 for all but essential Indiana workers.
While Forest City, Iowa-based Winnebago will reopen some of its plants in other states beginning Monday, it isn’t planning to reopen its operations in northern Indiana's Elkhart County until May 4 or later, company spokesman Sam Jefson told the South Bend Tribune.
The company has said that its employees will adhere to safety protocols, including social distancing, daily health checks and strict sanitizing practices.
Winnebago makes motor homes, travel trailers and boats at plants in several states under the Winnebago, Grand Design, Newmar and Chris-Craft brands.
The company employs about 3,500 workers at Winnebago Towables and Grand Design RV in Middlebury, and at Newmar in Nappanee.
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