May 6, 2008. Nappanee, Indiana.  Lately, there has been little cheering for the RV industry from the environmental sector, but in Elkhart County some RV companies are making a hefty effort to lighten their environmental impact.

Today, Nappanee RV Components (NRVC) recognized thirteen RV manufactures in Elkhart County who partnered in NRVC’s innovative with “Recycled Rout-Out” program in 2007. Through their participation, these companies diverted over 2,000,000 pounds of landfill waste into useful new products within the RV industry in just one year. NRVC acknowledged each manufacturer’s significant contribution to implement environmental strategies within the industry.

“Our goal was not to become environmental pioneers,” states Terra Group President, Steve Brenneman, “Our first priority was to outpace our competitors while keeping high-paying production jobs in Elkhart County. In order to do that, we researched ways other companies had used scrap resources in the past, and created a system of recycling that benefits us, our customers, and also allows us to be good stewards of the environment.”

NRVC has found great success incorporating a recycling program in its production. By utilizing scrap material to create new components, the company saves its partners money and eliminates significant material waste.  The recycling program does require a commitment from the people handling the material as the scrap must be cleaned and stacked on skids rather than just tossed in a dumpster. Ultimately, though, the payback has proved worthwhile to the manufacturing partners.

"The recycling efforts of NRVC have been vital in helping move Jayco toward our goal of being a zero landfill company."  Derald Bontrager, Jayco President and COO.

“Participating in the [Recycled Rout Out] program also cuts down on our scrap costs,” adds Open Range President, Randy Graber.


2007 Rout-out-recycle participants
The following manufacturers participated in the program in 2007: Carriage Industries, Doubletree RV, Dutchmen Manufacturing, Fleetwood RV, Forest River’s Cedar Creek Division, Forest River’s SunSeeker Division, Forks RV, Heartland RV, Jayco, Keystone RV Company, KZ RV, Open Range RV, Ameri-Camp, and Skyline.

NRVC specializes in innovative solutions and high-quality products for the recreational vehicle industry. NRVC has plants in Nappanee, Indiana, Caldwell, Idaho, and Riverside, California. NRVC is a division of the Terra Group, LLC.

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