Statement Regarding Winnebago Industries, Inc. Closure

A chapter in Charles City history is ending with Winnebago Industries closure of its Hardwoods Division.  Winnebago has been a primary Charles City employer since 1998, when it purchased the speculative building in the city’s Southwest Development Park to site Hardwoods.

In 2008 Winnebago employed 600+ Charles City workers, with nearly 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space under roof. It is realized that Charles City operations have been subject to the whims and ebbs and flows of a consistently volatile RV market.

We desire to first concentrate upon the human element. We feel for the workers and the families of those being discharged. However, we strive to coordinate operations with the Iowa Workforce Development [IWD] Rapid Response team. This initiative seeks to assist Iowans impacted by layoffs.

IWD provides an array of valuable services via Rapid Response. This includes resume assistance, interview preparation, hiring events, unemployment assistance, etc.  It is presumed that many Winnebago employees possess skills transferable to the local job market; for others, additional training may be required.

Displaced workers may also use the services of CCADC CEO Tim Fox in devising reemployment strategy.  His contact information is 641.228.3020 and tfox@charlescityia.com 

Thank you, Winnebago, for a great run in Charles City. The firm’s conduct was always honorable.  We wish the company all the best as it exits Charles City.   

Beyond the immediacy of this closure, the community and Winnebago Industries will have a 100,000 square foot manufacturing facility to market.  This is an opportunity to demonstrate our economic competitiveness as we replenish jobs lost