FEBRUARY 2020
     

'We have had exciting growth'

Zone RV to welcome public
to its new $8m factory

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ZONE RV on the Sunshine Coast will throw open its new $8 million purpose-built factory to the public this month.

The off-road caravan manufacturer, well known for some of the world's most expensive caravans, began as a start-up business in 2015 and now employs more than 90 staff and pours nearly $40 million into the local economy.

Its factory at the Coolum Business Park in Quanda Road will be open for inspection on February 8 between 9am and 1pm.

Zone RV uses innovative composite structures and cutting-edge clean technologies to create caravans which are lighter, stronger and safer than those made with traditional manufacturing methods.

Sunshine Coast Council Economic Development Portfolio Councillor Steve Robinson has congratulated the company on its growth.

"Zone RV has taken the traditional caravanning experience and incorporated advanced technology from the marine and aeronautical industries to create a product with exceptional water, energy and insulation management," he said.

"This expansion allows the business to gain greater efficiencies and capabilities so they can further innovate to meet the excellence demands and expectations of the national market."

The go-ahead company manufactures multi award-winning off-road caravans through innovation of design and advanced manufacturing utilising leading composite panels, ultra-light cabinetry systems, suspension and power systems that deliver absolute quality, comfort, safety and entertainment.

Zone RV directors Matt Johns and Dave Biggar started the small business with two employees.

"We had experience across marine, aeronautical and civil construction but developing a new benchmark in the high-tech caravan manufacturing industry was a leap of faith that led to lightweight, dust and watertight caravans with a stylish and luxurious finish," Mr Johns said.

"Thanks to our early adopters, we have had exciting growth and consumers now expect smarter solutions as standard.

"Zone RV uses the highest quality third party products, including local and Queensland suppliers incorporating the highest quality and innovative suspension systems, lithium batteries and battery management systems.

"This injects a further $10 million a year into the local South-East Queensland economy."

"We have outgrown three facilities and are excited to move into this 4500 square-metre purpose-built factory, showroom and service centre that also has a 4000 sqaure-metre hard stand.

"The new factory delivers us a purpose-built designed factory layout for highest efficiencies to take us well into the future and the showroom offers an unparalleled client experience," he said.

Mr Johns said Zone RV was planning to expand internationally, diversify products and continue to innovate.

Hw thanked thanked the local council for it support which had helped the business to expand and prosper.

"The Sunshine Coast a great place to grow our business and we are thankful for strong industry development support from council through networking, advice, information, and linkages to government programs and supply chain assistance," Mr Johns said.

"We are lucky to be expanding in a region where the council creates the right environment to grow businesses and support residents to have a bright future."

Zone RV supports a local supply chain including a dozen Sunshine Coast businesses, and a dozen more Queensland businesses before the rest of their components are sourced from national suppliers.

Zone RV really is in a zone of its own, claiming the following industry firsts for its region:

* The first timber-free composite fibreglass fully bonded caravan,
* The first full hard-bodied composite camper trailer,
* The first carbon-fibre timber-free fully bonded caravan, and
* The first consolidated vehicle conversion project management specialising in lightweight fixed canopies.

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