Big Brisbane RV factory closes

One of the world's largest RV operators is closing down its Brisbane factory and moving all manufacturing to New Zealand.

ASX and NZX-listed Tourism Holdings Limited runs a fleet of close to 8000 motorhomes, and took over one of Australia's biggest RV manufacturing hubs when it acquired Apollo in 2022.

The 20,000 sq. m caravan and motorhome plant in Brisbane rolled out thousands of rental and retail motorhomes and caravans over the years, under brand names including Talvor, Winnebago, Coromal and Windsor.

Thl said in a statement that, following a comprehensive review, it's closing the Brisbane factory on December 19, and transitioning all production to Action Manufacturing in Hamilton, New Zealand.

The closure is expected to result in a reduction of approximately 110 frontline and support roles in Australia.

Chief Executive Officer, Grant Webster, said the shutdown was reflective of the "sustained downturn in the broader Australian RV manufacturing industry, the recent consolidation of thl’s dealership footprint as part of the Australian retail strategic initiative, and the fact that thl has completed a significant part of its Australasian fleet regrowth programme".

Thl also recently closed its Sydney Apollo RV super centre due to what it said was "ongoing challenges within the Australian RV retail sector".

Webster acknowledged the significant impact the closure will have on its Brisbane manufacturing crew.

"While a proportion of frontline role reductions will be offset in New Zealand during 2026 as thl ramps up production, the majority of support roles will not be duplicated and will instead leverage existing roles already in place in New Zealand," he said.

"In addition, thl expects to exit the lease on the Brisbane factory at some point in 2026. Together, these changes are expected to deliver substantial and ongoing overhead cost savings.

“We remain committed to the Australian market, anchored by an RV rental business that continues to have a strong forward order book."