COVID cases hit more caravan factories

Melbourne manufacturer Crusader Caravans is the latest Victorian caravan builder forced to shut down production temporarily due to a COVID-19 case.

The big-selling manufacturer which plans to move to a large new factory around mid-2022, posted a message on social media recently to let customers and potential buyers know about further delays in production at the Epping, Victoria facility.

"Unfortunately, we have had to temporarily suspend production at our factory in Epping due to a positive COVID 19 case," Crusader said on Facebook.

"We took swift action closing immediately upon being informed that we had a COVID 19 positive result and our factory has already undergone deep cleaning. All staff have already completed a COVID test as well."

"We are now awaiting official advice from the DHSS as to which day we can resume operations. Our hope is to recommence production very shortly. Clearly, the health and well-being of our staff and colleagues remains our number one priority.

"We will work towards minimising the impact this has on current orders and request your patience and understanding. We will keep in touch and provide further updates over the coming days."

As many as 90 per cent of Australian-built caravans are built in Melbourne's metropolitan region, which has been in lockdown since early August.

Crusader is believed to be the latest of a number of Melbourne factories including Lotus and Concept Caravans forced to temporarily cease production due to a COVID-19 case.

Melbourne caravan manufacturers are already facing huge order backlogs, due to extended factory shutdowns in 2020, component supply issues and increasing demand for recreational vehicles.

For the latest updates on Crusader's return to production, click here.

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