Jurgens on a growth spurt
Victorian caravan builder set to ramp up production with a raft of new models on the way and the move to a larger factory in six months timeJurgens Australia will move into a new, purpose-built factory in early 2013 that will enable it to produce up to 10 times more caravans than possible in its current Tooradin, Vic facility.
Currently under construction, the new production facility will have around 4000 square metres of floorspace and be “about four times bigger” in overall size than the current factory (pictured), according to Jurgens’ managing director Terry Steel.
It will be located in the growing RV manufacturing hub of Pakenham in Melbourne’s outer south-east, which is also home to major RV manufacturers A’van and Goldstream.
Mr Steel said four years after establishing Jurgens Australia and opening the doors of its Tooradin factory in early-2008, the company had “outgrown” the 1900 sq.m facility.
"We're also about to release a whole new range of products, hence where we are we haven't got the room,” he said.
Mr Steel said sales of Jurgens’ current range of touring caravans which includes the new range-topping Tooradin had "certainly picked up a lot” in recent times. He said the introduction of a number of new models including pop-tops, toy haulers, camper trailers and motorhomes would significantly expand the range in coming months.
As well as more factory floorspace, the new Pakenham facility would incorporate offices as well as more outside areas for storage. “"If you've ever been to our place here (in Tooradin), we've got no room outside,” he said.
An additional two acres of land on the new property would also allow room for expansion if required.
"At the moment we can only do a maximum of 10 (caravans) a week where we are, and in the new premises that could go to 100 a week," Mr Steel said.
The new factory would also allow Jurgens to complete more manufacturing tasks in-house, such as vinyl wrapping of furniture and construction of van walls.
Currently, Jurgens Australia does all its own designs, furniture production and assembly in-house, while sourcing the body walls and steel chassis from the 70-year-old Jurgens company in South Africa.
Jurgens Australia is scheduled to move into the new Pakenham facility in January 2013.
Click on the video below for a tour of the current factory in Tooradin.
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