Nova Caravans suspends production
Big-selling Melbourne manufacturer to temporarily shut factory due to COVID-19Melbourne's Nova Caravans is one of the first Australian caravan manufacturers to publicly announce a temporary closure of its factory due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Although Australia's 100-plus RV manufacturing businesses and their associated dealers are still allowed to operate, as long as they abide with increasingly stringent 'social distancing' restrictions, Nova has gone on the front foot and decided to close down its 3000sq.m Campbellfield, Victoria production facility, which not that long ago was building as many as eight caravans a week by production staff of around 60.
Nova Caravans National Sales Manager John Sills announced yesterday on social media that the enactment of 'stay at home' Stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions by the Victorian Government had convinced Nova to close its doors for the time being.
The announcement by the Federal Government of a 'Jobkeeper' wage subsidy scheme that gives employees affected by the coronavirus crisis a $1500 fortnightly payment for a period of up to six months, will also make it easier for Nova to retain staff during the shutdown.
"Our number one thing here at Nova is safety: safety for our staff, their families and of course all of our customers," Sills said.
"The biggest thing we have to do is protect our staff. We've also got suppliers that are closing, or have closed, but to build a caravan in this environment makes it very, very hard."
The factory closed at 4pm April 1, and will re-open when it's safe to do so.
"We will re-open, don't worry about that, but we're thinking of the safety of our fellow workmates and of course all their families," he said.
Nova will run a skeleton staff during the shutdown, to deal with customer service and buyer enquiries.
Nova's decision was received positively on social media, with Jan Sampson commenting: "The only decision you can make really, well done."
In business for close to 14 years, Nova is one of the shining lights in the Australian caravan manufacturing industry, winning multiple industry awards and leading the way in employee training and staff retention practices.
To watch the full announcement, click here.
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