Zone RV opens $8 million factory

Trend-setting Sunshine Coast RV manufacturer Zone RV has just moved into a new custom-built factory in Coolum Beach less than five years from start-up, trebling its former floorspace and gearing up for planned future expansion.

The new Coolum Beach HQ, developed on greenfield industrial land in the Coolum Business Park at a cost of $8-$10 million by neighbour Ozzy Cranes, brings all of Zone RV’s operations except trimming under one roof for the first time – down from six separate locations.

While the new factory’s 4500 suare metre undercover floorspace is still under-utilised, Zone also has the option to develop a similar sized site next door on land also owned by Ozzy Cranes.

Zone RV co-director Matt Johns said the move-in took place over the Christmas/New Year break, with building planned 30 months ago but raised from a grassy paddock in less than eight months.

“We are currently at 40 per cent capacity, but this new facility is designed to take us to a capacity of 10 completed units per week by the end of 2021,” he said.

Employment is unchanged at 19-20 locals, all of whom have moved across from Zone RV’s previous factory.

According to Johns, Zone RV currently quotes  a lead-time of six months on its caravan models ­ – the premium Summit, Off-Road and entry-level Venture series – and four months for its new Expedition Series 10ft and 12ft hybrid camper models.

Of the latter, the 12ft model has become the clear favourite since its introduction at last year’s Queensland Caravan Show, with buyers accounting for nine out of 10 sales due largely to the model’s built-in combined shower/toilet inside a corner bathroom.

Welcoming Zone RV’s expansion, the Sunshine Coast’s Economic Development Portfolio Councillor Steve Robinson said RV production contributed $40 million in economic benefit to the Shire, with exports to New Zealand, the United Kingdom and North America.

“The Sunshine Coast is the home of the Australian off-road RV,” he said.

Zone RV is holding a public open day at the new facility from 9am-1pm, February 8, including factory tours and displays of the latest 2020 models. The factory/showroom is located at 85 Quanda Rd, Coolum Beach.