More RV layoffs in Elkhart County

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Keystone CEO assesses the situation
Posted: 11:10 AM Aug 7, 2008
Last Updated: 9:07 AM Aug 8, 2008
Reporter: Mark Peterson
Email Address: mark.peterson@wndu.com

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Another 290-pink slips were handed out today to RV workers in Elkhart county.

The latest layoff comes at Keystone RV in Goshen.

The total workforce at Keystone was cut by about 10-percent. The lay off was scattered among some 15-Keystone plants in Goshen.

Keystone is Elkhart County’s third largest employer.

“It’s so easy to talk about the numbers and then you run into one of the workers at a grocery store and realize that they had three kids, have a mortgage, and maybe a sick child,” said Keystone President and CEO Ron Fenech. “We don't come by these choices easily. We've delayed it as long as we could.”

Fenech blamed the nation’s soft economy for the move.

“We just all have to hold our breath and get to spring and hope that next year is going to be a more positive year,” said Fenech.

Even after the layoff, there was a lot of activity on Keystone’s Goshen grounds today, where some 26-hundred people still work.

“I don't want to white wash it, I mean it’s a difficult time,” said Fenech, “but its no disaster.”

“There's a lot of people that are still buying RV’s, an awful lot, we retailed over five thousand last month,” said Fenech. “That's a lot of trailers and fifth wheels being sold given the economic conditions.”
As for the future, Fenech hopes today’s layoff will be the last for awhile. “I would like to think this is it, we feel pretty confident of where we're at.”

The Keystone layoff pales in comparison to the situation at Monaco Coach, where plant closings will idle some 14-hundred Elkhart County workers.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 16, 2008 at 08:40 AM
Chris, if you did well in college and high school, how is it that you have some MAJOR run on sentences in your post? Ever heard of punctuation?

Posted by: stay at home mom Location: south bend on Aug 16, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Jason- the problem is that I have been a stay at home mom for 3 years and have been out of the job market. Nice of you to insult me and imply that I am stupid or have nothing to offer employers. I guess that explains your lack of thinking. By the way, I got a job offer this week, so I guess it's not me.

Posted by: Mike S Location: South Bend on Aug 14, 2008 at 04:34 PM
Nobody owes your a job !!!!!! If you get layed off well then that's your problem.

Posted by: Mike Location: South Bend on Aug 14, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Chris: Actually, no one "controls" the economy. All we can do at best is influence it. Government has more influence than any other entity which is pretty well illustrated by government spending averaging about 20% of GDP over the past 15 to 20 years. Personally, I'm for less government interference, not more.

Posted by: Chris Location: Argos on Aug 14, 2008 at 01:41 PM
So all your telling me is what i already know the goverment has influence over the economy but that is not controling it. People control the economy businesses and consumers you know "us" not the goverment yea they can infulence it but it doesnt make much difference and all the people that think its going to get better if obama gets in i feel sorry for. Dems got congress and didnt do a thing they had promised so if you want help from the goverment you might as well give up now and no julie i did not skip the 12th grade and i did well in econ in high school and college thank you very much

Posted by: Jason Location: Elkhart on Aug 14, 2008 at 01:38 PM
To stay at home mom: You say that you have put in over 200 applications and still don't have a job. Have you ever thought that maybe the problem isnt the job market, maybe its you. I have been in Walmart and similar places and can say that they don't exactly hire top notch talent. It shouldn't be very difficult to find something if you have something to offer employers.

Posted by: Mike Location: South Bend on Aug 14, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Just an FYI: The government uses various policies to regulate and "control" the economy including fiscal policy which includes government spending and tax strategies. They may also increase or decrease the money supply in order to cause changes in the general price level. The U.S. federal gov't can also regulate through legislation (anti-trust laws). FDR helped get us out of the Great Depression by using the central government to stimulate the economy by creating jobs.

Posted by: Julie on Aug 13, 2008 at 09:29 PM
Chris: "Explain how the goverment controls the economy?". Call one of the local schools and see if they can hook you up with a copy of required 12th grade Government & Econ books. Take them home & read them. That should pretty well explain the government - economy connection. Maybe you skipped that grade or weren't paying attention?

Posted by: matt Location: goshen on Aug 13, 2008 at 06:54 PM
i have an idea...let's put more taxes on businesses, permits, etc. so we can generate more funds for social programs, kids who can't speak english in school, housing subsidies, etc. the government can give a lot and it can also take it all away! soon we'll all be out of jobs and we can only blames ourselves because we elected these self-serving politicians and continue to buy goods over overseas while putting everything on credit because we need it to keep up with everyone else - put the blame where it belongs - to the American People who have allowed all of these things to happen

Posted by: chris Location: Argos on Aug 13, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Alright if im so stupid correct me. Explain how the goverment controls the economy? And no i dont see the world through rose colored glasses i live in the real world but i dont sit around going why me why me. If you get knocked down get back up. But i know nothing i say is going to make a difference everybody has there own opinion and your just going to keep calling me stupid and thinking im crazy but before you call me stupid explain what i want to know, how does the goverment control the economy

Posted by: JIM Location: ELKHART on Aug 13, 2008 at 11:51 AM
this chris guy,must be real young,because we know he is stupid.he does not even know whats going on in the real world.any one who thinks the govement has nothing to do with the economy has got to be stupid.

Posted by: stay at home mom Location: south bend on Aug 13, 2008 at 07:14 AM
Chris, I'm glad you have such a "happy" outlook on everything. I couldn't even get ajob in fast food, see they want teenagers. They don't have to give them benefits. I"m glad your mom has found a job at Walmart, I never received a call from them. You make it sound as if people are being picky looking for jobs, I'm not. I have put out 200 applications in the last 8 months, and have received NOTHING. I have gotten 3 intreviews out of that 200 and no job offers. You can be oblivious to everything if you look through rose colored glasses. I prefer looking at everything through clear glass.

Posted by: Sharon on Aug 12, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Chris I wish you the best of luck. I lost my job and it took me 14 months to find another one and it is worse out there now. So good luck!!!!

Posted by: chris Location: Argos on Aug 12, 2008 at 05:38 PM
There is always fast food sure may not be what you want to do but its something until you find something more steady isn't it? Yea i know the economy sucks but its just sad that people will sit and blame the goverment and its not the goverment its people. and what bothers me the most is people that complain about it then walk to the mailbox for there welfare check but thats more a seperate issue. Truth be told there are jobs you just have to be willing to look or willing to settle. My mom just found a job last week at walmart so there are jobs you just have to be willing

Posted by: stay at home mom Location: south bend on Aug 12, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Chris- if it was so easy to go out and get a job, most everyone would have. I have been looking since January and guess what? I haven't found one, haven't even been offered one. I'm either too qualified or not qualified enough. You make it sound so easy to get one, but unless you've been out there looking for one, you don't know how hard it really is.

Posted by: Chris Location: Argos on Aug 12, 2008 at 01:56 PM
Ok first things first its not the goverments fault that you lost your jobs. THE GOVERMENT DOES NOT CONTROL THE ECONOMY we do. You lost your jobs because no one is buying RV's. You want the economy to get better how about buying something. And instead of complaining about how you lost your job go get another. And dont say you cant get a job theres plenty of them out there you just have to be willing to take them. So stop blaming the goverment and the president for your problems suck it up and get back out there. You cant just expect to get lucky and get rich it doesnt happen normally make your own luck and you can get the money to

Posted by: Get your facts straight on Aug 12, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Just reading comments and had to get some things corrected. "KRV Worker @ 2:23", just so you know Monaco is not owned by Thor, never have been...where did you get that ?!?!? Also, "Brother works at KRV", Monaco did not drug test their people last Friday Damon RV did. People running their mouth when they don't know what they're talking about really bugs me and gets rumors started to boot!

Posted by: Brother works at KRV Location: Elkhart on Aug 10, 2008 at 01:13 AM
Thank God my brother has been at KRV more than 4 years. He kept his job. But he agrees, the "dead-weight" and attendance problems should have been gone first. He said they should drug test everyone like Monaco did on Friday, that would get rid of many. I worked at a crap job in a factory, 3rd shift last year and the company moved to Mexico. We were union, so they made us work 29 days before we got the 4th Sunday off. I graduated from college in May, TAA (through NAFTA) paid for my last semester and UI benefits, I have a bachelor's degree and have been trying to find a job for over 3 months. I think its terrible, UI is about to run out and I can't get a job. I've tried. Imagine how these people who worked with no degree are feeling. I even applied for positions at the unemployment office and they haven't got back to me, imagine that. Long lines, they need help, I'm qualified, you do the math. I feel for all the guys at KRV, take care.

Posted by: college girl Location: north east indiana on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:54 PM
I am sorry to hear this news, I feel your pain, my factory shut down last year and luckily I went back to school, I just hope to find a job when I graduate. I pray for us all.

Posted by: 3 years of NO APPRECIATION Location: Goshen on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:25 PM
Hey people, First of all. Speaking for one of the 290 people laid off. I think the way Keystone handled the lay-off was wrong. They should have never went by seniority. They should have went by job proformance. For most of you who are writing all of this on here must be part of the 2600 that are still employed at Keystone. Looking at me record 3 years at Keystone no write ups, no RVI write ups, never been on an audit sheet and never had re-work from doing the job right the first time. Where is it fare for me and my family to lose my job? Keystone was a good place to work with poor judgement. It bothers me that for some of the employees that are still employed have either poor attendance or poor quality. By the way I not only have 12 years of RV experience I also have mechine experience. My thoughts and prayers not only go out to the 290 lost at Keystone but to all RV industries.

Posted by: stay at home mom Location: south bend on Aug 8, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Lisa- At what company did they make 1500 a week?! I know my husband never made close to that at KRV! We, by no means, have the best clothing, cars or housing. I buy from garage sales, thrift stores and look for 75% off sales items. I have saved and cut corners everwhere I could think of and with the rising cost of fuel and food, it sucks every last dime you have.

Posted by: krv worker Location: goshen on Aug 8, 2008 at 03:23 PM
unless you are a top dog at keystone, believe me we were not bringing home 1500 a week!!!!! keystone should of never sold to thor who also owns monaco see the pattern!!!!!

Posted by: Lisa Location: Elkhart on Aug 8, 2008 at 02:59 PM
I have lived in this area 90% of my life and yes this part goverment but a lot of of it our own fault.Instead saving a good chunck of what the rv workers were making they spent it. Not just the rv workers but sll of this instead of having to have the best clothes,cars,and houses people should be thankful for what they have and live with thier means.If my husband was bringing home 1500 a week half would be in a savings account this is the rv capital of the world it always goes down first and comes back last in this area.

Posted by: Visitor from Texas on Aug 8, 2008 at 11:58 AM
A company in TEXAS Pilgrim's Pride needs 800 workers by September or they might have to close their company. How sad this area has no jobs and there they can't fill all the jobs. I don't think they pay as much as people make in the RV Industries though.

Posted by: indiana worker on Aug 8, 2008 at 10:33 AM
We all need to pray that our state and state represenatives will help in our time of need. Americans need to stop listening to the media and start putting money back into our economy. This has been a domino effect and we have all played into it.We let foreign counties mess with our economy and layoffs is part of the effect. And the big man in office is spending millions of dollars a day helping foreign countries while his country is fallen on hard times.November needs to get here and give us someone who cares about the American people.

Posted by: John Location: New Carlisle on Aug 8, 2008 at 10:26 AM
I feel sorry for the people involved , but I must still laugh about Mike yoder stating in 2005 that Elkhart County is the" driving economic force" in Michiana!!!

Posted by: mlr Location: elkhart on Aug 8, 2008 at 10:13 AM
yes stephanie you are correct. RVision and Bison are staying open. but we were given the 60 days notice ONLY because of the WARN ACT. that IS the only reason we were given 60 days notice. believe me had it not been for this ACT we would have been just like Keystone and all the other businesses that are being laid off. so as you can see i do know what i'm speaking of - i am living it.

Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:40 AM
To KRV Employee. Before you spout that I have no clue about KRV, think again. I was a manager for KRV and I know how they run the ship. You also were not told you would be laid off, rather, you were told things were tough in the industry. Calm down, it is a company, don't act like I called your Mother a name. In the end, they don't care about you, unless, your name is money and you can fold up in their wallet. Please, they were considerate enough to let you finish the week, right. You don't tell people on Monday that they are going to be "laid off" on Friday (or Thursday) you would have problems with people walking off the job, poor quality, poor attitudes and missing tools. Like I said, I am in the industry and I understand how it works.

Posted by: minpinmacy Location: Nappanee on Aug 8, 2008 at 01:24 AM
PILGRIM INTERNATIONAL RV in Elkhart just contacted their employees after hours tonight to let them know tonight they no longer have jobs. According to my very reliable source, they have closed the doors. Its getting rough out there people. Something's gotta change.

Posted by: Matt Location: Goshen on Aug 8, 2008 at 12:55 AM
Does anyone feel that RV assembly are a little over paid based on the limited skill-set most, not all, have? I think a lot of workers have gotten used to a pretty fat wage when the skills they have are really not transferable to too many other industries.

Posted by: Grizz Location: Plymouth on Aug 7, 2008 at 11:17 PM
Congressman Donnelly why don't you go back to work with those working in the dark in the house! We need to drill now and claim our independence from foreign oil! Remember you represent us here in ind. dist #2 not Nancy Pelosi and Cal 8th dist. Here we are with a national emergency and you take a FIVE WEEK PAID VACATION ON US. How many more good people here in Indiana have to lose their job? We sent you to Washington and we can remove you also. GO BACK TO WORK AND CALL FOR Pelosi TO RECONVENE THE HOUSE AND GET HER OFF HER BOOK TOUR!! WE ARE HURTING HERE IN NORTHERN INDIANA!!!! My thoughts and prayers go out to those looking for work here in INDIANA!!

Posted by: KRV employee Location: Syracuse on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:06 PM
the plant i work in was warned this spring.everyone in my group that had vacation planned over july 4th cancelled.we knew what was coming,and its probably gonna get worse..stop spending and prepare for hard times.my mortgage payment for sept was made a week ago.

Posted by: KRV employee Location: Goshen on Aug 7, 2008 at 07:10 PM
I'm so sick of people complaining! Everyone knew this was coming! SERIOUSLY PEOPLE! LOOK AT OUR ECONOMY! If anyone is to blaim its obviously our goverment and the man they call our president! Not because of "who had more of a layoff notice" or WHO'S RIGHT and WHO'S WRONG! EVERY BUSINESS IS SUFFERING! Yes, this sucks but it's happening. The best we can do now is suck it up and wait for our economy to get better. Which it WILL, but in time. We all just need to stay positive, keep our heads up high, and have some faith! Best of luck and many prayers to those families who are struggling.

Posted by: annonomous Location: new paris on Aug 7, 2008 at 05:56 PM
i think keystone officals are lying idiots they told there workers not to worry it was just a bad rumor going around and there wouldnt be any layoffs but look whats happening. you should be ashamed of yourselfs keystone just like monaco looking out for yourselves and not the workers

Posted by: Slide out Location: Monaco on Aug 7, 2008 at 05:33 PM
It really sucks after so many years to be laid off i feel for you guys. I will be their at workone with you Sept 17 with about 1400 other R.V. workers from Monaco. On 19 behind Mcdonalds in our plant 39 workone has installed 30 computers for everyone and will set you up for school if you want. Also the library in nappanne is set up for unemployment . Just a little help good luck!

Posted by: DEE Location: MISHAWAKA on Aug 7, 2008 at 04:56 PM
"Stay home Mom" you need to do your share of reading too, Keystone was put on notice since spring--get over it--we all pretty much knew this was coming, they were flat out told. Sinking economy=no money for rv's.

Posted by: Monaco's warning Location: Nappanee on Aug 7, 2008 at 03:55 PM
In addition, Monaco was also required to 'go public' before it told its workers because of SEC regulations due to the fact that Monaco is a publicly traded company. Heaven forbid we know the facts, though. To those at KRV that have been laid off, God be with you in your time of difficulty.

Posted by: Wife,mom&grandma Location: Elkhart County on Aug 7, 2008 at 03:54 PM
My husband and I have been married 30 yrs. and have known this hardship.We can relate and agree with Anon.@1:59pm.It isn't easy,but with a positive will,attitude and determination to make it through,with God,working TOGETHER & being very wise & prudent with what resources you do have,you can make it,with a greater strength and character than ever before.TO: Anon.@1:15pm,yes,Stay at Home Mom may have to work outside their home if need be,but she has nothing to be ashamed of for being a stay at home mom. We chose to sacrifice in many ways so I could be home with our children as much as possible while they were growing up.I am now able to do the same for our grandchildren.We recently lost our 24 yr old son,and I can tell you losing a job,trying to make ends meet,etc.is NOTHING compared to this.We are so very thankful,that over the yrs,our family was able to experience and impart the most precious gifts in life:God,Each Other,Love,Time,Values,Morals,Character, Integrity,etc.with Fun. $?

Posted by: Amy Location: Argos on Aug 7, 2008 at 03:50 PM
Elkhart county should look into producing low cost wind turbines and solar panels. (for small business and residential)There are so many large facilites that are empty and waiting. With the likelihood of gov't tax breaks on green technology I would say Elkhart is a great location and it has a workforce ready to go. Central location in the US.....My husband was laid off in April from Monaco in the first round. Nothing yet as far as a job, it's getting tougher every week. God bless all who are suffering.

Posted by: corey Location: topeka on Aug 7, 2008 at 03:47 PM
NEVER LET IT BE SAID THAT KEYSTONE DIDNT DO EVERYTHING THEY COULD TO PREVENT WHAT HAPPEND TODAY. I'VE BEEN WITH KRV FOR THE LAST 7 YEARS AND FULLY BELIEVE THAT IF THE LAYOFF COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED THAT IT WOULD HAVE! FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO WERE UNFORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE LOST THEIR JOBS TODAY DONT DOUBT FOR ONE MINUTE THAT THE TIME AND EFFORT YOU GAVE TO THE COMPANY WILL BE FORGOTTEN. THE EMPLOYEES AT KEYSTONE RV HAVE AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE REASON WE LEAD THIS INDUSTRY.

Posted by: stay at home mom Location: south bend on Aug 7, 2008 at 03:44 PM
Yes, I need to get a job. I have been trying to find something since JANUARY! I have had 3 interviews in 7 months, I can just imagine what these people will go through looking for a job. Monaco gave their employees 2 months notice, KRV told them your gone, get your stuff and leave. At least KRV told their employees before they told the news media. Some people on here should read and comprehend before they post their comments. Obviously, not everyone does. Big Red Evil, the only people that got "line bonuses" at KRV, were managers and the forklift drivers that I know of, you know the people that just watch everyone else do the work. They refer to it as hitch pay. So there weren't any bonuses to put away if this happened to the regular employees.

Posted by: SARAH Location: ELKHART on Aug 7, 2008 at 03:36 PM
All I would like to say is that everyone seems to be going through a rough time. Businesses and families both. What good does it do all of us to argue about this subject. This is a terrible situation that absolutely no one intended to happen. Right now we all need to learn to support each other and continue to pray from these people and their families. Things can only get better if everyone works together and doesn’t give up.! I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Posted by: X RV worker Location: Niles on Aug 7, 2008 at 03:27 PM
So everybody who watches the news knows how the economy is... knows that RV sales are low... and are still surprised when they get laid off? Open your eyes. The government can't just give people $ to buy RVs with. Somebody explain how any govenrment aid will help a failing industry. If American's aren't buying, delaers aren't selling, and there's not a thing we can do about it. It's just not there anymore. Let it go and move on.

Posted by: BD Location: Nappanee on Aug 7, 2008 at 03:24 PM
People - until the "playing field" is evened out a little bit with foreign competition - businesses will keep going under and more will go overseas; that's reality. A successful business cannot keep getting burdened with taxes to support government spending and nor can they cover all the liabilities from employees and customers from lawsuits. The American People have allowed this to happen in our court system by electing judges who allow it and by buying cheap stuff from china, etc and allowing politicians to create never-ending social programs our tax dollars were never meant to support. Typically Republicans push for bigger business tax breaks and typically dems don't feel it's "Right" for businesses to make money and want to squeeze all they can out of them until the companies say; Forget It! I pray that obama does not win and I cring at the fact McCain supports nafta - if only we could have Reagan back for 8 more years!

Posted by: J-Girlfriend of a laid off worker Location: Mishawaka on Aug 7, 2008 at 03:09 PM
I would just like to say to BigRedEvil...Are you kidding me? Line bonus' are only for those who are Swingmen or Group Leaders. Lately the checks have been dwindling lower and lower, but the really sad part is that now, Unless someone can pay more than unemployment does, he'll be sitting at home.

Posted by: Stephanie on Aug 7, 2008 at 02:53 PM
To "MLR" your statement is actually wrong, Monaco did not close ALL of their plants because I happen to work for one of those plants that are not closing, they actually have 3 locations that are staying here (1)Goshen (1)Milford and (1)Warsaw where Holiday Rambler is also being re-located to...that is how rumors get started. Please know what your talking about before you run you trap!

Posted by: Wife of a Keystone employee Location: Elkhart on Aug 7, 2008 at 02:39 PM
First off to all of the Keystone employees who have been left without a job please try and keep your head up high. My husband was fortunate enough not to be laid off today. After 10 years of service to the company he said even he was un sure he would have a job. Unfortunately if Elkhart County doesn't come up with a plan to help so many displaced workers who knows what will happen to this county. Elhart County is the largest R.V manufacturer. With all of the downturn someone needs to do something quick to bring in some type of marketable good to produce. I think it is time for the government to step in and help this struggling county. To all Keystone employees, don't loose focus, continue to believe and hope for the best. I know I will be for my husband’s sake and all of his co-workers.

Posted by: JL on Aug 7, 2008 at 02:36 PM
It is difficult to give warning because the fear is that quality will decline (leads to warranties expense), productivity will decline (cash disappears faster), and acts of vandalism will occur.

Posted by: Alan Location: Elkhart on Aug 7, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Let's hope they layoff all the illegal aliens they have hired before letting American citizens go.

Posted by: KRV employee Location: Bristol on Aug 7, 2008 at 02:10 PM
I agree with my fellow employee. Mr.Irish fan has no clue what we were told in the spring so most of us knew it was coming at some point especially with the other companies closing. I have been with KRV for 6 years and hope to weather this storm. I've never seen it this bad. My heart goes out those who have left our company. As for the notice, even if KRV knew on Monday, they were considerate enough to allow the workers to finish out the week and laying off now instead of October at least gives them a chance to find new jobs. It's bad no matter how you look at it.

Posted by: minpinmacy Location: Nappanee on Aug 7, 2008 at 02:00 PM
It looks like there's a lot of people out there that might need to consider moving out of this area to find better employment. Elkhart County is going to get run into the ground fast if something isn't done soon to help out the economy in this area. Ultimately...isn't it the politicians who can start helping to "fix" the problem? This is obsurd!

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:59 PM
My husband has actually worked at two different business where they just closed the doors no warning just pad locks on the gates with a note...Out of Business...I know the hardships it causes but If there is a will there is a way, I am proud to say we made it.I hope all the families that are facing though times right now will be able to keep their chin up and put one foot in front of the other and make there way through this tough time and come out stronger because it can be done but it isn't easy

Posted by: dee Location: mishawaka on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:56 PM
I think being told in the spring that they are going to be holding out as long as possible, and that would be longer than a 60 notice...........

Posted by: BigRedEvil Location: Death Valley on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:49 PM
I keep saying over, and over, and over again. Maybe - just maybe you should have saved some of those "line bonuses". I know people whos "line bonus" was higher than their actual hourly pay. Its called money management people. I hear its okay tho, because their unemployment check will be bigger than my actual paycheck =/

Posted by: Jerry Location: mishawaka on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Dee-I thought Monaco was working until September? If so, that is over a month of advance notice. Keystone said get your stuff and get out.

Posted by: j Location: Mishawaka on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Yes, Monaco has given their employees notice. The final date isn't until 9/17. At least they had a month or two to try to figure out their bills, and what they might do for another job. No such luck at Keystone.

Posted by: Edward on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:40 PM
It's sad that our economy is so bad that things like this have to happen. And yet our Government sits back and does nothing. But why should they??? They are wealthy enoughh that they don't suffer like the working class people do.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:37 PM
I think what some people are referring to with Monoco, Keystone had them pack up and leave immediately where as Monoco workers were given 60 day notice of the closing and offered separation pay based on time served. People need to actually think and comprehend what they are reading before just running off at the mouth.

Posted by: KRV employee on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:30 PM
to all those who are now unemployed, I am sorry for you. To those who do not work here or in this industry, especially the know it all Irish Fan...Mr Fenich actually told all of KRV back in the early spring that he was working to keep from layoffs but that the end of summer and the fall was not looking good to any one in the industry...we just managed (correctly) to hold on a little longer than most. And they still have not layed off as many as some of our competitors have had to. Thank you Ron and thank you Mr. Bush!!!!

Posted by: mlr Location: elkhart on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:24 PM
the only reason monaco got a "warning" was because they closed all plants in this area and it's the law that they had to give 60 days notice. since keystone or any other manufacture hasn't "closed" there doors they didn't get the 60 days notice. believe me the warning didn't keep the shock or the sting from hurting in less than if they were to just say see ya.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:15 PM
Stay at Home Mom..Looks like your going to have to work....

Posted by: DEE Location: MISHAWAKA on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Who had advanced warning at Monaco "stay at home Mom"???????????? Couldn't be more incorrect, it was released to the news before most of the employees had been notifed..........

Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Keystone brings this mess on themselves. First off, they build "open" or un-sold units and fill thier lots with them. Then, they wind up flooding the market with cheaper, out dated pieces, which, in turn screws everyone else. They HAVE to lay off because they don't manage the orders they have. Where I am, we monitor what is coming in and we adjust our production levels so we do not have to lay people off. Sure, they make less running less units per week, but, it pays a heck of a lot more than un-employment does.

Posted by: dave Location: goshen on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:23 PM
somebody, had better figure out fast, that we need to make some other things in elkhart county. now that so many maufacturing jobs have left the country, there are no support industry's left. some of those old fashion factory jobs look darn good now. to bad the federal government helped them leave.

Posted by: keystone wife Location: goshen on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:19 PM
At least the guys will make ok money sonce they are used to short checks already. Unemployment benefits are not too far off from their current bring home. Only thing that really sucks is losing insurance.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Thanks, yet again, Prez Bush...makes you wonder what else we could have done with all that foriegn debt money

Posted by: Brett Location: Bristol on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:10 PM
As you recall, Monaco employees found out by watching the local news. They never got told to their face until after the news broke on TV.

Posted by: stay at home mom Location: south bend on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:06 PM
My husband worked at Keystone for a little over 3 years and just came home because he was laid off. He said that they knew since Monday that they were going to do this and didn't give anybody any warning like they did at Monaco.

Posted by: J. Location: Mishawaka on Aug 7, 2008 at 11:33 AM
I'm still in shock, I just wish that Keystone would have given them some type of warning like the Monaco workers received. They just had to grab their things and leave.

Posted by: Tôm Location: South Bend on Aug 7, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Well now that we need the "jobs Americans don't want to do", do you think we're ever going to get them back? It is a pretty sorry situation that the illegal aliens are thriving and we're getting plowed under.

Posted by: Brett Location: Goshen on Aug 7, 2008 at 11:19 AM
That sucks.