More Michiana RV workers will soon be out of a job. Two companies announced massive layoffs Monday.
They include Keystone R-V Company in Goshen, which says it's letting go more than 350 workers. Close to 150 employees in Goshen will be let go. Jayco says it's letting go 250 workers at it's Middlebury plant. Late last year, the company laid off hundreds of other workers at its Wakarusa and Topeka, Indiana plants
While to many employees it may seem like we are hitting rock bottom, Elkhart County Officials say we are not there yet.
Toni Willard works for Keystone RV in Goshen. She is thankful she's not a part of the latest layoffs, but she isn't breathing a sigh of relief just yet.
"Everybody's nervous, but you have been living with that for a while. You get used to it and you get numb, " says Toni Willard, Keystone RV Company employee. She says it was sad to hear the news about the layoffs, but there are no guarantees in life. She says she's staying positive and hopes to see things turn around.
Keystone RV Company President Ron Fenech says he's not hiding from the problem and he wants his employees to know they are valued, but it got to the point where the company had no choice.
"Although it's difficult, I think everyone understands this is way bigger than Keystone, way bigger than the RV Industry, this is a national economic problem," says Fenech.
As difficult as it is, Fenech says there is no way to tell if more cuts are on the way and something needs to be done not just at a local level, but at the state and national level as well.
"We have a real responsibility as business owners to make this thing right and quick, because I'm afraid a lot of people are going to face some hard times," says Fenech.
Keystone says it knew layoffs were needed back in November, but they wanted to allow their employees to work through the holidays. Those employees have until April before they will be let go.
As for Jayco, layoffs will be taking place the next two weeks.
Online Reporter: Colleen Bormann
