Where KZ RV Came From

Published on: Aug 3, 2021
Where KZ RV Came From alt

KZ RV celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022. Since 1972, they have brought families a unique lifestyle and adventure.

The beginnings of KZ RV

KZ RV started out as a gas station in the town of Middlebury, Indiana. Their very first product was a range of mounted caravans.

Since 1975, the Sportsmen Truck camper has been the Ford F-150's companion.

Factory expansion and production growth

  • 1979: KZ RV decided to build their first 10,000 square foot factory and, a few years later, another. It was the production of the fifth wheel trailers.
  • In the 90s: They were already building a third factory to manufacture travel trailers.
  • 1995: Their fourth plant, with more than 47,000 square feet, was set up to produce fifth wheel trailers built out of fibreglass.
  • 1999: The fifth plant produced the first cargo fifth wheel trailer.
  • By the spring of 2005: Shortly thereafter, KZ RV had already opened a 133,000 square foot factory in order to double production by the spring of 2005 while adding more than 150 employees at the plant.

Global growth and strategic partnership

In 2013, KZ RV entered the global market by partnering with Chinese manufacturing company Shandong Shan Yete.

A year later, THOR Industries announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire KZ shares. The partnership is therefore formed in order to better meet customer expectations and to be able to partner with a company that shares the same commitment and the same objectives. It is thanks to this product quality and the excellent relationships with customers and dealers that made THOR the ideal partner for KZ RV.

Modernization and expansion

In 2015, 80,750 square feet were added to meet customer demands. The new state-of-the-art air-conditioned plant, located in the heart of KZ's production complex, not only handled the rolling, but also the welding of aluminum and the assembly of small parts for several factories.

This facility seeked up to 125 new jobs created by 2017, and the plant allowed KZ to maintain the high quality standards that customers expected.

Recent milestones

  • In 2018: Daryl Took, founder of KZ, retires.
  • A year later: The Venture Sonic X was recognized as the RV of the Year.
  • Growth: In the last few years, the firm has grown by an additional 30 acres. This is very promising for RV and KZ RV enthusiasts!