Wade Thompson and Peter Orthwein founded THOR Industries in 1980 with the purchase of Airstream, an already iconic brand. Since going public in 1984, THOR has grown both organically and through strategic acquisitions in both recreational vehicles (RVs) and buses. Today, the THOR Family of Companies is the world's largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles.
Over the years THOR has received many honors for its growth and management success and has become one of the most admired and respected companies, not only in the RV industry, but in global business.
1980
Founding
THOR Industries Inc. was founded on August 29, 1980 when Wade F.B. Thompson and Peter B. Orthwein acquired Airstream, the most recognized name in the industry. Despite its venerable image, Airstream had not fared well during the economic downturn of the late 1970s. By focusing on improving quality while reducing costs, Airstream returned to profitability in its very first year under the new THOR management.
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1982
General Coach
THOR was strong enough to purchase the Canadian company General Coach, a manufacturer of travel trailers and fifth wheels.
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1984
Publicly traded company
THOR became a public company listed on the over-the-counter market. In 1986, THOR was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. That same year, Forbes Magazine ranked THOR sixth out of the "200 best small companies in America."
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1988
Small and mid-size bus industry
THOR entered the small and mid-size bus industry with the acquisition of ElDorado Bus. In 1991, National Coach was purchased and the two companies operated under the ElDorado National trademark, with plants in California and Kansas.
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1991
Dutchmen Manufacturing
THOR acquired Dutchmen Manufacturing, now one of the leading brands of travel trailers and fifth wheels.
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1992
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Four Winds International, a manufacturer of Class A and Class C motorhomes, was acquired in 1992.
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1995
Komfort Corporation
Komfort Corporation, a builder of travel trailers and fifth wheels, became part of the growing THOR family in 1995.
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1996
Thor California
Thor California was a start-up in 1996, which became one of the most successful RV start-ups.
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1998
Champion Bus
THOR solidified its leadership in the bus industry with the acquisition of Champion Bus.
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2001
Keystone RV
When THOR acquired Keystone RV in 2001, the company achieved an unprecedented dominance within the RV industry.
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2003
Damon and Breckenridge
THOR acquired Damon, a manufacturer of Class A motorhomes, raising its profile in the growing motorized RV market. In that same year, THOR acquired Breckenridge, builder of park trailers.
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2004
Crossroads RV
With the addition of Crossroads RV in 2004, THOR solidified its industry leading position in towable RVs.
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2005
Goshen Coach
THOR acquired Goshen Coach to round out its holdings in the small and mid-size bus industry.
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2010
Heartland RV Company
In September 2010, THOR made its largest acquisition to date when it purchased Heartland RV Company, further cementing its companies’ combined position as the world's largest producer of towable RVs.
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2010
SJC Industries, Inc.
In March 2010, THOR acquired SJC Industries, Inc., the second largest ambulance manufacturer in the United States.
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2012
Krystal Infinity and Federal Coach
THOR made two strategic acquisitions in the luxury bus market when it acquired Krystal Infinity, LLC in September, and the bus operation assets of Federal Coach in December. Both purchases have enabled THOR to expand its bus business into the luxury coach market.
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2013
Bison Coach
THOR acquired the net assets of specialty trailer manufacturer Bison Coach through a wholly owned subsidiary. Founded in 1984, Milford, Indiana-based Bison is known for its rugged, high-quality and affordable specialty trailers. In 2003, Bison began adding living quarter conversions to their production process resulting in the development of a complete line of equine trailers with living quarters.
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2013
Exiting the bus business
THOR exited the bus industry when it sold its bus business to Allied Specialty Vehicles. THOR's bus business included Champion Bus, Inc.; General Coach America, Inc.; Goshen Coach, Inc.; ElDorado National (California), Inc.; and ElDorado National (Kansas), Inc.; which combined represent one of the largest producers of transit and shuttle buses in North America with bus segment sales of approximately $450 million for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013.
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2013
Livin' Lite
THOR acquired the assets of innovative RV maker Livin' Lite through a wholly owned subsidiary. Livin' Lite is known for its advanced lightweight aluminum construction applied to a variety of smaller RVs, including travel trailers, toy haulers, camping trailers and truck campers.
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2013
Wakarusa RV production campus
THOR's subsidiary, Thor Wakarusa, LLC, purchased the RV production campus in Wakarusa, Indiana that was formerly operated by Navistar International Corporation. The facilities are comprised of nearly one million square feet of total production space located on more than 150 acres. In addition to the production space, the complex includes more than 35 paint booths designed specifically for painting RVs. The campus was purchased to support the ongoing growth of THOR's businesses.
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2014
KZ, Inc.
THOR acquired KZ, Inc. a leading manufacturer and marketer of towable recreational vehicles that offers unmatched quality and value to consumers in North America. KZ markets a comprehensive product line, which includes travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers.
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2015
Cruiser RV and DRV Luxury Suites
In January 2015, THOR announced that its Heartland subsidiary acquired towable RV maker Cruiser RV (CRV) and luxury fifth wheel maker DRV Luxury Suites, both based in Howe, Indiana.
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2015
Postle Aluminum Co.
THOR acquired Elkhart, Indiana-based Postle Aluminum Co. Founded in 1974, Postle produces extruded aluminum and specialized components for the RV industry and other industries, with a commitment to each customer in providing the highest-quality products and exceptional service.
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2016
Jayco, Corp.
In June 2016, THOR acquired Jayco, which includes strong subsidiaries such as Jayco, Starcraft RV, Highland Ridge and Entegra Coach, including brands like Jay Flight, the number-one selling travel trailer for the past 14 years. Jayco is based in Northern Indiana, with additional facilities in Idaho.
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2019
Erwin Hymer Group
THOR Industries, Inc. has completed its acquisition of Erwin Hymer Group (EHG), one of Europe's largest makers of recreational vehicles (RVs). The acquisition is consistent with THOR's long-term strategic growth plan, and the combination of THOR and EHG creates the world's largest RV manufacturer, with leading positions in both North America and Europe.
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2020
Tiffin Group
In December 2020, THOR acquired the Tiffin Group, a premium manufacturer of luxury recreational vehicles known for its excellent product quality, outstanding customer service and brand loyalty. As a family-owned business since 1972, Tiffin has set the standard for the luxury class A segment and complements THOR’s current North American portfolio. The Tiffin Group operates in Alabama and Mississippi and includes Tiffin Motorhomes, Vanleigh RV as well as other associated operating entities that primarily supply Tiffin Motorhomes and Vanleigh RV.
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2021
Airxcel
In September 2021, THOR acquired Wichita, Kansas-based Airxcel, a leading supplier of OEM and aftermarket RV parts and accessories. Airxcel began in 1991 as a divesture of the Coleman RV Air Conditioner division and has continued to grow through innovative product development, market expansion, and strategic acquisitions. Airxcel manufactures and sells a comprehensive line of functionally critical, branded products in recreational vehicle heating, cooling, ventilation, cooking, window covering, side wall, and roofing materials.
