The new owner of Ultimate Campers may rehire half of employees laid off after the business went into voluntary administration in October.
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Eagle Outdoors Group purchased the business, and a spokesman said they hoped to recommence production “immediately”.
“They have begun going back to staff, and are looking at rehiring about 20 people to kick-start production and get the business back up and running,” he said.
“They hope, as business catches up, that will ratchet up – but that’s not definite.”
The spokesman said Eagle saw the purchase as a good opportunity.
“The issue with the business wasn’t demand related – it’s a reliable product with good design and good heritage,” he said.
“There were legacy debt issues from six or seven years ago, when the business tried to develop a new product. It couldn’t be made profitably – there was hope that, over time, manufacturing technology would catch up, but that didn’t happen.”
He said the new owners hoped to re-engage with the NSW Government regarding the $750,000 Regional Jobs grant that was awarded to the business earlier this year. Only $20,000 was drawn down by the previous management.
“Streamlining the manufacturing process will help to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business, and this grant is important for that,” he said.
In a statement, Eagle founders David and Bronwyn Rodgers said they were committed to the success of the business.
“We are 100 per cent committed to the people and local community who have made this amazing camper such a success over the past two-plus decades and are pleased to announce production will recommence immediately,” they said.
“We are delighted to be re-employing many of the local team who know this product inside out and will take us forward in the years ahead. These are high-quality campers that will continue to be made in Australia, by Australians, for Australian off-road adventures.”
Eagle Outdoors is a large outdoor and camping manufacturing family business that has been in operation since 1978. The company’s headquarters is in Melbourne.
Other Eagle Outdoor Group brands include, amongst others, Blue Water Campers, Emu Campers and Didgeridoonas Australia.
