Manufacturing at Peak efficiency. (Business Feature).

No matter which road you take during the summer, it always seems that people are driving recreational vehicles (RVs) to and from their favorite vacation destinations. At first glance, you'd probably think most of these vehicles are produced in Ontario and the United States, but if you look closer you'll find more and mote are being made right here in Saskatchewan.

Peak Manufacturing in North Battleford produces about 1,700 RVs a year in its 110,000 square foot facility and is planning to gear up for even greater production in the future. The company produces three main brands: Vanguard, Frontier and Kodiak. These brands are available in pull-type trailers, fifth wheels and motorized vehicles.

"It's our people and the network of outstanding dealers that has made Peak so successful," says Dave Reich, Vice President of Operations. He says the company has stayed constant at around 215 employees, but that with a "tremendous growth spurt right now" in the RV industry, the firm is looking for another 70 to 80 workers.

Peak Manufacturing formed in 1992 when owner Des Power took over the operations of the Kodiak RV manufacturing plant in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Under Power's leadership, the company expanded its operation while maintaining its reputation for quality and innovation.

The company entered the Saskatchewan marketplace when it purchased the assets of Hunters Manufacturing and its Vanguard and Frontier brand names in 1994. "Because of the existing building, the infrastructure, and the availability of skilled employees, Des Power felt North Battleford was an ideal location in which to operate," says Reich.

North Battleford has since become the head office for the company, which also has manufacturing plants in Quebec and British Columbia. The head office contains its own woodworking mill, cabinet and oak shop where fir, spruce and oak are used to construct walls, roofs, floors and interior cabinets and finishing.

"We also build all of our own fiberglass components in our state-of-the-art fiberglass plant," explains Reich. "Through a unique relationship with local manufacturers, our chassis, windows, holding ranks and electronic components are built and supplied exclusively for us. All units are designed by our own engineering department using 3-D drafting technology."

Today's models are part of the reason why the RV industry is on the upswing. These units pretty much offer all the amenities of home while living on the road.

These amenities are enhanced through the innovation displayed by Peak Manufacturing engineers.

The Frontier and Vanguard brands, for example, feature a unique drop-floor system that provides an additional five inches of ceiling height in the bedroom without increasing the height of the RV. The roofs of Kodiak vehicles have been designed with a one-piece, high gloss fiberglass finish that prevents hail or sharp tree branches from damaging them. Peak Manufacturing also holds U.S. and Canadian patents for the "Peak Swing" room. This unique room swings out easily using a manual system and provides additional space and comfort to the owner.

Peak Manufacturing places great emphasis on working closely with local suppliers, with four businesses likely relying on the company for the bulk of their contracts. These companies provide frames, windows, storage tanks and electronic components.

Peak Manufacturing's products are sold throughout North America via a distribution network, although the majority of sales take place in Western Canada. The company's dealers have indicated that there is increasing demand for its products.

The company will consider expansion as dictated by its ability to find people and the requirements of its dealers. It is presently modifying the facility to service its line of motorized RVs, which are Class B plus. Since the plant is quite large, it is in the enviable position to add to other shifts for full plant utilization prior to expansions being necessary.

Finding skilled employees for a growing company is a challenge for any business and Peak Manufacturing requires a diverse cross section of jobs within the plant. "We are always on the lookout for skilled carpenters, plumbers, general manufacturers, and so on, but we also provide on-the-job training," explains Reich. "We use a buddy system in which we pair up a new employee with someone who has more experience. That person shows the new employee how to handle the equipment and proper procedures."