About Our History

Lippert acquired Freedman Seating Company, a historic, family-owned manufacturer of seating solutions for the bus, rail, marine, and specialty vehicle markets. Founded in 1894, Freedman brings more than 130 years of experience and strong ties to public and commercial transit sectors across North America. The acquisition significantly expands Lippert’s presence in the transportation space.

Lippert acquired Trans/Air, a leading manufacturer of climate control systems for commercial buses, school buses, transit buses, and specialty vehicles. Founded in 1979, Trans/Air brings decades of expertise in air conditioning solutions, including cutting-edge technology for the growing EV bus market.

Lippert acquired RVibrake, a leader in flat tow braking systems, expanding its CURT portfolio with cutting-edge technology. Known for its patented Auto-Positioning system and Brake-Lock Detection, RVibrake set the standard in the flat tow market. This acquisition strengthened Lippert’s flat towing product lineup for both the RV and Automotive markets.

Lippert enters into an agreement with Euromax for Mobility to form a new joint venture, Amerimax for Mobility. Combined, the new partnership will manufacture and sell metal fabricated panels, pre-painted aluminum sheets, as well as premium laminates to the RV and Transportation OEM markets. The new joint venture allows Lippert to be the sales arm of the RV exteriors business while Euromax operates the manufacturing side of the business.

Lippert acquires the assets and business of Besser Pro, a trailer axle manufacturer based out of Paris, Texas. Primarily focused on the utility, flat bed and livestock trailer industries, Besser added a niche product to Lippert’s trailer axle offering, allowing penetration into new markets.

Lippert entered the marine axle space with the acquisition of Marine Trailer Performance (“MTP”), a manufacturer located in Houston, TX. MTP also specialized in axle lubrication systems, hydraulic brake actuators and performance disc brakes for boat trailers.

Lippert acquired Way Interglobal Network LLC, a leading supplier of RV appliances, electronics, furnishings and more. For over a decade, Way has worked with leading RV manufacturers to design and develop high-quality, innovative products for the RV industry, including first-to-market 12-volt refrigerators.

Lippert acquired T. J. Snuggles, Inc., an American manufacturer of pop-up camper tents and privacy curtains. Since 1968, T. J. Snuggles has served the RV and Hospitality industry with quality, customized canvas and fabric solutions.

Lippert acquired Girard, a leader in automatic patio awnings, door awnings, window awnings and slide awnings for RVs, homes, commercial spaces and specialty vehicles.

Lippert acquired Furrion, a technology and innovation leader in premium, energy-efficient products for RV, Marine and other specialty industries. Furrion offers a large range of appliances, electronics and more to OEMs and aftermarket customers.

Lippert’s German Subsidiary, LCI Industries GmbH, acquires Schaudt GmbH Elektrotechnik & Apparatebau, leading supplier of electronic control and energy management systems for the European Caravan Industry, located in Markdorf, Germany

Lippert acquired Ranch Hand, one of the most recognized names in the truck accessories industry. Since 1986, Ranch Hand has built a reputation for the sturdiest and most meticulously engineered steel bumpers and grille guards.

Lippert acquired substantially all of the business assets of Challenger Door, LLC, a leading manufacturer and distributor of branded doors for the RV industry and products for specialty and cargo trailers.

Lippert now represents all of the company’s core line of RV and commercial products formerly branded as Lippert Components. Taylor Made, CURT, Lewmar and all of Lippert’s other sub-brands will be endorsed by Lippert to reinforce Lippert’s role as a leading global manufacturer.

Lippert acquired substantially all of the business assets of Challenger Door, LLC, a leading manufacturer and distributor of branded doors for the RV industry and products for specialty and cargo trailers.

LCI acquired the Polyplastic Group, a Netherlands manufacturer of highly engineered shaped acrylic products. Polyplastic was the largest European acquisition to this date.

LCI acquired CURT Group for $340 million, the largest acquisition in the history of the company. CURT Group sells highly engineered products with 100% of its sales provided to the automotive and RV aftermarkets. CURT Group owns five highly coveted brands: CURT ARIES, LUVERNE, RETRAC and UWS.

LCI acquired Ciesse, an Italian manufacturer that produces interior products for the international rail industry.

LCI acquired Lewmar, a UK-based manufacturer of premium marine products for the international boating industry.

LCI acquired PWR-ARM and its related assets. PWR-ARM is known for its highly patented powered bimini for the North American pontoon boat industry.

LCI acquired SureShade, a manufacturer of a patented telescoping shade system for the marine and RV markets.

LCI acquired the Taylor Made Group and its affiliated companies, including Taylor Made Systems, Taylor Made Glass, Taylor Made Products, Ameritex, Taylor Made Glass and Systems, and Trend Marine. At $88 million, this was LCI’s largest acquisition to date.

LCI acquired ST.LA., an Italian manufacturer of bed lifts, ladders, table mechanisms, holding tanks and caravan accessories.

LCI acquired Hehr, a long-time competitor in the window market. At $49 million, Hehr was LCI’s second largest acquisition to date.

LCI broke ground on its automated chassis beam processing center, the largest ever capital project in its history.

LCI acquired Lexington, the leading manufacturer of rota-molded furniture solutions for the marine and motorhome industries, for $40 million. This acquisition propelled LCI to become the leading manufacturer of pontoon furniture.

LCI acquired Metallarte and RV Doors, an Italian manufacturer of caravan and motorhome entry doors, as well as access doors.

LCI acquired Sessa Klein, an Italian manufacturer of rolling stock windows for high-speed and commuter trains.

Drew Industries officially changes its name to LCI Industries

LCI acquired Camping Connection, an RV service provider with locations in Florida and South Carolina.

LCI acquired chassis and seating businesses of Atwood Mobile Products

LCI makes first European acquisition, purchasing Project 2000 SRL, Italian manufacturer of innovative products for the European and North American RV markets.

LCI celebrates 60th anniversary in May.

LCI acquired Flair Interiors, further expanding RV furniture and mattress manufacturing capabilities.

LCI acquired Highwater marine seating, further expanding marine furniture manufacturing capabilities.

Drew Industries eclipses one billion in sales for the first time.

LCI acquired Signature Seating, a Fort Wayne based Marine seating manufacturer.

LCI acquired SpectAL, officially forming Lippert of Canada, Inc and further expanding LCI’s window production capabilities in adjacent industries.

LCI acquired EA Technologies, giving LCI e-coat capabilities for the RV and other adjacent industries.

LCI acquired Power Gear/Kwikee, adding two industry trusted brands in the entry step, slide out and leveling categories.

LCI acquired Duncan Systems. Duncan is the industry leader in RV glass replacement and further expands LCI’s customer service capabilities.

LCI acquired Star Design, further expanding RV and adjacent market thermoforming capabilities.

LCI acquires IDS Electronics integrated electronics business. This was a critical turning point for LCI, adding the capability to design and engineer specific electronic technologies for RV towing, leveling and actuation products.

As part of LCI’s automation initiative, LCI acquired Midstates Tool and Die in order to streamline manufacturing efficiencies.

Just ten years after being named CEO of LCI and Kinro, Jason Lippert was named CEO of Drew Industries. Jason’s strong leadership continues to move the company forward to further growth and diversification.

LCI’s founder and patriarch, Larry Lippert, was inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame in August of 2013, surrounded by his two children, six grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, for his lifelong work in the industry.

LCI officially begins its aftermarket sales division, focusing on retail and aftermarket product offerings and marketing programs.

LCI acquired Agile Resources to expand its thermoforming product production in the Midwest and to further expand plastic production for specialty markets.

LCI acquires towable chassis and slide-out mechanism from Dexter Chassis Group.

LCI introduced its popular Solera line of manual and electric awnings and protective slide-out sleeves. In just four years Solera would account for 50% of all awnings produced to the RV OEM market.

LCI acquired Starquest to expand further into specialty markets by producing windows and doors for truck caps, horse trailers and buses.

LCI acquired Home-style, further expanding RV furniture capacity to the west coast.

LCI acquired M&M Fabricators & M-Tech to grow and diversify products into the RV motorhome and bus chassis modification business.

LCI acquired EZ-Ride and Sellers Corporations and began producing E-Z Cruise rubber suspension systems to dramatically reduce road shock and vibrations on motorhomes. The acquisition of Sellers marked LCI’s entry into the motorized chassis modification market.

LCI acquired the rights to manufacture Level Up, an innovative automatic hydraulic leveling system for fifth-wheels, providing both front-to-rear and side-to-side leveling to protect the chassis. In 2010, there were no RVs that were manufactured with an automatic leveling system. In 2016, it is almost the standard or optional across the board.

LCI acquired certain products of Schwintek. The revolutionary Schwintek In-Wall Slide-Out changed the landscape of the RV industry with it’s compact and efficient design.

LCI acquired Nappanee Door, marking LCI’s entry into the RV entry door market. In just four years, LCI has introduced more than forty innovations to the RV entry door. Over the next two years, LCI would amass almost half of the RV entry door market.

LCI acquires Seating Technology, marking LCI’s entry into the RV Interiors market with a variety of custom RV furniture and mattresses, allowing LCI to begin producing comfortable and durable RV furniture and mattresses to OEM’s custom specifications.

LCI acquired Extreme Engineering and began building specialty trailers for high-end watercraft, further expanding marine trailer capabilities.

LCI aquired Trailair, an industry leader in ride improvement components, was a major acquisition for LCI. The Trailair brand products include the Equa-Flex rubberized equalizer, the Air Ride Pin Box and the Center Point Air Ride Suspension system.

LCI began manufacturing Coach Step products, adding motorized entry steps to the list of capabilities.

LCI acquired HappiJac, a manufacturer of numerous patented RV products such as bed lifts, slide-outs, camper jacks and tie down systems. LCI also acquired Steelco, a manufacturing company that held numerous slide-out patents.

LCI acquired Venture Manufacturing, increasing manufactured and residential housing chassis capabilities and capacity in Howe, Indiana.

LCI acquired LTM Manufacturing, marking LCI’s entry into the RV accessory market. Today, LCI is known as the industry leader in RV accessory and component innovation.

LCI acquired Zieman Manufacturing, its largest purchase to date. Zieman Manufacturing added boat, small watercraft and equipment trailer production to LCI’s growing list of production capabilities. The acquisition also expanded LCI’s operations into the west coast of the U.S.

Doug Lippert stepped down as CEO of LCI and handed the torch to his son, Jason Lippert. Jason became LCI’s third generation of leadership.

LCI acquired Coil Clip, manufacturer of fabricated steel parts in Boaz, Alabama. Keeping pace with the growing RV industry, LCI acquired three Indiana-based RV chassis manufacturers: Quality Frames in 2001, We Shape in 2002 and ET&T in 2003. Drew Industries purchased Better Bath, adding plastic thermoformed kitchen and bath components to the growing portfolio.

LCI acquired We-Shape and expanded its RV Chassis product line.

LCI becomes an international company with the opening of a facility in Lindsey, Ontario in Canada.

LCI expands its RV operations into Berkley Springs, West Virginia.

1997 was a big year for LCI in many ways. Seeing a need for diversification, a young Jason Lippert, the son of Doug Lippert and grandson of Larry Lippert, received the green light from management to start a travel trailer chassis line in McAdoo, Pennsylvania. As fate would have it, this would become the single largest turning point in the company’s history. LCI is acquired by Drew Industries, a long-established investor in the manufactured housing and RV markets. Having acquired Kinro decades earlier, the LCI acquisition further strengthened Drew’s portfolio in the manufactured housing and RV industries.

LCI took a major step in vertically integrating the company with the acquisition of Continental Stamping, a Goshen-based steel parts fabricator. This acquisition helped LCI gain better quality control for the various steel parts for its chassis production.

LCI acquired Winn Industries, expanding into Fitzgerald, Georgia. In 1995, LCI opened its second Indiana plant in Goshen.

Hurricane Andrew devastated families in and around Homestead, Florida, requiring 18,000 FEMA housing units to be built for misplaced families. LCI was called upon to provide chassis for the 18,000 FEMA units. 10,000 of those chassis were needed immediately. LCI teams rallied around the effort, operating three shift, 24 hour days for an entire year. With the sharp increase in demand, LCI’s facility in Florida increased chassis production from 15 to 55 chassis per day. LCI’s ability fluidly increase production capacity and to produce such a high number of chassis caught the eye of Drew Industries, a New York-based holding company that would eventually acquire LCI

LCI acquired the assets of Riblet Industries, their largest competitor within the manufactured housing industry at the time. This acquisition led to expansions in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and Wisconsin. Doug Lippert formed a long-lasting relationship with Jim Miller, VP of Purchasing for Skyline. Skyline would quickly become LCI’s largest customer, allowing LCI to supply all of their manufactured home chassis, chassis parts and galvanized roofing products. By the end of 1988, LCI’s sales grew from $45 to $80 million annually.

LCI expanded into Eatonton, Georgia and acquired the business of Horton Homes. Horton Homes became LCI’s largest customer at that time, taking sales from $30 to $40 million annually.

The manufactured housing industry experienced meager productivity increases during the early 1980’s, and as a result, LCI’s business slowed. An energy crisis and tight governmental monetary policy caused the manufactured housing industry to all but tumble. Through it all, LCI managed to stay afloat.

Doug Lippert becomes CEO and President of LCI. LCI opens a second division in Harrisburg, North Carolina and relocates the Bonham, TX plant to Alvarado, TX. In 1977, after Larry’s retirement from the business, LCI acquired Farmville Manufacturing, a maker of axle hubs in Cordele, GA. Additionally, LCI of Indiana relocates to Nappanee, IN

Riblet Industries becomes a publicly-traded company, forcing LCI and Riblet to divide their assets between the two companies. With the flip of a coin, it was decided that Riblet would own and operate the facility in Burton, Kansas and LCI would own and operate the Henderson, North Carolina facility. This division would prove to be instrumental for LCI’s future growth: In many ways a sheer stroke of luck, North Carolina would soon after become a major hub for the manufactured housing industry. Clayton Homes and Oxford Homes became major players in the manufactured housing industry, boosting LCI’s sales to all-time highs. This began a kind of “golden age” in the manufactured housing industry. With the business now thriving, LCI further expanded into Kingston, Tennessee.

LCI continues to expand within Florida, opening an additional plant in Ocala. A joint venture is formed with Riblet Industries, combining forces in North Carolina and Kansas to maintain profitability for both companies within those states

LCI begins selling its non-steel related businesses and closes both Comfo Sleep and Spreads by Cynthia in an effort to refocus on the steel industry.

Larry worked to aggressively expand LCI in 1969, acquiring several manufacturing companies: D&H Tops, a manufacturer of Formica counter tops, Coachmen Draperies, Spreads by Cynthia, Comfo Sleep, maker of mattresses for housing, and C&B Manufacturing, which would eventually became LCI of Florida in Clearwater. These acquisitions would be crucial to attaining Skyline’s manufactured housing business decades later. The names of the aforementioned businesses would soon disappear, along with B&L Industries, to be replaced by Lippert

B&L opens plants in Bonham, Texas and Bear Creek, Alabama. Larry’s son, Doug Lippert, becomes Plant Manager of B&L’s Syracuse, IN facility.

B&L Industries of the Carolinas is founded

B&L Industries expands to Syracuse, Indiana

Towards the beginning on the decade, LCI struggled to pay bills and expansion projects were temporarily put on hold. In an effort to rebuild existing plants and to fund additional expansions, Larry entered into a deal with William “Bill” Redman. Bill’s son, Donald Redman, became managing partner of B&L Industries, alongside Larry, in exchange for cash to rebuild the plants and to fund additional expansion. Shortly thereafter, B&L Industries expanded into Pennsylvania, Kansas, Georgia and Michigan. B&L’s corporate office moved into a larger building in Alma, MI, the old Alma Products building. In 1964, Larry bought out Donald Redman and once again became sole shareholder of B&L Industries

Larry Lippert purchased Riverdale Steel Works (RSW) from Bill Langdin. At the time, Jack Keeler was the Plant Manager of RSW. Jack would go on to work at LCI for over 40 years. Riverdale Steel Works manufactured mobile home chassis and chassis components

On May 17, 1956, Lippert was founded as B&L Industries. Together, Larry Lippert and Don Baldwin formed B&L Industries. Don and Larry began manufacturing galvanized mobile home roofing, creating a product called Duratop. Detroiter Mobile Homes and Redman Industries were B&L’s first customers. In 1957, Don sold his shares of B&L to Larry. The strong foundation laid by Larry led LCI to develop many innovative technologies and improve industry processes.