Monaco Coach Corporation, one of the nation's leading manufacturers of recreational vehicles, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to form a joint venture with International Truck and Engine Corporation to manufacture rear engine diesel chassis.Under the joint venture agreement, Monaco Coach Corporation and International will own 49 percent and 51 percent, respectively, of the newly formed company called Custom Chassis Products, LLC. Initial plans call for the joint venture to manufacture more than 5,000 diesel chassis in the first year.
"The opportunity to team up our best-in-class chassis with the resources of International Truck and Engine will allow Monaco Coach to fine tune what we are already building and grow our business with additional one-of-a-kind chassis designs," said Kay Toolson, Chairman and CEO of Monaco Coach Corporation.
Tom Cellitti, Vice President and General Manager of Medium Vehicle Center for International Truck and Engine, stated, "This exciting development further strengthens International's commitment and capabilities within the RV market. The acquisition of Workhorse in late 2005, coupled with this announcement, positions the company as a true full line supplier of chassis to the RV market."
The transaction, which will be subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close in February, and will be immediately accretive to Monaco Coach Corporation. The joint venture will begin production in February, and Monaco Coach Corporation will lease its 210,000 square foot Roadmaster chassis plant, located in Elkhart, Ind. to the joint venture.