Franklin Caravans now officially has its own factory, following a special launch in late July.
Franklin caravans are built by the same company that manufacturers Concept and Newlands vans. But with this household brand experiencing significant growth, with even more expected, the decision was made to separate the brands.
Frank McGuire, Victorian parliamentary secretary for small business and innovation, officially cut the ribbon on the Franklin factory on July 28, though the 2400sqm factory had been in operation since the start of this year.
The factory project received grants from the Victorian and federal governments, as well as Ford – with Ford shutting the doors of its plant in Broadmeadows, Vic, the grant by Ford was part of a program in which the company assists with local jobs, manufacturing and innovation.
The Franklin brand was one of the biggest names in caravanning in the 1970s. It was given new life by Queensland caravan dealer Kratzmann Caravans more than 13 years ago, with Concept Caravans tasked with building these vans for Kratzmann.
“In that time, Kratzmanns sold over 1000 units,” Franklin Caravans’ Keir Smith, who is also the co-founder of Concept Caravans, told GoRV.
But, about four years ago and with the assistance of Kratzmann Caravans, Concept’s co-founders, Keir, Bruno and Steve Caruso – also the owners of Franklin – took the historic brand national.
Now, with seven Franklin dealers around Australia, each in regional centres rather than major metropolitan areas, “we’ve been able to grow and realise this new factory”.
Rob Lucas, the CEO of the Caravan Industry Association of Victoria, praised the decision to build a factory dedicated to the Franklin brand. He said the fitout of the factory showed the professionalism of the industry as a whole.
“The Franklin brand was very iconic,” Mr Lucas said. “In the 1970s, Franklin was the biggest caravan brand in Australia.
“For the brand to be brought back in such a significant way is fantastic. And their environmental plans for the factory are what we would consider to be first class and a good example for the entire industry.”
