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Thetford Introduces Four New Products at Dusseldorf Caravan Salon
October 8, 2007
ANN ARBOR, Mich. –
Thetford Corporation, a leading supplier of sanitation and refrigeration products to the worldwide recreational vehicle (RV), marine and heavy-duty truck industries, introduced four new products for the European market at the recent Dusseldorf Caravan Salon in Germany.
One of Europe’s largest RV shows, the annual Dusseldorf show attracted 500 exhibitors representing vehicle builders, RV suppliers and the tourism industry. Thetford products on display at the show included:
- A new line of contemporary kitchen stoves—Continental Range;
- A new and improved Cassette Toilet—the C-250;
- A unique caravan door for improved occupant safety, and
- A frameless, space-saving refrigerator door.
“We were thrilled to showcase so many exciting, new products at this year’s event,” said Jack Tierney, Thetford’s president and CEO. “These products will strengthen Thetford’s reputation as a leader in new and innovative products and technology for the RV market.”
The company’s all-new line of Continental Range stoves are made by Spinflo, a Thetford company in England that manufactures high-quality cooking and heating appliances. The Continental Range includes a Basic Line of cooking appliances for the mid-market segment and a Top Line of stoves for the luxury market.
“Spinflo’s new line of cooking appliances offers a contemporary and functional design, allowing for an optimal use of space and convenient clean-up,” Tierney noted. “The functionality of the Continental Range will appeal to a wide variety of customers.”
Thetford, known as the inventor of the world-famous Porta PottiTM, also displayed its new C-250 cassette toilet, a successor to the C-200--Thetford’s permanent, swivel-bowl toilet for caravans and motor homes. The C-250 has a modern design and several new features, including improved seating comfort, a user-friendly control panel and a portable waste-holding tank with built-in wheels and pull-out handle.
The C-250 also comes with several options, including an electric valve blade, an automatic ventilator and a unique pump-out system for waste products.
In addition, Thetford introduced a new line of entrance doors for RVs at the Dusseldorf show (August 24-September 2). The Thetford Caravan Door is designed to increase vehicle and occupant safety. Special features include a durable design, a unique three-point lock, a fixed window with double-glazing and a large, ergonomic handle.
Another Thetford product introduced at the show was a new space-saving frameless refrigerator door. The door is designed for Thetford’s Deluxe and Premium LCD lines of absorption refrigerators.
“What makes this door so unique is that it is a curved door with no visible frame,” Tierney noted. “The refrigerator has a stylish, modern look that would fit nicely in any kitchen.”
The introduction of new products and technology during slow market periods requires a long-term commitment to the industry, according to Tierney.
“We are committed to continue our leadership position by bringing innovation and value to the industry,” he said. “Thetford invests more than six percent of its annual revenues in Europe and North America in product development. We also continue to invest in lean-manufacturing processes to improve quality and partially offset the significant inflation the company and industry have seen over the past few years.”
Three Thetford Employees Recognized for Rescue Effort
October 3, 2007
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Three employees at Thetford Corporation, a leading supplier of sanitation and refrigeration products to the worldwide recreational vehicle (RV), marine and heavy-duty truck industries, were recognized for saving the life of a co-worker who suffered a cardiac arrest at the company’s manufacturing facility located on Baker Road in Ann Arbor.
Carlos Bermeo, Michael Seabrook, and Tommy Garrett saved the life of a fellow employee who has been employed at the facility for 14 years.
On Monday, September 10 at approximately 11:15 a.m., the Thetford employee experienced a cardiac arrest while at a work station. Garret, who was working in the area, recognized the situation and immediately called for help. After moving the employee to a safe location, Bermeo and Seabrook began CPR and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) until emergency personnel arrived.
There were many other employees who played a vital role in the rescue by calling 911, directing emergency personnel to the location of the victim and retrieving rescue supplies.
“I am proud of all employees who were involved in the rescue effort,” said Jack Tierney, Thetford’s president and CEO. “This is a testimony to the caring employees we have in the Thetford family. We believe strongly in continuing to provide resources and training in emergency response to all Thetford employees. Being trained is one thing, but responding and applying the training in a level headed manner during an emergency is truly amazing. I encourage all other employers, who do not have such a program, to consider implementing one.”
The company recognized the three employees and the countless others who responded and assisted in the rescue at an all employee lunch on Thursday, September 27. The rescue responders, the CPR and AED instructor and representatives from the company’s parent corporation, Dyson-Kissner-Moran Corporation (DKM), also were in attendance.
The three individuals have been nominated for a “Good Samaritan Award” through Medic First Aid, International.
Thetford Corporation Acquires RV Sani-Con
TM August 23, 2007
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Thetford Corporation, America’s leading supplier of sanitation & refrigeration products for the recreational vehicle (RV), marine and heavy-duty truck industries, has acquired RV Sani-ConTM Systems, a manufacturer of holding-tank management systems.
Based in Lexington, Ky., RV Sani-Con supplies a broad range of recreational vehicle manufacturers, including American Coach, Beaver Coaches, Blue Bird, Country Coach, Fleetwood, Holiday Rambler, Monaco, Phoenix Cruiser and Safari.
“The acquisition supports our long-term strategies for growth within the recreational- vehicle and marine industries,” said Jack Tierney, Thetford’s president and CEO. “Suppliers and original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in both industries are faced with rising costs for materials and labor. Adding new and innovative products that provide value to our customers is just one of the many steps Thetford is taking to maintain profitability and grow the market.”
Financial details of the acquisition were not released. RV Sani-Con waste evacuation systems are compatible with recreational vehicles of all sizes and types. Its products provide cleaner, easier and more sanitary ways for RVers to empty waste-system holding tanks.
“Thetford’s acquisition of RV Sani-Con will open new markets and channels of distribution for our products and provide growth opportunities for Thetford,” said Lannie Stegall, RV Sani-Con’s owner.
RV Sani-Con’s 12-volt-powered pump and motor are designed to quickly empty RV holding tanks. Once installed, the company’s macerating system can pump waste 20 feet uphill, as well as 350 feet away from an RV through a ¾-inch water hose. The closed-loop system eliminates potential spills. It also is environmentally-friendly because it reduces clean-water usage by eliminating the need to rinse sewer hoses and black-water tanks.
“The acquisition of RV Sani-Con’s further strengthens Thetford’s position as the industry’s leading supplier of sanitation products,” Tierney noted. “RV Sani-Con has a proven track record and its products fit naturally into Thetford’s own product portfolio.”
Barber to Head Thetford's Marine Sales
April 10, 2007
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Thetford Corporation has tapped Tony Barber as its new Sales Manager for the North American Marine Market, the company has announced.
Barber joins Thetford following a stellar 27-year career at SHURflo. During his tenure, he held a variety of key leadership roles, including Director of Marketing, General Manager, and Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Engineering.
"Tony is an established industry professional," said Kevin Phillips, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "We're excited about what he adds to the team and our expanded commitment to the Marine market." Barber and his wife Landy reside in Anaheim Hills, Calif.
Thetford is a world leader in marine products, including sanitation, refrigeration and other marine care products.
Thetford Receives CW, Newmar Awards
Jan. 9, 2007
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Camping World has honored Thetford Corporation as an "Outstanding Vendor-of-the-Year" for 2006.
Thetford received the prestigious award, currently prominently displayed at its Ann Arbor-based World Headquarters, at the National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky., on Nov. 28.
Thetford and Norcold also received a "Supplier of the Year" Award at Newmar's recent Supplier Appreciation Dinner for the fourth consecutive year.
"I'm very proud our organization is committed to customer value and continuous improvement," said Jack Tierney, Thetford's President and CEO elect. "From product design through manufacturing, sale and support, awards like these are a testimony to doing the right things and doing them right.
"We especially appreciate being recognized by companies aligned with values and principals similar to our own," he added.
Norcold is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thetford, a world leader in recreational products, including sanitation, refrigeration and other RV and marine care products.
SupremeGreen Toss-Ins 2-Pack Now Available
Jan. 9, 2007
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - The RV industry's strongest formaldehyde-free holding tank deodorant, Thetford's SupremeGreen, is now available in a convenient Toss-Ins 2-Pack.
Perfect for short trips such as weekend sporting events/tailgate outings, the 2-Pack's resealable foil pouch is compact and easy to store. Because no-spill Toss-Ins are the easiest deodorant to use, they are considered the ultimate in waste tank convenience.
A single, highly-concentrated SupremeGreen Toss-In treats a 40-gallon tank with powerful odor control, superior waste digestion and exceptional tank cleaning. Like all Thetford holding tank products, SupremeGreen is 100 percent biodegradable.
The SupremeGreen Toss-Ins 2-Pack is part of Thetford's on-going effort to improve and simplify the RVing experience.
Ann Arbor-based Thetford Corporation is a world leader in recreational products, including sanitation, refrigeration and other RV and marine care products.
Thetford Exterior Shower Box Now Available
Jan. 9, 2007
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Thetford now offers a mountable RV/Marine Exterior Shower Box for outdoor showering and numerous other cleaning tasks.
The Box's hand-held showerhead has a 59-inch flexible vinyl hose and a convenient, water-saving on-off valve. The showerhead stows inside the box when not used.
Also inside are stylish clear, hot- and cold-water knobs. The Exterior Shower Box door has a key lock (two keys supplied) to ensure security.
CSA and IAMPO approved, the Exterior Shower Box consists of durable, impact-resistant plastics that are UV stable and fade resistant. It fits most standard exterior box cutouts (11" wide by 6" high by 6.5" minimum depth) and easy-to-use installation instructions are included.
The Exterior Shower Box is part of Thetford Corporation's on-going effort to improve and simplify the RVing experience.
Ann Arbor-based Thetford Corporation is a world leader in recreational products, including sanitation, refrigeration and other RV and marine care products.
Thetford Introduces New Power Sprayer
Jan. 9, 2007
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Thetford's new Power Sprayer adds much more than convenience, providing fingertip control and reducing wear-and-tear during the RV cleaning process.
Citing manual pump experiences that were stressful to arthritis suffers and others, many RVers asked Thetford for help. The company responded with a product that prevents hand and wrist fatigue by eliminating the need to pump.
Motorized, the Power Sprayer produces up to a 14-foot spray for long-range cleaning. Holding the trigger produces a continuous, uninterrupted flow - making it great for high-volume applications.
The Power Sprayer has a hard-plastic housing with a three-foot flexible tube for easier access to, and cleaning of, hard-to-reach areas. Its locking trigger and adjustable twist nozzle - for fine-mist, spray and steady-stream settings - made product use easy.
Ideal for use with Thetford Premium RV and Marine care products, the Power Sprayer also on fits most household gallon-size bottles. It runs on four AA batteries and is part of Thetford's on-going effort to improve and simplify the RVing experience.
Ann Arbor-based Thetford Corporation is a world leader in recreational products, including sanitation, refrigeration and other RV and marine care products.
Thetford Foaming Products Make Work Easier
Jan. 9, 2007
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - One of a RVer's least-pleasant chores, exterior cleaning, is now easier and more efficient with Thetford's two new foaming RV Care products. Premium UltraFoam Awning Cleaner and UltraFoam Black Streak & Bug Remover provide foaming bubbles that immediately begin working to make the cleaning task easier.
Foaming also provides extended contact time with a surface - limiting dripping and running - so less of a Thetford UltraFoam product is necessary to clean RV exteriors. Premium UltraFoam Awning Cleaner removes mold, mildew, leaf stains, bird droppings, bugs and more. In also contains a UV blocker to keep awnings looking better for longer. Premium UltraFoam Black Streak and Bug Remover loosens black streaks, road grime and bugs on contact.
Available in 32-ounce spray bottles, both are safe for gel-coat, fiberglass, decals, printed aluminum and other surfaces. They are part of Thetford's on-going effort to improve and simplify the RVing experience.
The two foaming formulas were developed by Thetford's Chemical Engineering Dept. - believed to be the RV industry's only in-house, full-time chemistry staff.
Ann Arbor-based Thetford Corporation is a world leader in recreational products, including sanitation, refrigeration and other RV and marine care products.
