First to go was the Tirus Group (Lunar, Cabby, Cristall, Delta, Kip caravans), then Avondale, now the Knaus Tabbert Group (Knaus, Tabbert, T@B, Wilk, etc.) are teetering on the edge of insolvency. Even though parts of the old Tirus Group are up and running again, it looks like the whole caravan industry is going through hard times.
Hi all
No, Avondale didnt make their own panels. They were all brought in from a Compnay in Manchester called Plastics Manchester Ltd. The past couple of years anyway.
And fyi Avondale have been trying to sell Ray James for the past 18 months at least apparently.
No, Avondale didnt make their own panels. They were all brought in from a Compnay in Manchester called Plastics Manchester Ltd. The past couple of years anyway.
And fyi Avondale have been trying to sell Ray James for the past 18 months at least apparently.
i will be watchin discovery leisure closely over the nxt month. given their share prices dropping so far, i think they will be next to go to the wall.
Rumours are rife that Indians are buying Avondale.
Don't see why not, the cowboys have had it long enough.lol
On a serious note, discovery leisure have been struggling for a while financially I think.
Don't see why not, the cowboys have had it long enough.lol
On a serious note, discovery leisure have been struggling for a while financially I think.
According to the latest Caravan Club magazine, October 2008:-
"Avondale Caravans decided not to restart production after it's summer shutdown while it sought a new owner for the company. The decision is said to have stemmed from a disappointing response to the 2009 models previewed to the trade and press at the beginning of July."
Indian takeovers seem to work well when the product and local management are sound.
With an undesirable product range and little goodwill resulting from 2 months of silence, it's difficult to visualize anything left of the business.
"Avondale Caravans decided not to restart production after it's summer shutdown while it sought a new owner for the company. The decision is said to have stemmed from a disappointing response to the 2009 models previewed to the trade and press at the beginning of July."
Indian takeovers seem to work well when the product and local management are sound.
With an undesirable product range and little goodwill resulting from 2 months of silence, it's difficult to visualize anything left of the business.
The 15-20 members of the workforce that have been retained are to be told Fri 3rd if the company has been bought.
So sorry to see the demise of Avondale,do hope a new owner can be found soon.We have owned a 650/6 Argente since 2003 and found it to be an excellent and versatile family van. Yes we did have some problems. cracked panels etc.but all were replaced to our satisfaction.It took a fair bit of pressure to get the work done but probably no more than any other manufacturer.Our main concern now is whether our insurers will continue to cover the van as panels and other spares might not be available. Avondale were very innovative in design features such as the spare wheel and gas bottles been stored over the axle.Far more logical than in the front locker. Surprised no one else has copied this.Best wishes to the work force in finding employment with hopefully a new owner.In my view our Avondale is an excellent van.
plastic panels, shower trays, wallboards and furniture boards, aluminium panels, exterior extrusions and mouldings, and exterior graphics and decals are all still available. plus remember the truma, dometic, thetford, spinflo, sargeant and dimotech stuff are all manufactured and used by every other manufacturer.
Hi,
We have an Avondale Argente 480-2. One year old, first service in June. We are very happy with it but have a couple of problems.
First the Alloy wheels are discolouring and also the Remi rooflight at the front is broken on the corners of the outside window.
The supplier is reluctant to do anything under warranty because it is 'cosmetic', they were waiting to contact Avondale after the holidays but that won't happen now. Does anyone know who manufactures the window part of this so we can sort it out without having to pay
We have an Avondale Argente 480-2. One year old, first service in June. We are very happy with it but have a couple of problems.
First the Alloy wheels are discolouring and also the Remi rooflight at the front is broken on the corners of the outside window.
The supplier is reluctant to do anything under warranty because it is 'cosmetic', they were waiting to contact Avondale after the holidays but that won't happen now. Does anyone know who manufactures the window part of this so we can sort it out without having to pay
Lesley - your recourse is through the selling dealer - the Sale Of Goods Act has a 6 year time limit so don't let them fob you off with "manufacturers warranty is worthless".
For caravans bought from Raymond James, who are owned by Avondale, contact Avondale's administrators PriceWaterhouseCoopers to find out the legal status of each company in the group, they may not all be insolvent.
For caravans bought from Raymond James, who are owned by Avondale, contact Avondale's administrators PriceWaterhouseCoopers to find out the legal status of each company in the group, they may not all be insolvent.
Sorry about Avondale but I have just returned home following a trip to a SY dealership. They sell mainly Avondale and I was really surprised to see how many new and old Avondales they had for sale. Hope they tell their customers of the problems they may encounter, but I don't hold out any hope on this score.
Ann
Ann
Here are some pics from the final day at Avondale Coachcraft.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2007006&id=1309882081
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2007006&id=1309882081
Did you watch the Caravan Channel tonight on Sky - Chris Gosling was at the NEC and said how wonderful it was for the Caravan Company to be selling off new Avondales dirt cheap that they had bought from the receivers - pity he did not see Podges comments - looks like somebody has done alright out of the mess if not the employees? Good luck to all their employees for the future - its a great shame for Avondale to be finished after so many years
hi all so sorry to hear about avondale ,hate to say it but ive been their like podge ,in 1991 in the last down turn i was working for autohomes uk one of the largest uk motorcaravan manufactres. I loved it just finished my apprentership bought my first house then wammy no more Autohomes ,i was one of the last to go but they were trying to do a management buy out right to the end so i know how podge feels stick with it ,it will get better it always does boom and bust never gone away by the way i now am currently employed by Sunseeker motor yachts in poole been there 8.5 yrs very good so again stick with it mate
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