1999 Quality must be our number one aim - Factory report

The last twelve months has seen the start of the implementation of the policy of change to which I referred in the A.G.M. at Witham.  Much needed to be done in the areas of direction and the caravan product, and the 1999 model range represented the first stage of a three year development programme to move the Company towards a wider customer base.

All of you know now the nuts and bolts of this first year; the increase of the overall width, the change of style and appearance to the front and rear elevations, the introduction of the Heritage range, the aggressive marketing of the Company in the press, and the newly formed internet website.  Far more important was the need to widen the Dealership network and to develop the model range, so as to appeal to a significantly different market share.  Fleetwood have appointed eight new Dealerships since April and have increased production by 14% over the previous twelve months.  Fewer Countrysides have been made, and quite deliberately the emphasis has changed to promote and build a higher quality caravan which is most amply represented by the introduction of the Heritage 600-EB and 600-ES.

Quite simply, these two caravans have taken the caravan world by storm.  Both layouts are unique to the English tourer industry and have identified and filled a gap in the market, particularly by those customers who previously had never considered that Fleetwood could be part of their decision making.  This wider appeal of the Fleetwood caravan has meant an increase in the number of caravans which we build each week.  This time last year that number averaged at around 12; now the mean average is nearer 18, and it is imperative that this does not endanger the maintenance of a satisfactory quality line.

I know only to well that there are some of you who have bought the 1999 Fleetwood and have not at all been happy with some aspects of the quality of the finish.  Clearly this is not acceptable and for the inconvenience that this has caused you, I apologise on behalf of the factory, and I hope that through the dealerships the problems which you have encountered have or will be speedily put right.  A desirable product without a strict control on quality is ultimately bad business for everyone, and Fleetwood will be doing everything possible to ensure that the high standards which the Company is selling itself are maintained.

The Millennium Year which will be launched in September will see Stage 2 of the Development Plan to which I referred earlier.  Clearly, the strength of the relationship between the Club and Fleetwood is one of the key elements in the development of us both.  The forum on the factory b=visit produced an excellent feedback, and we were pleased that a number of you liked the 1999 caravans so much that you were persuaded to buy.

Good wishes to you and every success to the Club in their 10th Anniversary Year.

Richard Allen, Fleetwood Caravans