Camper maker is expanding operations in northern Indiana
BRISTOL, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — An Elkhart County-based camper manufacturer that launched last year says it will invest $2 million to grow its headquarters and add 50 new jobs by the end of 2023. Skinny Guy Campers LLC produces overland, self-contained truck bed campers, which serves off-roaders, minimalists, and mountain bikers.
The company was founded by Jason Bontrager, the grandson of Lloyd Bontrager who founded Jayco Inc., a leading recreational vehicle manufacturer located in Elkhart County.
“The SGC is less a camper and more of a tool that we designed to allow overland truck enthusiasts like us the ability to explore longer and camp farther off the beaten path,” said Jason Bontrager, founder and chief executive officer of Skinny Guy Campers.
The camper weighs approximately 800 pounds, 50-80% less than other truck bed-based camping products. It includes a kitchenette, dinette seating, interior shower and faucet, flushing toilet and full-size bed.
“It’s easy to put on a truck, only impacts fuel economy by 0.5 miles per gallon, easy to set up at camp and is easy to take off, all while maintaining a minimal footprint when in storage,” said Bontrager. “We believe we’re onto something great and are happy to call Indiana our home.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered Skinny Guy Campers up to $400,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans and up to $130,000 in conditional tax credits from the Hoosier Business Investment tax credit program based on the company’s planned capital investment in Indiana.
The company says it currently employs a small team in Bristol and will begin hiring for engineering, operations and office functions this summer.