Following is the article in RVBusiness:
Humboldt, Iowa-based Dodgen Industries Inc., manufacturer of Born Free Class C motorhomes, has been sold to HBF Investments, Des Moines, Iowa.
The company’s new president is Jeff Butler, former head of engineering for Forest River Inc. subsidiary Dynamax, who took over Tuesday (Jan. 27). The sale for an undisclosed amount closed Jan. 14.
”We were looking for an investor to take us to the next level and grow the business,” said Brandon Dodgen, who formerly served as Born Free general manager and is staying on as product manager. ”An investment turned into a purchase.”
Born Free, founded by now-retired John Dodgen in 1946, builds traditional Class C and Super C motorhomes as well as police command centers and ambulatory products.
In 2014, Born Free ranked 13th nationally in Class C sales with a .26% market share having sold 36 motorhomes, according to Statistical Surveys Inc., Grand Rapids, Mich.
Brandon Dodgen said the new owners hope to increase Born Free’s market share.
”We want to produce a bunch more units and grow our dealer network,” he said. “Our 2016 model year change happens in June. We are gearing up for that. There definitely will be some changes, but we don’t know exactly what they will be yet.”
