With the year-end holidays upon us, I have been reflecting on all that 2023 has given us. We celebrated 10 years in North America with a party for our team and industry partners. We brought new product development processes stateside for the first time. We earned new business in an unpredictable economic climate. In this last month of the year, we have also put the final touches on two large projects that will help us grow into our next decade: a brand-new website and a new ERP system.
I think I speak for everyone here at Truma when I say it has been a very busy year.
Last September, when we celebrated 10 years in North America, was definitely a highlight for me. To think of where we started – our humble beginnings in the Blue House on Jackson to where we are today – the North American premium brand; I cannot wait to see what we can achieve together over the next 10 years.
There is no doubt that we and our industry have seen many challenges in 2023.
I am cautiously optimistic that we will see the RV market slowly increase from 2023 levels. While the RV industry is very resilient, the last several years since COVID began have been challenging, to say the least. Winning in such a market means pushing ourselves and each other to continuously improve and adapt. I am grateful that we all have shown we are ready to do just that.
It’s time to focus on “what’s next?” What can we do both individually and collectively as an industry to stabilize and grow? History shows us that by focusing on the basics, listening to the end user, and working together, we will see positive outcomes.
Our RV customers are smart and resourceful, and their expectations are higher than ever. They want and deserve not only quality products but the service and support that comes with them. We see our OEM partners meeting these higher consumer expectations, confident that Truma is prepared to supply the highest-quality air conditioning, hot water, and heating systems end users demand, no matter what the forecast says.
The outdoor lifestyle continues to find new audiences. By working together and putting customers first, this industry will unlock new opportunities for growth in 2024.
More to come in the new year. Until then, I wish everyone a joyful holiday season.
