New RV Parts Plant Opens In Pendleton

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By Kyle Trompeter

Summary

“We make RV windows and doors,” said Kinro Vice President Marvin Givens.

Story Published: Nov 5, 2009 at 5:44 PM PST

PENDLETON - “We make RV windows and doors,” said Kinro Vice President Marvin Givens.

They are the new neighbors next to Keystone RV. They are literally a hop, skip, and a jump away.

There are several reasons why this company chose the cozy place next to Keystone.

“Pendleton has the perfect mixture of good transportation from the freeway, a good labor force, and it puts us in a good position to be able to attract new businesses and its working,” said Pendleton Economic Guru Tracy Bosen.

That's all and good for the city, but Kinro's reasons was the most important one - bringing home the bread.

“Good small town with good folks. It's around some of our larger accounts. We moved from California and about 70 percent of our business is up here an in Idaho,” said Givens.

So far - the plant has been very active in hiring locals. The staff right now is settling in at 90. However, nearly 70 of those are new hires from the Pendleton area, and not holdovers from Kinro's stay in the Golden State.

“Everyone seems positive, and we've put about 90 people on staff. The training program is difficult when you have this many people. I think they're all pretty happy. We pay a good wage and offer a lot of overtime,” said Givens.

That pay is about 13 bucks an hour, and the new workers certainly don't mind the overtime.