I came across an interesting article in the Press Enterprise about Fleetwood Enterprises. Fleetwood manufactures motorhomes and was based in Riverside and was one of the area’s largest employers. For more than two decades, Fleetwood was listed on the Fortune 500 list of largest US companies. Fleetwood’s presence not only created jobs in its factories, but also drew numerous suppliers and competitors to the region. (continued below)
After changes to the business and a downturn in the economy, Fleetwood was forced into bankruptcy. The name has since been sold to a company out of state and it seems unlikely that any of the original jobs will return. While Riverside has experience with losing large employers, the loss during a recession will be felt for years.