Champion prepares to open its doors

          The company was founded in 1953 as a single facility in rural Michigan aimed at building manufactured homes, modular homes and mobile homes. Since the humble beginnings, Champion Homes has gone on to become one of the country's leaders in manufactured housing for decades. They employ over 8,700 people and have sold over three million units to date. Decatur will now be one of 42 locations throughout the country where Champion Homes will operate. 

          “We can optimize materials and the volume of houses in this location,” said Decatur Production Manager Sam Titus when asked why Decatur was chosen to be a new branch, “it’s an hour and fifteen minutes from Elkhart and that’s where all the trusses, frame siding, electrical equipment and anything that is used to build a house comes from.”

          As Production Manager, Titus, will manage all the people and operations on the production floor. Anything that has to do with building houses falls under his umbrella. He explained that at his last branch, he led a team of about 145 people.

          With the new branch preparing to start up, Champion Homes will be holding an open house to try and recruit a large sum of applicants and to show off the work that has been done to the plant. Titus explained that the interior renovations include a complete re-painting of the facility, and the addition of robots, some of which will be working and on display at the open house.

          “We are going to offer very competitive wages. One of the highest in the area. We are a stable company that is here for the long haul. We know how to do business and how to work every day,” said Titus about the pros of working for Champion Homes, “any kind of construction background is hugely beneficial. If you are a plumber or an electrician, we would love to talk to you. Roofers, siders, and farmers, any of those general skills.”

          The production manager added that the current staff that will be in charge of the new plant was handpicked by one of the company’s general managers. Titus also added that he is, “absolutely confident that they will fill the branch with employees.”

The Champion Homes' open house will be November 7th, from noon to 5:00 p.m. at 1418 S. 13th Street in Decatur. For more information about the company or the open house, email vmenke@championhomes.com.