New
home models are introduced each year, and the facility will be building several.
Four of them will be on display for the public to tour at the open house.
Nov. 1, 2005 By JUDY SHERARD, Hays Daily News
PLAINVILLE — Schult-Plainville, which produces manufactured homes, is unveiling its 2006 models this week.
The facility at 507 N. Industrial Park Road will host a public open house 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, said Rod Cellmer, general manager.
New
home models are introduced each year, and the facility will be building several.
Four of them will be on display for the public to tour at the open house.
Manufactured homes by definition are built entirely in a factory under federal code administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The code includes transport to the site and installation. Regulations in the code include design, construction, durability, transportability, fire resistance, energy efficiency and quality.
The Schult brand, the oldest in manufactured housing, began in the 1930s with an eye toward practicality. However, some models became more luxurious by the 1940s, including a 50-foot portable home built for the king of Egypt, according to the company's Web site.
Current home design features may include cathedral ceilings, walk-in closets
and luxury baths.
Cellmer said the line manufactured in the Plainville factory for the 2006 model year has a 1,500 square-foot model and a 2,500 square-foot model.
In addition to the open house, the facility is hosting show week. Over 30 dealers from eight states who distribute the homes manufactured at the Plainville facility are in the area for events that include an awards ceremony.
The manufacturing plant has a long history in the community.
“Schult-Plainville has been in operation since 1968. It's currently owned by the largest manufactured housing company in the world, Clayton Manufacturing, owned by Warren Buffett Berkshire Hathaway,” Cellmer said.
The plant has 160 full-time workers, and is advertising for production workers. As a result of orders for homes already placed, Cellmer said the plant needs to increase the work force by about 30 production workers.
“We're trying to increase production. We have a production backlog that will last until the first of January.”
Reporter Judy Sherard can be reached at (785) 628-1081, ext. 138, or by e-mail at jsherard@dailynews.net.