In an article on MHProNews, Ross Kinzler, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Housing Alliance, noting in the three years immediately following implementation of the HUD Code in 1976, one million manufactured homes (MH) were produced. The next million took four to five years to produce, and more recently, twelve years would pass for the total to go from seven to eight million homes. At the current rate of 60,000 homes a year, which some in the industry think is the beginning of a resurgence, it would take 17 years to reach nine million homes.

Kinzler, a multiple award-winning and respected state executive, says for April, 2014, 19 states reported increased shipments, four states showed no change and 25 states declined, indicating the increased shipments to several states skews the numbers in a wider range of states. Additionally, the number of HUD Code plants has fallen from 550 to 123.

He suggests setting a goal of at least doubling current production, and fueling customer demand by changing the word “need” for MH to “want” by increasing independent retailers, and spreading the word about the quality and up-to-date design of new homes through social media, a decidedly inexpensive method of promotion. For the full story, click here.##

(Image credit: Ross Kinzler)