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Old 01-14-2006, 01:56 PM   #41
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Don't know if those outside in the background are finished and staged for delivery or not.

If so, some folks may still get thier orders if they were scheduled for pick up or delivery around this time.
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Old 01-14-2006, 03:43 PM   #42
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That's the business office remains in the after-shot I believe, the sales office is to the left and I suspect intact.
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Old 01-14-2006, 03:57 PM   #43
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Latest from the Brainiac Dispatch:

Scamp facility burns in Backus

Scamp owners are so dedicated to the distinctive compact travel trailers that they've developed Scamp clubs throughout the country.

On Friday, fire destroyed the family-owned manufacturing facility in Backus that produces the well-loved campers as nine area fire departments battled the blaze for more than seven hours.

Eveland's Inc., which manufactures the Scamp campers, has been owned by several members of the Eveland family in Backus since 1971. The manufacturing plant is a total loss, state fire marshal Mark Germain said as he was on the scene of the fire Saturday. Germain said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Backus Fire Chief Karl Flier said the fire broke out just after 6 p.m. Friday at the manufacturing facility on Highway 371 in Backus. An explosion was reported soon after the fire started but no one was injured in the fire. Flier said a secretary was the lone employee working at the plant at that time. He said the company has about 45 employees.

According to the state Department of Employment and Economic Development, Eveland's Inc. is the second largest employer in Backus with slightly fewer employees than employed at Backus Elementary School.

Flier said eight other fire departments were called to the scene to assist the Backus Fire Department, including those from Walker, Hackensack, Pine River, Longville, Crosslake, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes and Ideal Township.

Even several retired Backus firefighters lent their help at battling the blaze, said Flier. The Backus American Legion provided food during the seven-and-a-half hours that firefighters were at the scene, which Flier said was greatly appreciated.

The Eveland family could not be reached for comment Saturday morning.

The Scamp travel trailers are small and lightweight and can be towed behind small cars and trucks, according to the company's Web site, www.scamptrailers.com
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Old 01-14-2006, 05:10 PM   #44
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Wow, this is horrible. I'm just now seeing it as have been out of town and it hasn't been on the national news. What a shame. Scamps are what got me into 'glass in the first place.
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Old 01-14-2006, 06:19 PM   #45
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I just saw it on the 6 PM news, channel 4 WCCO, and the owner told the TV station that they would rebuild. No cause has been found yet for the fire but of course it is under investigation. The workers are to meet at the town firehouse this week with the owners for further instructions or whatever. . It may be on the 10 PM news again. I hope so, as I missed part of it. The place looks like a total loss. The area for building the new Scamps is gone, as well as the repair area and the offices in that area. The other building where the sales people that handle the new trailer sales is intact, as well as there are trailers on the premisis that are finished and sitting outside.
I was up there last summer and I think they had some old molds in the fields. Lots of parts, etc outside, so for those of you wondering, I think they maybe can salvage enough to rebuild ok.
I am kicking myself now for not getting those extra cuppords I wanted. I had planned to do that this year, but now will see. I want to see them up and running first.
Hopefully this unlucky "Friday the 13th "will be a turn around for good for the Scamp people as they now prepare for the future. It had to be cold working up there in the winter, as those buildings did not look well insulated.
The good news-----------------they DO plan to rebuild!
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Old 01-14-2006, 06:46 PM   #46
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I believe the cabinet shop is a half mile from the factory. You may still be able to get them.
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Old 01-14-2006, 08:33 PM   #47
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I just saw it on the 6 PM news, channel 4 WCCO, and the owner told the TV station that they would rebuild. ........................ The good news-----------------they DO plan to rebuild!
Gee whiz, you don't log on for a day and all kinds of stuff happens!

Karalyn's news is good to hear. I certainly hope the employees are able to hang on until the new plant is built.

I'm willing to bet a smallish amount that we'll also see some new features. It's a real opportunity to improve an already very good trailer.
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Old 01-14-2006, 10:34 PM   #48
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Video of the Scamp Factory Fire here!
http://wcco.com/local/local_story_013222910.html
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Old 01-14-2006, 10:47 PM   #49
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Thanks Elsie. Tho the subject matter is not pleasant, it is neat to see local news from somewhere that is not local.

Them going IN a trailer was special, a little video glimpse of what it's all about.
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Old 01-14-2006, 11:08 PM   #50
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There are two video reports at that website. Listen to both!

And I saw Wayne, our nice salesman.
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Old 01-14-2006, 11:39 PM   #51
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My wife and I just want to say that our sympathy goes out to all the employees and management of Scamp. We love our little 13 ft. 2002 model, but did not pick it up at the factory. But I have talked on the phone with several folks there and have the greatest respect for them. God bless. G and P
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Old 01-15-2006, 12:42 AM   #52
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This from TV Station WCCO... 1.14.06

(WCCO) Backus, Minn. Backus, Minn. is trying to pick up the pieces after its major employer went up in flames.

The Scamp Trailer Manufacturing Plant burned down Friday night.

Scamp has been in the Northwest Minnesota town for more than 30 years. One hundred and thirty families are left wondering what will happen next.

Kent Eveland's father started Scamp Trailer back in 1971.

His book keeper was working late about 6 p.m. Friday and noticed the plant was on fire.

Eveland said, "By the time I got here the center part of the building was pretty well engulfed in flames. When I saw it, I knew it was really bad."

Backus Fire Department's Assistant Fire Chief Tom Lukanen said, "... it was fully engulfed when I got here. I was the second rig in here and it was totally engulfed in flames and gone already. So it was basically just stand back and watch (for us)."

Firefighters from seven communities were called in to put out the fire. They even had to get water from a nearby lake. The company has insurance, but its 130 workers could be without a paycheck.

Plant employee Wayne Pitlick said, "We don't know what's going to happen. We're going to have to tighten our belts."

Mayor of Backus, Cloie Smith said, "It's very hard on families in a small community ... especially at this time of year."

The company makes the Scamp, an RV-type trailer. Sales employees said they have a waiting list of orders.

"We've got people that are scheduled next Monday, next week, next month that have been waiting for trailers since last year," Pitlick said.

The company's owner said his customers are from all over the country and have been waiting for a Scamp for at least a year. Some are making a trip to Backus just pick up their trailers. Eveland says at least no one got hurt.

"I've had worse things in life happen than this," Eveland said. "This is really bad, but we have a good bank and a good insurance agent and we'll just come up with some ideas and try to work things out."
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Old 01-15-2006, 08:58 AM   #53
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Man this is bad news. I'm glad to hear no one was injured. I just purchased an 1986 13Ft. that I am restoring. I sure hope they start back up soon. I have been in contact with Wayne (salesman)and Justin (parts manager) during my restoration and they are some very nice folks. I think I can locate most of the items I need during there down time except for an entry door. Mine has lost some of it's curve at ther bottom. Has anyone in the "Scamp family" ever had this problem? I'm sure it can be repaired somehow, I'm just not sure what is the best way.

Thanks,
Gary Little
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Old 01-15-2006, 09:07 AM   #54
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Quote:
If anyone cares to send a note by snail-mail:

[b]Scamp Trailers
P.O. Box 2
Backus, Minnesota 56435
I think that's a good idea, Donna. I envision a future "follow-up" news clip where they show the mountain of support mail they get from groups like us who have seen their "local" news.
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Old 01-15-2006, 09:09 AM   #55
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Has anyone in the "Scamp family" ever had this problem? I'm sure it can be repaired somehow, I'm just not sure what is the best way.
Thanks,
Gary Little
Very common problem Gary...for some hints on fixing the door (and yes, it is fixable) click on this topic: Warped Scamp Door

If you have any other questions/problems, it may be best to open a new topic in the "Problem Solving .... " forum. It's liable to get more than in General Chat
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Old 01-15-2006, 09:22 AM   #56
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My sister lives in Backus and IM'ed me yesterday morn. She said they got out the computers.
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Old 01-15-2006, 12:16 PM   #57
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Very common problem Gary...for some hints on fixing the door (and yes, it is fixable) click on this topic: Warped Scamp Door

If you have any other questions/problems, it may be best to open a new topic in the "Problem Solving .... " forum. It's liable to get more than in General Chat

Thanks Donna. That was some great information. I am a handy man but a new Scamp owner. I will give this a try. Thanks also on the "Problem solving forum" suggestion.

Gary Little
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Old 01-15-2006, 02:33 PM   #58
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Video of the Scamp Factory Fire here!
http://wcco.com/local/local_story_013222910.html
As of this time (2:30 CST Sunday) there are three videos. One of the fire itself and two surveying the aftermath. In one of those they report that the owners are hoping to be able to continue paying the employees for "at least 6 months".

Anybody on the list who'd be able to confirm that? I personally find that amazingly decent. Really impressive in the post Enron world to see a company doing the right thing by their employees.

Mike
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Old 01-15-2006, 02:48 PM   #59
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Former employers (Or current ones about to be former) accomidating employees who become unemployed thru no fault of thier own is not such an unusual practice. Its good business and good citizenship.

My company has moved several production facilities cross country and has actually sent HR folks out into the community to find jobs for those laid off, paid for displaced workers to attend job fairs and otherwise assisted in the transition. They have no legal obligation to do so, they just do it, because it's the right thing to do.

It is good for the community, and also has some selfish motivations. It avoids some of the financial hits the former employer gets from the government, be it the state or NAFTA etc.

Also, in the case of Scamp, since they want to rebuild, putting folks on a 6 months retainer of sorts helps them rebuild without a *big* fear that they will lose thier experienced workers to other employers.

It's a good deal all around.
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Old 01-15-2006, 02:59 PM   #60
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Mike, not only is it the "right" thing to do, it's good business for the Eveland family. First, they're the second largest employer in the town. They want to rebuild, and they want to keep their experienced employees. What better way to keep the good will of the city, it's residents, and their employees? Employees are the single most expensive resource any business has. The cost of carrying them for a few months probably pales in comparison to the expenses of finding, hiring, and training a nearly entirely new labor force from somewhere else. When I lose an employee, the hard and soft costs of replacing them (before I get a single day's work from them) is roughly $17,000. Now, perhaps their costs won't be that high per employee, but it'll be a lot of money just the same. And, they have the labor available during the cleanup and rebuilding efforts.

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