MT. PLEASANT, Pa. – Recently, Columbia Northwest announced that it would begin producing its newest line of high-quality pop-up tent campers, Somerset Camping Trailers. With three tradeshows behind them, Columbia Northwest is finding this product launch to be a huge success.
The line, which features a total of six models ranging from ten to fourteen feet, has been very well received since its debut earlier this year. But in a unique effort to continue to produce the highest quality trailers possible Columbia Northwest is setting a controlled production output, offering Somerset to a limited number of markets at the onset.
“Unlike most product launches in the industry, we have decided to grow in a planned and structured manner in order to meet dealer demands in the most optimal way possible,” said Ned Collins, CEO of Columbia Northwest, of the company’s unwavering commitment to quality and attention to detail. “We are willing to sacrifice short term sales growth for long term market penetration, stability, and strong dealer relationships.”
The Somerset name is a nod to Somerset, Pa. where the Coleman line of trailers was manufactured by FTCA, Inc. for more than four decades. After the Coleman plant closed in early 2011, Columbia Northwest, located just one county away, took action to keep the products and their heritage alive. Many former supervisors, managers and even equipment found a new home with Columbia Northwest.
“For 40 years, these products were the market leader representing 30 to 50 percent of any given category,” says Allan Reeping, sales director for Columbia Northwest. “We are working to ensure that this standard is upheld as we determine our distribution method.”
Columbia Northwest is currently working with the dealer network most recently associated with FTCA as well as setting up existing Aliner dealers to carry the Somerset line where appropriate. The company has assigned over half of next year’s planned production, and expects to have the remainder to be assigned early in 2012.
About Columbia Northwest
For more than 25 years Columbia Northwest has manufactured the Aliner from its plant in Mt. Pleasant PA. As the original A-frame pop up camper, the Aliner sets up in 30 seconds, is lightweight enough to be towed by almost any vehicle and can be easily stored and maintained. For more information, visit www.aliner.com.
Does Columbia Northwest make the Somerset Utah series of popups?