RVBusiness, January/February 2021

SPONSORED CONTENT WFCO The Next Generation At Arterra Distribution the RV division of the WFCO group we are focused on providing the best support for our customers not only in our current environment but simultaneously gearing up for future opportunities We have developed a new leadership team to ensure our customers in the field are taken care of through sales training customer service and cutting edge research development Bobby Raatz managing director Jamie Buckmeier director of product development and Brent Lehman director of sales bring a wide range of experience to WFCO They have a combined 70 years in the RV industry spanning from the OEM level to aftermarket to supplier sales Together they are focused on continuing to grow in the market with a focus on marketing sales and U S based product development With sophisticated electronics and appliances becoming standard in new RVs there is a critical demand for more innovative converters power centers and inverters In this transforming market power product expertise and support are important factors for OEMs which is why at WFCO we have developed a growing in house USA Research Development team The USA R D team is headquartered in Elkhart IN the heart of the RV market which is extremely beneficial for both service and product development This close relationship with manufacturers and our knowledge of what they really need in terms of power conversion charging and delivery will help WFCO continue to be the leader in power products offering ongoing innovations to advance the industry 86 RVBusiness J A N U A R Y F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 From left Director of Sales Brent Lehman Director of Product Development Jamie Buckmeier and Bobby Raatz Managing Director In addition the USA R D team allows us to handle everything in the product development process prior to production in house rather than overseas Developing with the OEMs directly has helped create an ongoing partnership with the customers We are able to get immediate feedback from customers throughout the whole process allowing us to learn about their wants and needs to develop the product they want with the features they need We have the resources in house to develop and test new product ideas with a quicker turnaround time than ever before WFCOs OEM partnership came into play this year when we partnered with Ranger Distribution RDI Midwest Electric Products to deliver alternative GE circuit breakers The breakers were needed by the OEMs to continue production when the pandemic caused an industry wide shortage of the smaller tandem type breakers used in the Mike Miles RV electric panels In addition to the GE breakers WFCO has added a reverse polarity detection option into all power centers and distribution panels The reverse polarity detection is an audible alarm notification that meets new RVIA NEC requirements It works for both 30A 120V and 50A 120V 240V service accepts hi pot testing and does not require any additional wiring or hookup WFCO is also finalizing a new patent pending lithium technology an industry first next generation power converter Between new leadership in house engineering and innovative products WFCO is more ready than ever for the next generation of the RV industry n Doug Pettifor