The Mail-Journal, Volume 19, Number 5, Milford, Kosciusko County, 17 February 1982 — Page 56

Today And Tomorrow — Wed., Feb. 17,1982

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Commodore Corporation —a leader in the manufactured housing industry

The Commodore Corporation and its subsidiaries produce manufactured homes and recreational vehicles from 25 plants in the United States and Canada which are shipped to 49 states and all 10 Canadian provinces. A publicly owned company, Commodore's corporate offices are located at 400 West Brooklyn Street in Syracuse. The manufactured housing industry has advanced considerably in the past several years in product quality, styling, diversity and market acceptance. Although Commodore concentrates on producing homes for budget-conscious families, it also offers multi-section, decorator-styled sectional homes. As the cost of conventional housing continues to escalate beyond the reach of more families, the potential market for good quality, cost-effective manufactured homes is expanding and Commodore has assumed a leadership role in the industry. In the past three years, the Commodore Corporation has moved from the 24th position of manufactured home producers to third in the United States and is the largest producer of manufactured homes in Canada. While dedication to product quality and service has played a major role .in Commodore’s climb, one of the contributing factors to the growth of the company is its commitment to the dealer in establishing a closer manufacturerconsumer relationship. Commodore maintained its leadership in marketing and merchandising at major trade shows throughout the United States during the

SYRACUSE, INDIANA ... Home Os OTHE COMMODORE Corporation ONE OF THE LARGEST MOBILE HOME PRODUCERS IN THE WORLD”

past year which allowed dealers the opportunity to display the Commodpre homes for the general public. In addition to a wide variety of floor plans. Commodore offers the consumer a large selection of carpeting, draperies and wall coverings. Attractive decors are enhanced by vaulted ceilings with heavy beams, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplaces, the utilization of mirrors and oversized windows. Other features offered include pressure laminated countertops, innovative kitchen designs with hanging decorator shelves as well as oversized closets, pantries, utility rooms and full bonus rooms which may be used for sewing, hobbies or a nursery. Commodore strives to fulfill the consumers desire for residentiality of roofs and hardboard exteriors, garden tubs,greenhouses and decking. The emphasis Commodore places on the development of energy-efficient housing is exhibited in a recently completed project with Monsanto of the "Protection Plus” system. This energy savings system is the first to give specific dollar savings to the consumer in all parts of the country. “Involvement” and “commitment” are key words in the organization and each of the 2,800 employees is aware of the importance of his or her job in relation to the success of the product reaching the home buyer, according to company officials. In conjunction with “Better Homes and Gardens” magazine (a Meredith

publication) and Armstrong World Industries, the Commodore Corporation has designed and constructed a three bedroom, 1,152-square foot home complete with attached garage and passive solar greenhouse in a residential subdivision in Syracuse. The home is .featured in the March 1962 issue of “Better Homes and Gardens.” Company officials believe the significance of this project further proves the efficacy of manufactured housing as it applies to the American housing needs, because this will be the first time the magazine has included manufactured housing in the general format. Commodore, together with Raxis International, has developed a computer package for their manufactured housing retailers. The computer package consists of an Apple II microcomputer with software tailored specifically for the manufactured housing dealer which has sales, marketing, accounting, management forecasting and several other functions designed to help the dealer become more successful in his business. Projected plans are for all the microcomputers to be connected with a centralized computer at Commodore headquarters within the next few years.

Let's work for a better tomorrow

Officers of the Commodore Corporation are Ray J. Gans, president and chief executive officer; Harry S. Cox, vice-president and chief financial officer; Thomas L. Underwood, vicepresident and controller; and Aubrey L. Raymond, vice-president-legal and secretary. THIS GRINDING FEED FOR ANALYSIS — Jim Boren, lab manager at Maple Leaf, Inc.'s laboratory, grinds feed samples for analysis in research of the feeding, breeding and quality of ducks and chickens for the company's line of fresh and frozen products.