Lippert Components, Inc., now LCI Industries, began in 1956 as a small metal shop in Alma, Michigan, founded by Larry Lippert to produce galvanized roofs for mobile homes. The company quickly expanded through strategic acquisitions which enabled it to become a key supplier of chassis and other components for the manufactured housing industry. By the late 1960s, Lippert was fabricating half a million mobile home units annually, but economic downturns forced a shift toward diversification—a strategy that would later define its resilience.
Leadership passed to Larry’s son Doug in 1977, who maintained the company’s focus on quality and supplier relationships during challenging times. The decisive reinvention came under Doug’s son Jason, who, after joining full-time in 1994, steered Lippert into the recreational vehicle (RV) sector, leveraging its manufacturing expertise to become the central supplier for major RV makers. An accelerated series of acquisitions turned Lippert into a nearly comprehensive RV component provider, a status sustained by vertical integration and investment in automation.
The 1997 acquisition by Drew Industries accelerated Lippert’s national and international growth, and under Jason Lippert’s direction, the company successfully replicated its model in marine, rail, and automotive aftermarket segments. Today, LCI Industries is a $5 billion NYSE-listed enterprise with over 120 facilities worldwide, recognized for engineering excellence and operational agility.
Lippert’s culture remains rooted in family values, employee development, and community service—qualities that have sustained both its growth and reputation. Its story illustrates how strategic diversification, relentless innovation, and a commitment to people and community can underpin lasting success in American manufacturing.
This enhanced eBook features pop-up images, video links, and embedded audio quotes from executives, retirees, and key stakeholders who were interviewed during the research for this book.
