ELKHART - There was a familiar face on the production lines at Thor RV Plant in Elkhart Monday morning.

United States Senator Joe Donnelly was there as part of "Donnelly Days" -- a time set aside to get a firsthand look at a variety of jobs in Indiana.

Senator Donnelly spent time doing a number of different jobs on the production line at the Thor motor home plant on Elkhart's southwest side.

Everything from installing awnings, to putting in lighting or wiring.

"I did my best, I was a little slower than some of the other workers," Donnelly says. "But it was great to be on the line working with them. You know, they start early, they work hard all day long and business has been good, business has been strong."

Donnelly got a firsthand look at how RV companies have rebounded from the recession, and what he could do to help that success continue.

"Everybody who works here is also buying groceries, doing dry cleaning, going to other stores, and so when this industry clicks, our whole region clicks and we are very blessed to be on the upswing significantly," he said.

Those who work at Thor say it was a big honor to have the senator visit the plant and add, that it underscores the positive direction the entire RV industry has taken since the recession.

"For him to come and visit the plant, work on the line, and relate to some our employees today, we are very much honored and we see brighter days for the RV industry ahead," President of Thor Industries, Bob Martin says.

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