Forest River expansion in works.

GOSHEN, IN -- After thousands of layoffs in the heart of RV manufacturing country, a bit of blue sky is brightening the employment picture. RV builder Forest River says it will be hiring new workers for two of its Indiana plants.

Forest River foresees the need of 120 employees at its Millersburg plant, and 40 more for its operation at Middlebury. To help grease the ways, the RV firm is looking for property tax breaks and state initiatives for both these locations, and one other Elkhart County plant in Goshen. County officials will take up the topic of tax breaks next month.

If Forest River has its way, it says it could end up adding as many as 445 new jobs.