Sea Ray job cuts again

[KayKook]

"Sea Ray Boats will cut 350 jobs at its Merritt Island facility in Florida, according to a story in Florida Today. The Brunswick builder told the paper that a lower demand for boats is prompting the move. About 850 jobs will stay at the Merritt Island complex.

Dan Kubera, Brunswick spokesman, told the paper that Sea Ray will stop production of some models on Merritt Island after June, and transfer production to plants in Palm Coast, Florida, and Knoxville, Tennessee. Kubera said that Sea Ray will add 270 jobs at those plants.
"The Sea Ray and Merritt Island leadership teams will be working diligently to transfer as many employees as possible and practical between the various Sea Ray manufacturing facilities and other Brunswick Boat Group locations," said a company statement. The company said that the job cuts will be completed by mid-year."

 

[Dave S]

An unfortunate sign of the times. :smt009

 

[Four Suns]

This does not make sense. I talked to my Sea Ray sales rep yesterday about a 58DB and he said they are not discounting them much because they are in high demand...

 

[jg300da]

Gary, is that a semi custom boat? aren't they made to order? Maybe these cutbacks don't apply to the yacht line.

 

[trit21]

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/BUSINESS/802290344/1003

Article about the closing...it did not affect Sykes Creek or R&D, only the newer plant called Merritt Island.

 

[Woody]

This does not make sense. I talked to my Sea Ray sales rep yesterday about a 58DB and he said they are not discounting them much because they are in high demand...

Could it be they are on a mission to tap the pockets of the big boat buyers. Have to keep profits up you know.

 

[KayKook]

Big boats ARE selling. The runabouts and under 28 foot cruisers are not. Mainly there is too much unsold inventory of these to justify making more.

 

[Presentation]

Big boats ARE selling. The runabouts and under 28 foot cruisers are not. Mainly there is too much unsold inventory of these to justify making more.

Is there anywhere online I can buy an chrome Sea Ray looking 310 emblem?

Our boat is a 280 but technically its 31’1” LOA so it’s not a 28 foot boat and immune to the economic conditions affecting those little boats, right?

 

[KayKook]

You are immune since your boat is not up for sale, nor is it brand new.:smt001

 

[kevin27]

I feel for those guy getting cut. I have also been through a layoff about 2 years ago but had another job secured before I was cut loose. Six month later I was recalled back to my previous job and went back. I would not want to go job hunting at this moment. I wish them the best of luck and I hope the maket turns around soon!

 

[Dave S]

This does not make sense. I talked to my Sea Ray sales rep yesterday about a 58DB and he said they are not discounting them much because they are in high demand...

That's what this article implies as well http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/BUSINESS/802290344/1003

"He said Sea Ray will continue to produce its larger boats at the Sykes Creek Plant since that segment of the market has not been hurt as much as the segment for smaller boats."