Marine
Brunswick to Close Cumberland, Md., Boat Plant
LAKE FOREST, Ill., Nov. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brunswick Corporation
(NYSE: BC) today announced that it will transfer production of Trophy offshore
fishing boats made at its plant in Cumberland, Md., to another Brunswick
facility in Ashland City, Tenn. The shift will precipitate ceasing production
at the Cumberland manufacturing facility by the end of 2008, eliminating
approximately 115 production and support positions.
"As we deal with the global economic downturn and its impact on
recreational marine markets, we are continuing to shrink our North American
manufacturing footprint," Dustan E. McCoy, Brunswick chairman and chief
executive officer, said. "This decision is no reflection upon the Cumberland
work force or product, but the result of our need to develop a more efficient
manufacturing footprint.
"As previously announced, Brunswick has been following through on a number
of measures to reduce expenses and resize the company to compete in the global
marine market," McCoy added. "Over the past two years, we have closed 12
other North American boat plants, in addition to Cumberland, and have
continually reduced production rates throughout our marine businesses.
Cumberland will also observe three weeks of furlough, during which time all
boat production temporarily is halted, while the phase down is completed."
Brunswick stated it will offer outplacement assistance for affected
employees, including severance and other support aimed at helping them
transition to another job.
About Brunswick
Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation endeavors to
instill "Genuine Ingenuity"(TM) in all its leading consumer brands, including
Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and
inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Teignbridge propellers;
Albemarle, Arvor, Bayliner, Bermuda, Boston Whaler, Cabo Yachts, Crestliner,
Cypress Cay, Harris, Hatteras, Kayot, Lowe, Lund, Maxum, Meridian, Ornvik,
Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Sealine, Triton, Trophy, Uttern
and Valiant boats; Attwood marine parts and accessories; Land 'N' Sea, Kellogg
Marine, Diversified Marine and Benrock parts and accessories distributors; IDS
dealer management systems; Life Fitness, Hammer Strength and ParaBody fitness
equipment; Brunswick bowling centers, equipment and consumer products;
Brunswick billiards tables; and Dynamo, Tornado and Valley pool tables, Air
Hockey and foosball tables. For more information, visit
http://www.brunswick.com.
SOURCE: Brunswick Corporation
CONTACT: Daniel Kubera, Director - Media Relations and Corporate
Communications of Brunswick Corporation, +1-847-735-4617,
daniel.kubera@brunswick.com
Web site: http://www.brunswick.com
