Bayliner Boats - Mercury cuts and temporary shutdown

Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Mercury Marine has cut an additional 60 jobs and plans to temporarily shutdown its Fond du Lac production facilities to balance output.

The company, one of Fond du Lac's largest employers, eliminated some 62 salaried positions in several areas throughout its United States operations, including sales, marketing, information technology, facilities and human resources departments.

A majority of the reductions came from Mercury Marine headquarters in Fond du Lac or Mercury MerCruiser in Stillwater, Okla., said company spokesperson Steve Fleming.

"Mercury is providing generous separation packages, including severance and benefits, in accordance with company policy, as employees transition from the company," he said. "Additionally, Mercury is providing outplacement services to assist employees as they seek employment."

Mercury has made cuts to its work force several times since the beginning of the year. Sinking boat sales and a slumping economy have the company looking to cut costs, Fleming said. More layoffs could be ahead. Just how many, Fleming said he didn't know.

"There will be a continuous evaluation of our business," he said.

Brunswick Corp., Mercury Marine's parent company, announced plans to eliminate as many as 2,700 jobs from its marine division last month. Those cuts are not expected to affect Mercury Marine.

In addition to the layoffs, Mercury Marine is closing production facilities for three weeks starting Aug. 28 to balance output. Two of those weeks had been expected, a third was added, Fleming said. Salaried employees will continue to work during the shutdown, but hourly employees will not. Thanks to;Mercury cuts 60 jobs; plans temporary shutdown | fdlreporter.com | Fond du Lac Reporter