Beneteau joins the GFC

3:36 AM Sun 5 Apr 2009 GMT

'When even the successful can’t make it - Winning its category for this year’s European Boat of the Year Awards, the Beneteau Oceanis 31.' .

If ever there was to be a sign that we were on hard times following the Global Financial Crisis (GFU), the news published by French newspaper Le Figaro that B?n?teau was to lay off between 7-800 staff is it.

The high performing yacht and mobile home builder had seemed resistant to any downtown until 3,500 employees were laid off on a temporary basis in January. Now the company which kept their numbers positive through previous downturns, has, according to marine business site IBI News, issued an official statement:

'The B?n?teau Group, which has confirmed its forecasts for a downturn over 2009, as announced at the end of January, i.e. down 45 per cent on the boat business and down 40 per cent for the group as a whole, is currently engaged in a process to evaluate the outlook for the 2010 season and a series of exchanges to consult with and inform staff representative bodies and employees.'

Producers of not only the B?n?teau series but also the well regarded Juneau, the company is one of the most successful boat manufacturers in the world, with 24 production sites and marketing arms in more than 40 countries. It is believed that a total of over 6,000 people are employed world wide.

by Blackwattle Studios roundup

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Beneteau joins the GFC

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