Maritimo Downsizes to Combat Economy
In response to the present economic climate, Maritimo Offshore Pty Ltd, manufacturer of luxury long-range cruisers on Queensland's Gold Coast has been forced to downsize production, laying off around 105 people.
'Better days: Bill Barry-Cotter (extreme right) seals a deal with UK dealer James Clarke. General manager, Martin Lewis is left and marketing manager, Luke Durman, right.'
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Speaking of the downsize, Maritimo Offshore General Manager, Mr Martin Lewis said: 'This unfortunate situation is a direct result of the inaction of the US government to act to rectify the melt-down of their financial institutions which has had global repercussions. One of these repercussions is the cancellation of several orders for Maritimo vessels from around the world.'
Consequently, Maritimo has today unfortunately had to lay off a total of 105 personnel, mainly contractors to the company.
'This is very sad for all involved; we have delayed this decision as long as we could - in fact longer than most other companies.
'The majority of people we have let go are contractors however some are employees of the company and this saddens us greatly. All involved are professionals and people we hold in very high regard.'
Mr Lewis went on to say that Research and Development (R&D) for the company has not been cut, nor has the release of new models due in the coming months.
'We expect this current economic climate to pass and when it does, we hope to be able offer these positions back,' he said. 'It will take a bit of time to recover from this current situation but we are well poised to be able to bounce back.
'We have been in contact with the Department of Regional Development here in Queensland and have a list of jobs from Yatala to Cairns that we will handing out to the affected employees in the hope that they will be able to pick up immediate employment,' Mr Lewis added.
by Maritimo Offshore 
Bermagui, NSW
