BRP cutting 650 jobs
The Canadian Press
GeneralSki-doo maker to exit outboard motor business hit hard by COVID 19
The manufacturer of Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo and Can-Ams made the announcement on Wednesday after markets closed and on the eve of its first-quarter results and annual meeting.
Chief executive Jose Boisjoli said in a news release that it will immediately stop production of the Evinrude E-TEC and E-TEC G2 outboard motors that will primarily affect its U.S. workforce.
The Valcourt, Que.,-based company announced measures in March, including temporary and targeted layoffs, lower spending, a hiring freeze and salary cuts for executives and office workers, due to the turmoil caused by the novel coronavirus.
BRP says it will continue to build on its strategy that resulted in the creation of the marine group and which led to the acquisition of the boat manufacturers Alumacraft and Manitou in the United States, as well as the acquisition of Australian company Telwater last year.
The BRP plant in Wisconsin will be reconverted to accommodate “new projects” that have not been specified by the company.
In addition, all activities surrounding the Alumacraft brand will be consolidated in one location, in St. Peter, Minn., that will result in the closure of a site in Arkansas.
www.brp.com