Brunswick To Close Brazil Sea Ray, Bayliner Plant

Brunswick Corporation has announced plans to shut down its boat manufacturing operations in Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil.

The operation, which manufactured a range of Bayliner and Sea Ray boats for the South American market, was deemed to be no longer viable in the face of a weakening economy in the region. Moving forward, boats for the South American market will be built at other Brunswick plants.

“The region’s continued weak economy has made it difficult to profitably serve these markets with a dedicated manufacturing facility,” said Brunswick Boat Group president, Huw Bower.  “With our existing commercial infrastructure and channel presence, we can return to our previous model of importing boats to the region to more efficiently and effectively fulfill demand to this important market.”

Brunswick says this decision has no impact on plans for its Mercury engine business or its Life Fitness business in the region.