Indiana-based Formula Boats sent a letter to employees announcing that the company would halt production of its boats due to a governor mandate, and U.K.-based Princess Yachts and Sunseeker were also reported to have temporarily stopped manufacturing.
Formula Boats sent a letter to customers saying that its Decatur, Ind., manufacturing plant would cease operations through April 6, and office staff would work remotely. It also said its technical support staff would be working remotely and that customers could continue using the build-a-boat tool on its website to request quotes.
“You can continue to inquire about our full line of Formula Boats and to shop our Formula Gear website and place orders – Formula Boats information packets and gear orders will not ship until the Formula offices reopen,” the company said.
Sunseeker, which is the largest employer in Poole, England, suspended work for the vast majority of its staff, according to the Daily Echo.
“Following the Prime Minister’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) update yesterday, Sunseeker International is temporarily suspending production until the end of April for the vast majority of employees,” the company said, according to the newspaper. “Some safety-critical and continuity roles will remain but at a very low level. Our actions will ensure that we are in a strong position to resume our substantial new model development programme, manufacturing and deliveries as soon as possible.”
Princess Yachts said it would send most of its 3,000-person staff home for “the foreseeable future” on furlough, according to report in the U.K.-based Plymouth Herald.
“Princess Yachts is a vertically complex manufacturer, as such during this period, a very limited number of employees will be performing critical safety operations in order to complete a safe and isolated shutdown,” the company said, according to the newspaper. “Strict social distancing protocols will be in place and stringently adhered to during this short period. We have been in regular communication with the Works Committee and they have agreed to the actions that we are taking.”
