The McDowell News has the story:
After more than two years of operation, the Cobia Boats plant in Marion is shutting down operations until the economy improves. The temporary shutdown will mean layoffs for 68 employees at the plant.
Cobia Boats announced to its employees Monday that it will suspend production at the local facility effective Friday, Aug. 29.
“This move comes as a result of difficult market conditions, which have hit the marine industry exceptionally hard,” read a news release from Maverick Boat Company, the owner of Cobia Boats. “Sixty-eight people will be furloughed and production will be temporarily shifted to the Fort Pierce, Fla. manufacturing plant.”
Company officials say the shutdown is temporary. Mark Miller, the plant’s manager, will stay in North Carolina and represent both Maverick and Cobia until the facility can reopen.
“This decision is by no means a negative reflection on our workforce or our decision to site our factory in Marion,” said company President Scott Deal. “Our country is in a recession and our industry is in a massive downturn. We expect market conditions to improve and plan to resume production in Marion the very minute conditions allow.”
Based in Fort Pierce, Fla., Maverick Boat Company builds Maverick, Hewes, and Pathfinder boats in addition to the Cobia brand.