Nine laid off from boat building firm

5:20pm Sunday 14th September 2008

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Job cuts at a Neyland luxury boat-building firm have been attributed to the “current economic climate” by the company’s director.

“We very much regret having to lay off six production and three admin staff from our 65-strong workforce but like many industries, the luxury boat market has been hesitant in the current economic climate,” said Mike Reynolds, director of family-run business, Dale Motor Yachts.

“We very much regret having to lay off six production and three admin staff from our 65-strong workforce but like many industries, the luxury boat market has been hesitant in the current economic climate,”

Mike Reynolds, director of Dale Motor Yachts

“However, at next month’s Southampton Boat Show, we will be adding a fourth model to our range, and the servicing, sailing school and chandlery sides of the business are strong.”

One the laid-off employees, who preferred not to be named, told the Western Telegraph: “We could see the job cuts coming.

“They were all skilled workers who had been there for a long time. You can’t beat experience.”

The company recently increased its production efficiency with help from the Welsh manufacturing advisory service, and Mr Reynolds added: “We are confident that the recent lay offs are only a short-term measure and the longer term future for Dale looks bright.”

The fortunes of boatbuilders elsewhere have been mixed.

According to the New York Times, American boat sales fell by 8% over the past year, while Poole-based manufacturer, Sunseeker International, says its turnover increased from £240m to £270m this year.