Bass Pro has announced a further 100 layoffs at its White River Marine Group’s American Ozarks aluminium operations facilities.
In April 2024, Bass Pro implemented layoffs within its White River Marine Group boat manufacturing division resulting in 176 employees being let go at three boat manufacturing facilities in Lebanon, Bolivar, and Arkansas because of a downturn in sales.
The largest number of layoffs – 85 – was at the Tracker Marine manufacturing plant in Lebanon.
The White River Marine Group manufactures and distributes Tracker, Ranger, Nitro, Triton, Sun Tracker, Regency, Tahoe, Mako, and Ascend Kayaks.
The latest announcement affects the group’s Ozarks aluminium operations, primarily the Lebanon and Bolivia sites, where the company is reducing its workforce by 10% or around 100 workers, out of its 1,000 team members because of slowing consumer demand.
With slowing consumer demand, we must lower production and regretfully must make the difficult decision to reduce our workforce.
“As you probably are aware, the current economic environment is very challenging for many sectors of the economy including automotive, powersports and agriculture,” said the group in a statement.
“Inflationary pressures coupled with a dramatic increase in interest rates are contributing to a downturn in the economy, creating stiff headwinds in the recreational boating industry.
“With slowing consumer demand, we must lower production and regretfully must make the difficult decision to reduce our workforce.”
And the statement continued that the decision had not been taken lightly, with the employees never wavering in their commitment to build superior products for customers.
Given the cyclical nature of the industry, the group is hopeful that it will be able to recall impacted workers as market pressures ease.
“The fact that we continue to gain market share in these difficult times is a tribute to our skilled craftsmen and women, our superior dealer network and our dedication to delivering extraordinary value,” continued the statement.
