French boatbuilder Groupe Beneteau, which has built boats in the U.S. since 1986, will close its Marion, S.C., plant in September and shift production to its facilities in France. The move will reportedly affect 170 workers. Yannick Madiot, chief operating officer for Groupe Beneteau Americas, was quoted by the South Carolina news website SCNow as saying, “It is a grueling decision that was not made lightly. Although difficult, this is a necessary step in transforming Groupe Beneteau for success in the post-COVID-19 era.”
According to one report posted to the Sailboat Owners online forum, “the Oceanis 35.1, 38.1 and 46.1 will be produced in France next year. Customer support, for parts and after sales, will still be managed from the U.S.”
