Furloughs for Sea Ray employees in East Tennessee

The Associated Press

KNOXVILLE — About 1,400 workers at three Sea Ray boat plants in East Tennessee will be furloughed for the month of July.

A spokesman for the parent company, recreational equipment maker Brunswick Corp., said interrupting production at the plants in Knox and Monroe counties reflects "continued weak retail demand for boats."

Spokesman Dan Kubera said Tuesday employees were notified Monday the furloughs begin June 30 and they will return to work July 28.

Kubera said the U.S. marine industry "is very challenged right now" due to factors such as the uncertain economy, higher fuel and food prices and the housing slump.

Brunswick manufactures boats, marine engines, fitness equipment, bowling and billiards products.

See Friday's edition of The Daily Times for more details.