Bass Pro cite inflation and consumer demands for layoffs

JOPLIN METRO (KOAM) — Last Friday Bass Pro announced more layoffs in their marine division, manufacturing plants in Miami, Okla., Lebanon and Bolivar, Mo.

According to the company the latter two plants in the Ozarks laid off 10% or about 100 workers.

We asked how many were reduced in the Miami, Okla. plant and they could not give us a number. Locals say it was about 100 employees.

Bass Pro provided Joplin News First with a prepared statement:

“As you probably are aware, the current economic environment is very challenging for many sectors of the economy including automotive, powersports and agriculture. 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. The decision to eliminate any position is not something we take lightly. Our employees are the best in the industry, and they have never wavered in their commitment to build superior products for our customers. Out of respect and appreciation for their dedicated service, the company will continue to support each Outfitter as fairly as possible through the transition. [Friday] we reduced our aluminum boat manufacturing workforce by approximately 10%. After these reductions, we employ approximately 1,000 team members in our Ozarks aluminum operations (primarily Lebanon & Bolivar, Mo.). Given the cyclical nature of the industry, we are hopeful that we can recall impacted workers as market pressures ease. Since our founding, White River Marine Group has remained relentlessly focused on delivering unmatched affordable value with industry leading quality and performance. One of our prime motivations to keep our boats so affordable, with payments as low as $5 to $10 per day, has been to keep our plants humming and our people employed.  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.” — Bass Pro Communications

They have hopes that things will turn around however 176 were laid off in April. The majority were at their Flippin, Ark. plant. Those employees have not returned to work there.

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