Luxury yacht manufacturer Palmer Johnson Yachts LLC said Wednesday that it is closing its production facilities in Sturgeon Bay because of dwindling sales and competition from overseas. The closures will result in the loss of about 100 jobs.
The closure affects facilities at 128 Kentucky St. and at 1023 Egg Harbor Road in Sturgeon Bay, along with adjacent facilities. The closure is expected to be permanent and be completed in November.
Palmer Johnson owner Timur Mohamed said in a press release — and in a mass layoff notice filed with the state of Wisconsin — that the Sturgeon Bay company’s operations and employment levels have continued to diminish as sales dropped and offshore competition pressures escalated.
While the closure is expected to be permanent, general manager Marc Castillo told the Green Bay Press-Gazette that the business is not closing at this time. Management is looking at all options to continue to operate, Castillo said.
The Bay Area Workforce Development Board will work with affected employees in preparation for the closing. Mohamed said the company will also provide a range of services and support to assist affected employees.
