BIA Victoria -
General News
Riviera lays off an additional 120 staff at Coomera headquarters
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
Riviera’s new chief executive, John Anderson, who took over as CEO after the unexpected resignation of Wes Moxey last week, has announced that a further 120 staff have been laid off at its Coomera headquarters in response to the global economic downturn. This follows previous lay offs of more than 200 over recent months. Anderson said those laid off had been offered counselling and career relocation advice.Anderson blames a weakening Australian dollar and fall in demand for luxury boats for the company’s difficulties, but has spoken optimistically about its future, saying that “The company is well positioned to respond to growing market conditions when they occur and will emerge from this current economic downturn an even stronger organisation”.
Prime Minister Anna Bligh has expressed her concern and says the Government will support the company, which is a past winner of the Premier's Export Award. The Premier added "Riviera is one of Queensland's most remarkable companies. They have built themselves up from a relatively small organisation to being one of our largest boat exporters and the government stands ready to assist where possible."