MARION, SC, November 8, 2007: Beneteau USA of Marion, South Carolina announces that at the end of its fiscal year, August 31, 2007, it reached a new level for value shipped from its US manufacturing facility.  Over 400 of the 32- to 49-foot luxury sailboats were shipped throughout the year. With a trend towards bigger yachts growing more than previously realized, the wholesale value produced at Marion improved over 10% from the previous year, setting a new high mark for the American arm of the world leader in sailing.

Wayne L. Burdick, President of Beneteau USA, said, “Our team of 340 plus South Carolinians can be very proud of their achievement in this year.  Having not only attained a new level for dollars shipped, but also introducing five brand new models within a very short period of time, our team has proven able to compete on the world class level.  In spite of a very challenging North American boat market and with many unforeseen supply issues, the team at Beneteau USA pulled together to win more market share for our future and our dealers.  Unquestionably, this is the finest group of crafts people producing floating dreams in America.” 

In appreciation of the achievement, Beneteau USA authorized a yearend gift to the team members who had made substantial contributions to the goals. Those qualified, direct hourly members received an aggregate of about $200,000.

Beneteau’s success is not limited to its North American operations. Groupe Beneteau set a record for FY06-07 by surpassing the billion Euro mark in September. Posting €1,013.9 million in sales over FY 2006-07, up 22.7%, the Group has exceeded its predictions for the year.

Gerard Martineau, Vice-President of Manufacturing for the Marion operation, explained, “In a tough year the team performed well, and we are very grateful for their diligence to reach a new level for us. Their good work and progress on many programs, such as our lean manufacturing initiative, puts us on a footing of higher potential for the years to come.”