Viking yachts layoff total reaches 560

BASS RIVER TOWNSHIP, N.J. — After the final planned round of layoffs last week, the total number of jobs lost at New Jersey’s Viking Yacht Co. stands at 560, according to a report in the Press of Atlantic City. The company said the most recent cuts are expected to bring an end to cost-saving measures that started in December.

Viking hopes to bring back as many of those workers as possible by the fall, the newspaper reports, but executives say everything hinges on the economy.

A solid Miami International Boat Show and spurts of orders give the company some hope for a turnaround, according to the Press.

“We have had a good Miami show and we’re starting to sell boats in inventory,” an executive told the paper, although he was unable to provide sales figures.

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