Crownline Boats purchased, will resume production

WEST FRANKFORT, Ill. — Crownline Boats has been purchased and will resume production in the near future, according to a memo sent to its dealer network Thursday.

Tony Zielinski, owner of Leisure Properties LLC, and Dave Wilson, owner of Misty Harbor and Ultracraft, joined together to purchase Crownline.

In addition, members of Crownline’s former leadership team will be returning to the company. Kevin Riem will be Vice President & General Manager, Guy Coons will be CFO, Tami Murphy will be Director of Manufacturing Operations and Nathan Heisner will be Manager of Inside Sales.

Additional leadership positions are also expected to be filled with returning staff to ensure a smooth transition during the new company’s start-up period, according to Crownline.

The memo reported that Zielinski has worked for Ford Motor Company within their dealer development department and also owns a marine retail establishment in Wisconsin. His partner Wilson started Misty Harbor in 1990 and has grown the business into a well-established pontoon manufacturer.

Crownline said dealers will receive further updates throughout the following week, which will address questions regarding customer service, the 2010 model year lineup, pricing and when Crownline will resume production.

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