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A Milestone For Crownline BoatsOnce again Crownline Boats has brought distinction to West Frankfort. The company, operating under new ownership, Leisure Properties LLC, has intact its long-time management team, known throughout the industry for dynamic design philosophies. The most recent excitement generated by the company is the production of its 1,000th boat. The “185 SS” began production on June 21 and was recently shipped to Parks Marina in Okoboji, Iowa. As is their operating style, the company paid tribute to and gave credit to their employees by having a luncheon at which Kevin Riem, vice president and general manager, thanked them for their efforts. The workers were also given a shirt to commemorate the milestone. In a news release about the accomplishment, management stated: “Crownline would like to thank its employees, outstanding dealer partners and their staffs, the loyal Crownline Owner Club forum participants and Crownline customers who continue to choose and promote Crownline as their boat of choice.” Another positive announcement emanating from management is that the company, continuing its focus on the future, will be introducing four new models before the end of the year. At a time when Franklin County leads southern Illinois in unemployment, the presence of Crownline is reassuring to local citizens who drive past the plant located on Country Club Road at Highway 37 and see evidence of the growth and success. Namely, boats ready to be shipped out to dealers around the world. In fact, the rejuvenation of Crownline has been a ray of light in an otherwise dismal economic time for the area. The remarkable accomplishment came about through new investors with keen business acumen, veteran employees and in large measure the driving influence of Riem. “Crownline Boats is continuing to produce premium quality boats since its startup in the fall of 2009. Our employees and associates have been instrumental in helping Crownline to achieve goals and to remain a leader in the marine industry,” Riem told the Daily American during an interview when production was resumed. Crownline Boats Reaches A Milestone!New Company Announces the Production of Its 1,000th Boat West Frankfort, IL – Crownline is a distinguished and highly respected name throughout the boating industry, known for their exciting, dynamic design philosophies and innovative new model introductions. The company, under new ownership (Leisure Properties, LLC) and at the direction of its long time management team, recently reached an important milestone with the production of its 1,000th boat. The 185 SS began production on June 21st and will be shipped to Parks Marina in Okoboji, Iowa in time for the upcoming July 4th holiday. Crownline Confirmed As A Force in Aussie MarketWith the arrival and subsequent departure of so many US based brands in the Australian boating market, Crownline has emerged as a stable and market leading brand. The strength of the Crownline brand in Australia was confirmed recently when the Australian distributor passed the magical 100 units for the 2010 model year. David Fraser, the Australian distributor for Crownline, regards the milestone as a defining achievement. “It’s no secret that the boating business in both the US and Australia has taken a pounding through the GFC period,” David Fraser said.
Above: David Fraser (L) is congratulated by Kevin Riem (R) CEO of Crownline boats in the US on the strength of the Australian market in achieving 100 unit sales in model year 2010. “Despite the tough times and uncertainty of the past two years, we’ve seen the Crownline brand gain great market strength. The fact that we have achieved sales of over 100 Crownline boats during the 2010 model year is nothing short of exceptional.” The achievement ‘Down Under’ has not gone un-noticed by the Crownline management team in the US. Crownline CEO Kevin Riem took time out from the recent Crownline dealer meeting to personally congratulate David Fraser on the achievement. “Our dealers in Australia have done a great job representing the Crownline brand,” said David Fraser. “Kevin Riem acknowledges the commitment of dealers to the brand and specifically asked that his appreciation be passed along.” The Crownline brand of fibreglass boats comprises a complete range of bow riders, deck boats, cuddies and cruisers. Australian boaters have gravitated to the Crownline brand recognising that this is a quality brand of boat. The design values, build quality and low warranty rate all point to a brand of boat that is not only a major force in the US market, but now Australia too. All Crownline boats are delivered to Australian customers on Australian built Dunbier trailers, guaranteeing that the package is road legal, insurance compliant and appropriate for local road conditions. Since the first units were imported into Australia, the number of Crownline boats sold is approaching 750 units. “Anyone tossing up between a locally produced boat and an imported boat is certainly going to weigh up the merits of an imported boat. With so many Crownline boats now on Australian waters, I believe that the Crownline brand has well established credentials as boating families choose this brand.” The first Crownline boats were manufactured in 1991, the original model to be produced being a mid range bow rider. Today the company operates from an expansive state-of-the-art manufacturing plant with the model range commencing at 5.5m and rounding out at 10.6m. All Crownline boats are backed by a comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty (lifetime hull & deck warranty) and uniquely provide a 5 year warranty on installed MerCruiser engines, standard conditions apply. ________________________________________ For more information contact: David Fraser Tel: (03) 9349 4799 Email: david@lionshead.com.au |
