We can invite JayLo, Robert Redford can do a documentary and Tim Allen can …… I have no idea what Tim can do! The story is sad but true, Here is the story from the AP Wire. I have my splintered fingers crossed for the company to survive..
HOLLAND, Mich. – Classic wooden boat builder Grand Craft Corp. has shut down operations, apparently left high and dry by the foundering economy.
The 30-year-old company specialized in handcrafted mahogany runabouts reminiscent of classic designs from the 1920s and 1930s. Customers included entertainers Jennifer Lopez, Tim Allen, Kid Rock and Robert Redford, who purchased two of them.
The Holland Sentinel says the company employed about 20 people. Dick Sligh, who owned Grand Craft from 1984 to 2005, says the plant first shut down in December, leaving about eight boats unfinished.
Owner Tim Masek of East Grand Rapids confirms employees have been laid off, but tells the newspaper he hopes to sell Grand Craft to another company. He declined to provide details.
Unfortunately the economic slump continues to claim victems and unless you're a corporate giant there is no help in sight. On the Long Island rail system ridership is down another 6% all due to job loss in NYC. We're not out of the woods yet.
Not happy to hear the news. Having lived and played in Holland and surrounding lakeshore area I feel for the craftspeople who make such beautiful boats. My special condolences to Dick Fly who set me on the right track in be repairing my non-ivalite spot. I hope to spending time there in the future and to use my boats on the big lake Michigan. Someone has to make a bunch more of those boats so I can have my vain hope of finding one in the used market.