After a month of conflict between Russia and Ukraine, what is the situation for the construction site?
The construction site is closed and the land totally empty to avoid bombing. A stray bomb crashed on a stock of ships that were to leave Ukraine before the war, but the building was not hit. Most of the employees fled to the north of the country, to the countryside. 21 people who worked at the site euros with women and children euros left Ukraine, two of whom went to France. The others were welcomed by other European distributors. In total, 300 people were employed at the site. We receive regular news from the Ukrainian leaders, who are waiting for the evolution of the conflict.
Is there any special support from distributors for the Euro site?
To support the employees, we created the Brig Family Foundation on March 22, 2022. It is an association, financed by appeals for donations from Brig distributors worldwide, BRIG dealers in France, friends and family, Brig owners and friends, European yards, suppliers. It will allow to finance the life of these 21 exiled people and the others who will arrive. We are preparing to welcome the wives and children of the construction site employees. These funds will also be used to finance their return to the country, but also to help people who have lost their homes. Finally, if there are any funds left over, they will be used to help reopen and relaunch the site, to buy raw materials or molds if needed.
Is there enough inventory to cover all planned deliveries?
There is no stock, except for some dealers. At this time of the year, we usually deliver about 100 boats in France, most of which are already sold. The rest allow the dealers to have a small stock. This year, there were still 250 boats to be delivered, but they will not be manufactured. This is catastrophic for us. Our 3 brands, Brig, Gala and Galaxy, all produced at Brig in Ukraine, represent 90% of our turnover.
How do you deal with undelivered customers?
We are quite solid financially. In a few weeks, if the conflict does not end, we will refund the deposits of the customers who wish it.
What are the avenues envisaged for the future?
Brig will come back for sure! All distributors are willing to invest to help the yard and are financially sound. We're going to get it going again. After that it's another matter to start from scratch in another country or to continue on the existing site. We have to wait several months and see how the situation evolves.
