Johnson Outdoors is consolidating operations for its paddle sport brands in Old Town, Maine by the end of September 2009 as part of an effort to improve profitability of its Watercraft business unit. The decision will result in the closure of the company’s plant in Ferndale, Wash. and a reduction of about 90 positions located there.

Consolidation is anticipated to result in annual cost-savings of more than $4 million dollars beginning in fiscal 2010.

Watercraft transformation began in March 2009 when the Company merged leadership of its Watercraft and Marine Electronics business units under a single Group Vice President. In May 2009, brand sales for the two businesses were combined and Watercraft marketing was restructured to simplify and streamline customer communication. As a result of the action announced today, all Watercraft production and related business support and customer service functions will be fully integrated and operating at Old Town before the end of December 2009.

Old Town was selected as the Watercraft hub of operations due to its depth of manufacturing capability and capacity for efficient expansion, says the company. Two sites currently are maintained in Old Town, Maine, but all operations will be transferred to one after conversion of a modern distribution and warehouse center is finished later this year. The site has been redesigned for maximum production efficiency, while reducing energy use by 50 percent.