Brunswick moves to cut costs at Lowell facility

Brunswick Corporation announced operational changes at its Lowell, Michigan plant on Tuesday. The updates target fixed cost reductions and improved efficiency at the Navico Group facility.

Navico Group is a division of Brunswick that makes marine electronics and RV systems. The Lowell plant manufactures products for brands including Simrad, Lowrance, and B&G.

Land 'N' Sea takes space for distribution

As part of the plan, Land 'N' Sea will use about 50,000 square feet of available space inside the Lowell facility for distribution operations. Land 'N' Sea is a marine parts and accessories distributor that Brunswick acquired in 2024.

According to Brunswick, Land 'N' Sea will remain a separate business with its own leadership, operating model, and customer focus. Its headquarters are not moving.

Multi-million-dollar savings target

The changes are expected to create a multi-million-dollar savings opportunity while improving how Brunswick uses its existing facilities and manufacturing capabilities.

Navico Group will expand insourcing where it makes sense. The division will also use select outside partners and work more closely with other Brunswick divisions.

"The Lowell team has made strong progress over the past 18 months, improving margin, productivity, safety, quality, and on-time delivery," said Aine Denari, Navico Group president. "This next phase builds on that work. By better using our space and capabilities, and by working more closely across Brunswick, we can improve efficiency while continuing to support U.S.-based manufacturing."

Lowell plant has seen recent investments

The operational updates build on progress made at Lowell over the past 18 months. In December 2023, Navico Group announced a multimillion-dollar investment in the Lowell facility to create two Centers of Excellence in metal fabrication and electrification.

Navico Group said it will continue to review ways to use its footprint, talent, and capabilities more effectively as part of Brunswick's ongoing cost transformation work.

Brunswick Corporation is headquartered in Mettawa, Illinois. The company has approximately 14,500 employees operating in 26 countries.

Key details

• Company: Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC)
• Division: Navico Group
• Facility: Lowell, Michigan
• Space reallocated: About 50,000 square feet to Land 'N' Sea distribution
• Expected savings: Multi-million-dollar opportunity
• Land 'N' Sea headquarters: Not moving