new structure takes shape at brp

Let the games begin. As with many changes in corporations, the new parent company of Ski-Doo snowmobiles, Bombardier Recreational Products, announced structural changes to make the firm strong for the years ahead.

Without the umbrella of Bombardier Inc., BRP is faced with many new challenges. But let's let José Boisjoli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc., announce a series of changes made to the structure of the new company.

"As a stand-alone company, we are faced with many additional financial responsibilities and major challenges such as the strengthening of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar, which has a direct effect on us. This reality requires the establishment of an effective governance system in order to reduce our costs while maintaining the quality of our products and protecting the interests of our customers. The changes being made today to our corporate structure reflect this new reality," stated Mr. Boisjoli.

"Our first priority is to find synergies between the product-related functions and the manufacturing sites, which should enable us to be more competitive and more profitable," added Mr. Boisjoli.

These changes include the creation of the new management team, the complete integration of the North American operations and the relocation of the new company's corporate office from Saint Bruno to Valcourt, Quebec. He also announced that a new logo and signature would be unveiled in early spring 2004.

Highlighted Changes

The highlights of the organizational changes are the creation of two Executive Vice President positions and the appointment of a Chief Financial Officer.
Mr. Roch Lambert will hold the position of Executive Vice President, Product Development, Sales and Marketing for North America. Mr. Alain Villemure is appointed Executive Vice President, Manufacturing Operations for North America and China.

Mr. Louis Morin will hold the position of Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Morin has a solid experience in the business world, including many years with Bombardier Inc.

"These are people who have extensive experience and thorough knowledge of our markets and products. I am pleased that they have accepted this mandate and am confident that their work within the new management team will greatly contribute to our success," stated Mr. Boisjoli.

Mr. Lambert will be responsible for all BRP products for the North American market, which includes Ski-Doo® snowmobiles, Sea-Doo® watercraft and sport boats, Bombardier* all-terrain vehicles (ATV/Quad), Johnson® and Evinrude® outboard engines, as well as parts, clothing and accessories. "I am honoured by the trust placed in me and I strongly believe that integrating the development and marketing management of all our products in North America will contribute to better serving our customers, with highly innovative and quality products at competitive prices," said Mr. Lambert. "I was actively committed to the boat and outboard engine market, and I will be just as dedicated in all of our other markets," he concluded.

Mr. Villemure commented on the relevance of integrating the manufacturing operations, stating: "The creation of synergies that will result from combining our strengths and experience in our manufacturing operations, for snowmobiles, watercraft and ATVs as well as for boats and outboard engines, can result in nothing less than a winning combination. Our leadership is based on our ability to capitalize on our past successes and our know-how in terms of integrating our manufacturing technologies. I am honoured to have been given this challenge," he added.

Besides his responsibilities in North America, Mr. Villemure will also be in charge of the BRP manufacturing operations in China.

As Vice President and General Manager, Mr. Michel Hade continues to be responsible for International Sales and Marketing for watercraft, sport boats, ATVs and outboard engines in markets outside North America, as these activities represent a substantial growth potential for the company.

Relocations of Head Office

The structure of the manufacturing operations as well as the development and marketing of European RotaxTM and Lynx® products will not be integrated into the North American structure, but will contribute to the rationalization exercise. This is also the case for operations related to utility vehicles.

The relocation of the corporate office from Saint-Bruno to Valcourt is planned for the summer of 2004.