Hinckley Yachts says the slumping economy has forced the layoff of 49
employees at its production facility in Trenton.

A Hinckley executive says the lost jobs represent about 9 percent of the
company's 580-member work force, about half of which is in Maine.

The Trenton facility produces Hinckley's new luxury picnic jet boat. Ed
Roberts, vice president for marketing and product development, said the boat
has done well but its success has not been enough to offset a decline in
revenues in other parts of the company.

Roberts said Hinckley has contacted the state's Rapid Response Team and
hopes to help provide training to enable the laid-off workers to find jobs
elsewhere.