VALCOURT, Que.: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) is shifting the assembly of SeaDoo watercraft from its plant in Valcourt, Que. to a new plant in Mexico as part of a reorganization of its operations.

The privately owned company, 35% owned by the Bombardier family, said starting in 2013, the production in Mexico will be expanded with the transfer of existing engine capacity from its plant in Juarez, wher it makes all-terrain and side-by-side road vehicles, to a the new plant wher watercraft products will also be assembled.

As part of the changes, BRP will also assign North American distribution of its parts, accessories and clothing to a logistics provider.

The company said the transfer of watercraft assembly will make it more competitive and free space on the main assembly line in Valcourt to increase production of its Can-Am vehicles and roadsters.

about 500 employees will be affected by the moves over the next 18 to 36 months. To minimize layoffs, the company said they will be offered other positions within or outside BRP or retirement packages.

BRP’s brands include: Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea Doo watercraft and boats, Evinrude and Johnson outboard engines, Can-Am all terrain and side-by-side vehicles and roadsters, as well as Rotax engines.

The company currently employs more than 6,000 people worldwide.