Vancouver-based Christensen Shipyards faces a breach of contract lawsuit filed by a statewide nonprofit business assistance program that says the yacht builder failed to pay for the consulting services it provided.
Washington Manufacturing Services, which operates as Impact Washington, seeks $82,250 from Christensen for consulting services it provided to Christensen between May and December of 2014. It said the shipyard has ignored repeated demands for payment.
The suit, filed March 6 in Clark County Superior Court, says Christensen entered into a service agreement with Impact Washington, agreeing to pay it $72,000 plus travel expenses for consulating services. The lawsuit says that between May and December, Impact Washington consultant Paul Hamacher “helped Christensen improve its business practices, shrink production, lead time, and implement lean manufacturing techniques.”
Impact Washington paid Hamacher and billed Christensen monthly, according to the lawsuit. “Despite repeated demands” the lawsuits says, “Christensen failed to pay Impact Washington for its services.”
In addition to what it says it is owed, Impact Washington is requesting interest on the unpaid bills and attorney fees. The case was filed by the Livengood Alskog firm of Kirkland.
Attempts to reach company President Joe Foggia by phone or email were unsuccessful. David Seeley, an attorney for Impact Washington, said he had not been given the name of any legal representative for Christensen.
The lawsuit adds to a string of troubles for the high-profile yacht maker.
Last month, a supplier to Christensen Shipyards sued the company for more than $966,000 for materials and equipment used in the construction of yacht hulls. Stellar Industrial Supply, with offices in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere, said the company has failed to pay for equipment and supplies it provided.
The financial troubles have hit the company’s employees hard. Christensen shut down production in its manufacturing plant at 4400 S.E. Columbia Way, a move that it described to employees as temporary. The company had also shut down for a week in December, a move the company linked at the time to “a multipart ownership restructure.”
Mike Bomar, president of the Columbia River Economic Development Council, said he was unaware of the company’s current operational status. Bomar had served as an unofficial spokesman for Christensen earlier this year when the company’s troubles first surfaced publicly.
“At this point, we have halted all programs and services with them, and are waiting to hear from them,” Bomar said.
