THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – Arctic Cat, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., will indefinitely suspend manufacturing operations at its Thief River Falls and St. Cloud, Minnesota, facilities after completing planned production in the first half of 2025. This decision is attributed to ongoing challenges in the powersports industry, including decreased consumer demand.
An employee with over a decade of service reported learning about the suspension through informal channels, indicating that many affected workers were unaware of the impending changes. The employee noted limited local employment opportunities, with alternatives located approximately an hour away in Grand Forks or Fargo.
Brandon Haddock, Textron’s Director of Communications, stated that Arctic Cat will continue to sell current inventory and provide aftermarket support to existing customers. Sales and customer service teams, along with aftermarket distribution centers, will remain operational to assist dealers and customers. Employees who remain through their specific completion dates will receive severance benefits.
Textron is exploring strategic alternatives for its powersports business, citing the need to reduce costs amid persistent softness in consumer demand. The company will monitor industry conditions during the suspension and announce future operational plans as more information becomes available.
In November 2024, Arctic Cat laid off 65 employees at the Thief River Falls facility due to workforce reductions. Currently furloughed hourly employees are expected to return after the new year to complete existing customer commitments before the indefinite suspension.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me