Textron Inc., the parent company of Arctic Cat, has announced plans to indefinitely suspend manufacturing operations at its facilities in Thief River Falls and St. Cloud, Minnesota. This suspension will take effect after the completion of planned production in the first half of 2025.
The decision is attributed to ongoing challenges in the powersports industry, including inflationary pressures that have dampened consumer demand. In a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Textron indicated that it is exploring strategic alternatives for its powersports product line within the Textron Specialized Vehicles segment.
While the exact number of employees affected by the upcoming suspension has not been disclosed, previous workforce reductions provide some context. In November 2024, Arctic Cat laid off approximately 65 employees and furloughed additional staff at the Thief River Falls location.
TRF News reports that more than 500 jobs will be impacted by the facility closures.
Arctic Cat, established in Minnesota in 1962, is renowned for manufacturing snowmobiles and has expanded its product line to include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and side-by-side utility task vehicles (UTVs).
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me