by April Scheinoha
Reporter
It’s been in the pipeline, but now it’s official. On Thursday, Feb. 27, Textron announced that Arctic Cat will suspend manufacturing operations indefinitely at the Thief River Falls facility by Thursday, May 22.
Thief River Falls Mayor Mike Lorenson said about 385 Arctic Cat manufacturing employees will be affected by the suspension with layoffs expected to occur from May 8 to May 22.
“Now is the time for us to come together as a community,” said Lorenson in a statement provided to The Times. “This closure presents a significant challenge, but we are stronger when we work together. I encourage local businesses, organizations and residents to support those affected in any way possible.”
City officials have reached out to State Rep. John Burkel and State Sen. Mark Johnson as well as U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach for support. They have also contacted the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
“As a search for a buyer continues, our community must remain engaged and ready to support any potential transition.” said Lorenson. “We encourage any interested companies to recognize the incredible workforce, infrastructure and legacy that Arctic Cat has built right here in Thief River Falls.”
Other media have reported an additional 19 Arctic Cat employees will be laid off this month in St. Cloud.
On Thursday, Feb. 27, Textron Inc. filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice regarding its Arctic Cat plants in Thief River Falls and St. Cloud. The act ensures advance notice when there are plant closures and mass layoffs.
“Arctic Cat remains open for business,” said Textron spokesperson Brandon Haddock in a statement provided to The Times. “Our sales organization, customer service teams, aftermarket distribution centers, and other functions are ready to assist our dealers and loyal customers. We are committed to providing the service and support to keep our thousands of loyal customers riding and enjoying Arctic Cat vehicles.”
Even though manufacturing operations will be suspended as of May 22, about 100 to 125 employees will remain at Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls to handle the ongoing needs of the business.
“Textron Inc. continues to explore strategic alternatives regarding the future of the powersports business. If developments necessitate a change in plans for the Thief River Falls facility, we will make further announcements as needed,” said Haddock. “We thank our employees, dealers, customers and supporters for their loyalty, patience and understanding as we weather the difficult conditions facing our business and our industry.”
The public was apprised of the situation at Arctic Cat in November. At that time, Textron announced layoffs and a pause in production that would resume in the first quarter of 2025.
On Dec. 18, Textron filed a Form 8-K report with the Securities and Exchange Commission, a required report noting significant, unscheduled events or corporate changes that investors should know. At that time, it noted Textron was “pursuing strategic alternatives for its Powersports product line within the Industrial Segment’s Textron Specialized Vehicles business. The consumer end market demand for powersports products continues to remain soft. As a result, and in conjunction with its annual operating plan process, TSV has begun to pause production of its powersports products as Textron’s management reviews strategic alternatives for the business. Upon completion of limited production runs to satisfy customer commitments, production of TSV’s powersports products will be paused indefinitely in the first half of 2025.”